Bryan My Houzz: Living a Simpler Life in Chagrin Falls
Who lives here: John & Sherri Bryan, their two dogs and 1 cat
Location: Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Size: Approximately 3,000 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
With two sons and a daughter grown and in college, many people might be tempted to trade the keys to their home for a smaller version. After spending the last 21 years at their current address, however, John and Sherri Bryan opted instead to stay put once their last child was up and away.
Located on the bank of a small lake, the Bryan’s home possessed all of the qualities that they love, though a little updating was certainly in order. With a little help from Ingrid Porter Interiors, the couple have achieved a seamless transition from “dated and fussy” decor to a calm reflection of their simplified lives.
A pair of matching armchairs define the seating area. The dark blue fabric compliments other blues in the room and provides contrast to a french pine armoire that the Bryans had purchased from a friend many years ago. Porter chose a whimsical shoe pattern for the pillows to reflect the Bryans’ livelihood as owners of women’s boutique, Knuth’s. “They are my favorite!”, exclaims Sherri.Adrienne DeRosa
Now their favorite spot in the house, the living room evokes a fresh, easy feeling. “The former decor was too dated and fussy,” admits Sherri. Knowing what they were after, but unsure of how to get there, the couple enlisted the help of interior designer Ingrid Porter. Pulling from the existing palette in the dining room makes this update a natural progression in the grand scheme of the home. Keeping some pieces, such as John’s mother’s rocker, was essential. Porter had the chair reupholstered to reflect the new feeling of the space. “With a lot of demands during the workday, they both needed a space that was quiet and calm to refuel their minds,” explains the designer. “John has told me that he spends a lot more time in this room now.”Adrienne DeRosa
Although originally intended as an outdoor piece, the bench is at home in the couple’s living room. Porter found the bench at High Point and adorned it with custom pillows. This simplicity of design defines a new direction for the Bryan home, proving that minimal decor needn’t mean cool and austere. Draperies, Pottery Barn; Pillow Fabrics: DuraleeAdrienne DeRosa
The dining room table had been handed down through the family. Bench seating along each side provides flexibility for the Bryans’ dinner parties and family gatherings.While the dining room is one of the few remaining rooms on the list for an overhaul, it still works for the homeowners. “The pink and green are some of Sherri’s favorite colors,” explains designer Ingrid Porter. “The combination really suits Sherri’s bubbly personality!” Adrienne DeRosa
The Bryans renovated their kitchen about 12 years ago, yet its style remains pertinent thanks to carved-panel doors and natural materials. Implementing drawer systems in lieu of under-counter cabinetry wherever possible means that storage space is efficiently utilized and comfortably accessible.Adrienne DeRosa
The cool and refreshing palette continues upstairs to the master bedroom, where a custom chair and ottoman offer a luxurious spot catch up on some reading. “I loved the fabric, and I had [the chair] made,” says Sherri. The pale blue and brown define the color scheme for the room, while espresso and oil-rubbed bronze finishes anchor the arrangement. Adrienne DeRosa
Purchased from a family friend, an antique pine bench imbues the foyer with elegant simplicity. Adrienne DeRosa
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