Finding my way in color
When the world hit pause in 2020...
…my house in Boston became a medium for self-expression.
Particularly, the interior color schemes, furniture arrangements, lighting accents and room furnishings.
My 1930s home boasted solid craftsmanship and inviting windows, but the interior design hadn’t evolved in decades.
Case in point: the room that was my office. The more hours I spent in it on video conferences, the more I noticed how uninviting its yellow walls were.
There were even moments when they evoked memories of Charlotte Perkins Gillman’s short story, “The Yellow Wallpaper”.
Purple progression
Armed with paint samples and a vision, I embarked on a room overhaul that would change not just this interior space, but my perspective on what makes a house feel like home.
Not knowing how long I would be fully remote but anticipating it might be many months, I began my interior design adventure in my home office. I wanted the room to spark focus and creativity, so I chose a bold three-tone color scheme that merged productivity with personality.
Three dark lilac walls made a statement that didn’t shout, while an inverted white wall — crisp and uncomplicated — provided contrast, and a soft yet rosy gray applied to the room’s two doors brought balance. As soon as the paint dried, and I settled back into the space, I felt the sublime balance of professional gravity and creative energy.
Pretty in pink
The result was so compelling that my youngest daughter launched what I can only describe as a successful hostile takeover of the space. How could I argue with such entrepreneurial spirit?
Her enthusiasm reminded me how powerful design can be — not just for ourselves but for those with whom we share our homes.
Relocating my office to my daughter’s former bedroom introduced me to the charm of soft pink walls. I had repainted this room just prior to the office. Before settling in, I gave it another touch up.
The color seemed to expand the space while wrapping it in warmth. A simple potted cactus by the window brought a sense of calm, while a vibrant Persian rug added texture and history. Even a surfboard leaning against one of the walls — a nod to my family's love of the ocean — fit seamlessly into the design. Functional elements, like filing cabinets and open shelving, blended into the aesthetic, proving that beauty and utility can coexist.
Living room enlivened
In the ensuing months, I turned my attention to the living room, whose walls were painted the same yellow as the office — a color that had become grating.
Inspired by the coastal landscapes I frequent, I chose sea green for the walls, a color that feels both refreshing and grounding. Neutral gray furniture anchored the design, while a geometric rug added modern flair. Houseplants dotted the space, bringing warmth and vitality, and sunlight streaming through the windows filled every corner with life, making the room feel in tune with the seasons.
Enduring lessons
My interior design journey gradually became less about crafting beautiful spaces and more about establishing environments that support and inspire the lives lived within them. In other words, I began to measure how my home looked by how it “lived”.
Each choice, from a bold wall color to a thoughtfully placed plant, is an opportunity to shape my home into a sanctuary.
Having recently settled into a new house in rural Massachusetts, I carry these lessons with me. Every room holds the promise of a new story, waiting to unfold in color, light and furnishings.