One small change can lead to an enormous transformation. This sentiment is especially true for the homeowners of this Bellerive Country Club residence who were looking to replace their floors after their young Yorkie had a few accidents during training. “It led me to think about what I would replace the carpet with, and then it occurred to me that this was the time to revamp the whole feel of the room,” says the homeowner. They turned to Jessie D. Miller Interior Design, who they had worked with twice before on previous renovations. “She doesn’t disappoint,” the homeowner continues. “Her vision is always so far beyond what I imagine, so I depend on her to see my home’s potential and align it with my actual tastes in decorating.”
Working with Jessie, they settled on a vision that both elevated and added drama to the double-height great room. “The style is rooted in classicism, architectural paneling, symmetry and statement lighting, but layered with glamorous, unexpected details,” says Jessie. Picture-frame molding and twin chandeliers help ground the tall space, and a baby grand piano shines next to an ornate, black fireplace. The homeowners insisted on keeping their baby grand piano, which created a small challenge when determining the room’s layout. The solution was to divide the room into two intimate seating zones. Custom swivel chairs circle a small table in front of the fireplace, and velvet-fringe sofas create a dramatic, jewel-toned moment. “The custom fringe-trimmed velvet sofas are a personal favorite,” says Jessie. “They feel unapologetically glamorous yet livable.” Underneath the sofas sits a zebra hide rug sourced locally from Gomez Upholstery.
“The space became more in sync with my personal aesthetic,” says the homeowner. “I no longer walked through those rooms thinking about how I’d change things. It made me more relaxed and able to enjoy the rooms while in them.” This aesthetic is mirrored by the room’s unique accents. A Zeus sculpture from Jessie’s personal collection sits behind the piano, and across the room, a chinoiserie console and vintage gilt mirror from Warson Woods Antique Gallery add additional character.
This project was especially rewarding for Jessie, who worked with the family in 2018 to redesign their daughter’s room while she was battling a serious autoimmune condition. “Design, at its best, tells a story,” she says. “For me, this project wasn’t just about creating a beautiful room; it was about honoring the family’s journey, layering in luxury and comfort and giving the house the gravitas it deserved.” The family has continued to work with Jessie for more home renovation projects since.
Resources:
Window Treatment Fabrication and Install: Norma from Discount Draperies
Florals: Lucy Williams
