Tour Claudia Allegra Design's latest project, featuring Welles Reimagined contemporary lighting fixture by Michelle Gerson

Project Overview / What was the project brief?

My clients came to me as they decided to make the move from an apartment in Manhattan to a home in Connecticut. They chose a colonial style home originally built in 1942. We began focusing on areas we wanted to bring into modernity, whilst preserving much of the original details, like the arched doorways and beamed ceilings. I tend to feel like older homes have much more character than new builds, and that with paint and other cosmetic changes like a new floor stain and decor, you can achieve a completely new look while honoring the styles and ways of the past.

What Gabriel Scott items did you specify for this project & why?

When it came time to design the dining room, I knew the center of the room needed to be around a special light fixture. I sourced Gabriel Scott’s Welles Reimagined Chandelier by Michelle Gerson as it had a wonderful mix of modernity, with an important organic element with the leaves falling around the light. The light is so warmly reflected off of the original millwork bar that instead of ripping it out, we painted it in a lacquer finish in the same green as the surrounding lime-wash walls, and installed a new antique mirror and modern brass pulls. The chandelier also acts as an anchor in the room over the bold brown and red tone viola marble dining table.

Did you customize these pieces to work with the project? If so, how?

Considering the year the home was built, the ceiling heights are not as high as they tend to be in 21st century new construction or loft style apartments in Manhattan. Because of this, it was really great that we were able to adjust the heights of each piece of the chandelier on site. Ultimately the chandelier truly became what feels like the center of the home.

What do you look for in furniture when specifying for a project?

When specifying furniture, I always ask myself first foremost how someone is going to live in the space. “Who is going to be sitting here? Are adults having a cocktail here before dinner? Who is lounging here, and for how long?” For example in this specific dining room, I knew there would be large family gatherings, so we used a vinyl faux leather on the dining chairs so that they are essentially indestructible. Beauty and practicality can go hand in hand when done correctly.

How do you use lighting to elevate the spaces you design?

I always call lighting “hanging art” to my clients. Lighting, both ceiling and wall mounted, is something no one tends to touch or potentially damage with a red wine spill, so if you’re going to splurge anywhere, this is the place!

What was your favorite part of designing this project?

I loved that these clients completely trusted my vision. Specifically in the dining room, the thought of all green walls, a green built in, and a bold brown tone marble table sounds daunting- but it ended up being one of the most spectacular rooms in the home.

With special thanks to

Designer: Claudia Roth, of Claudia Allegra Interiors

(@claudiaallegrainteriors)

Photographer: Rikky Snyder

(@rikkysnyder)

Gabriel Scott Product: Welles Reimagined Small Chandelier by Michelle Gerson

Project: Wesport, CT Modern Colonial