Color, art, and a handful of Mid-century icons gave this 1950s ranch a bright new identity

Set in a historic neighborhood on the idyllic shores of Lake St. Clair, Michigan, this classic 1950s storybook ranch home has recently been remodeled and its interior design updated.

The house was ready for an injection of style and color, and its new decor thoughtfully curates some fine pieces of art and iconic midcentury modern furniture alongside antiques and contemporary finds. The results are an inspiration for anyone tackling any kind of renovation or redecoration project.

The art-loving homeowner worked with interior designer Krista Nye Nicholas at Cloth & Kind, who came up with the new look. Come on in and take the tour, as Krista shares her design insights and picks out some of her favorite spaces.

The home’s previous owners favored formal, traditional interiors, with heavy antiques and ornate decorative items. 'Definitively not our client’s style,' says Krista. 'But once the house was empty it was evident that the bones of the home were beautiful and that quality materials had been used in both the original construction and all of the upgrades that had been made since. This was a purely decorative project and we were able to truly appreciate the blank slate with which we would begin our design.'

Our tour begins in the warm and inviting foyer, where Krista's entryway ideas incorporate an antique console left by the previous owners.
'A bespoke hand-painted lampshade by Ross Alexander Designs in New York City and original photography by Ann Arbor, MI-based artist Nancy Wolfe add the consummate finishing layer,' says Krista, 'while, the Bram Mirror from vanCollier keeps things feeling anything but predictable with its shimmery faux crocodile upholstered finish.'

'Our client wanted a home that allowed him to entertain, and that maximized the use of the spaces, indoor and outdoor alike,' says Krista. 'The large combined living room and dining room are quite literally the heart of this home and quickly became one of our favorite spots.'

The inspiration for the home's overall design came from the owner’s love for travel and interesting art – ranging from contemporary to traditional, explains Krista. Her dining room ideas showcase those influences, and demonstrate how ready her client was 'to embrace color in his new home. He was totally game for our creative vision every step of the way,' adds Krista.

Living room ideas in the adjoining space are just as colorful. A large original mixed media piece titled The Trees of Secrets sourced from Gregg Irby Gallery in Atlanta, GA, set the color story, while abstract sculptural forms in the built-in niches provide an unexpected art installation in a traditional architectural element of the home.

'We appreciated the creative liberties our client allowed us to take in this room,' says Krista, 'from the brilliantly colorful original work of art above the sofa to the sculptural forms mounted in the alcoves at staggered heights, to the multiple seating areas that are ripe for regaling.'

And while we're on the subject of seating, check out the living room seating ideas and great couch alternatives Krista curated for this room. 'The 1930s Czech Halabala lounge chair adds just the right amount of art deco to the space,' she says. 'And the clean lines of the Lawson Fenning daybed juxtaposed with the antique Persian Bakshaish rug create a transitional vibe without trying to compete.

Tami Ramsay & Krista Nye Nicholas

Cloth & Kind designs luxury residential and hospitality projects nationwide from studio locations in Ann Arbor, MI and Athens, GA, led by Krista Nye Nicholas (pictured right) and Tami Ramsay (left) respectively.

Another striking oriental rug links the kitchen to the eclectic, travel theme seen elsewhere in the home. The kitchen had recently been refurbished by the previous owners, so for designer Krista it was a case of introducing more characterful furnishings and displays to suit the new owner's preferences. The graphic look of the kitchen island and black countertops tools are softened by the upholstered bar stools.

There are some more inviting seating spaces – and textiles – in the family room, where a pair of rattan occasional chairs have been reupholstered in Seema Krish's Chowpatty fabric and make a beautiful contrast with the strong blue walls (try Farrow & Ball's Selvedge for a similar shade).

'These petite vintage chairs sit prettily in front of the bay window dressed in a Muriel Brandolini Silk Matka fabric,' adds Krista. 'We deeply appreciate the conversation between the jaw-droppingly beautiful antique Maharaja Kashmir Willow Tree hand-knotted oriental rug and the contemporary Stahl + Band L Series nesting coffee tables in ash and cherry.'

This colorful home keeps up the momentum in the library. 'We wholly embraced all the shades of green to create a soothing effect,' says Krista. 'The hand-sewn leather drum ceiling fixture from Lostine is a work of art in itself.'

Sydney Harbour Paint Company’s Olive Grove on the walls and Bayleaf on the ceiling and trim interact with Rose Uniacke’s Textured Wool in Bayleaf (coincidentally the same name as the paint) on the occasional chair, while an early-20th century Sarouk Farahan Persian rugs pulls in complementary shades of terracotta, gold, and indigo.

'There are two charming outdoor spaces that our client makes the most out of for three seasons of the year,' says Krista.

Namely this screened front porch, accessible from the kitchen and one side of the family room, and the back patio, accessible from the other side of the family room and visible from the living room.

'During the warmer months, these are prime areas for entertaining as the home flows effortlessly from indoors out and back in again,' adds Krista.

The powder room has had a fuss-free facelift to bring it up to scratch for a household that entertains guests frequently. Krista's powder room ideas included adding elegant Kyoto floral print wallpaper from Studio Four NYC, and a new wall light, but she kept the existing fittings and hardware, which were all in good condition.

Anyone looking at the best color combinations for a bedroom should give blue and cream, or blue and white some serious thought. These relaxing shades form the basis for Krista's main bedroom ideas and result in a calm space that's fresh and uplifting.

Interior design: Krista Nye Nicholas, Cloth & KindPhotography: Marta Xochilt Perez
Styling: Benjamin Reynaert