It takes really living in a home before you can understand how it works and doesn’t work for your family. Once you’ve discovered the ways it doesn’t work, you can make changes accordingly. Sometimes, too, the ceiling collapses, and it paves the way for you to make the changes you’ve been considering anyway. Such was the case for Molly and Michael Painter when they came home to find the living room ceiling in pieces on the floor. “After living in the home for five years and sharing a bathroom with our daughter, we decided we needed our own space,” explains Molly. “The ceiling collapse was just the impetus to make the changes we’d been considering for a while.”
The Painters were drawn to their Georgian Revival home because they love classic architecture and the charming neighborhood with its walk-able streets was idyllic. “We really love the gracious common spaces a Georgian Revival offers when you walk in the front door,” says Molly. The couple wanted the first priority to be maintaining the integrity of the architecture while also making it more livable for their active family of five.
Though the project would be challenging, trying to merge the original home with a new addition, not to mention matching the original brick exterior with the new wing, Molly says the 18-month process was seamless. “Larry Irwin was our superintendent,” explains Molly, “and he did a fabulous job on the day to day management.” While the ceilings were being replaced with sheetrock, the HVAC and plumbing was replaced as well, and landscape designer Frank Liggett moved the rose garden from the back yard, which was in the way of the addition. “I was thrilled that Frank was able to create an inviting rose garden in the new space,” says Molly.
“It’s our refuge in the spring, summer and fall when the roses are in bloom.” A designer herself, Molly took to completing the look of their home, calling on her background in fashion (she worked at Ralph Lauren in New York City), as well as her own family.
“My three girls are all extremely creative and individual,” she offers. “They provide a lot of inspiration.” Molly continues, saying that she also took inspiration from her favorite designer Kelly Wearstler and fashion designer Lela Rose. “Her style is feminine, yet edgy and cool.”
She keeps her textile background close with etches taken right from the Ralph Lauren draft tables, framed and hung as art in various places around the home. We asked Molly what her go-to fabric and wallpaper lines were and she quickly replied with Osboure and Little, Cowtan and Tout, Quadrille, Celerie Kemble and Travers. She adds that her favorite way to add a wow factor lies in lighting fixtures, spending a lot of time searching for the perfect unique piece.
And though every space has different appeal to her, Molly’s favorite room in the home is the navy lacquered den with the orange couch. “I love to curl up on the couch under a blanket and read a book.” Their family of five spends most of their time in the large kitchen, cooking, doing homework and entertaining. “It’s the hub of the house and the grey and white palette provides a soothing appeal amidst the chaos,” shares Molly.
“My advice to anyone decorating their home,” she says, “would be to live in the home before you make any major changes. See how you live, move and feel in the space. Trust your instincts and go for it.”