For designer Stephanie Martin of Stephanie Martin Interior Design, the beauty of this home lies in its quiet confidence. Her goal was to create something enduring yet effortless, a modern interpretation of traditional design that feels timeless and deeply personal. The result is a house that balances elegance with ease, where every detail feels considered and lived in.
The main floor
The living room, designed for a family of three, blends beauty and practicality. “I always believe living rooms are meant for living,” says Martin. Performance fabrics, stain-resistant upholstery and a multi-tonal rug make the room polished and family-friendly. “You can have a space that looks sophisticated but still stands up to toys, entertaining and real life.”
The client’s East Coast art collection weaves through every room, grounding the home’s palette in earthy, misty tones. “Their art inspired everything,” says Martin. “Those landscapes and hues informed the warmth and depth of the interiors.”
Reconfiguring the original main floor layout was the project’s most transformative decision. By removing a main-floor bedroom that once blocked natural light, Martin and her team opened up the plan and moved the kitchen toward the back garden. A new wall with an interior window now separates the dining area, preserving tradition while allowing light to flow.
It’s the kitchen that sets the tone. Anchored by a muted olive-green island and rustic oak accents, it feels grounded and refreshed. “The kitchen palette is an eclectic mix of tones and finishes,” says Martin. “I wanted the space to feel layered, inviting and not too serious.” The toned-down olive hue nods to heritage design but still feels unexpected. “I knew I wanted colour, but nothing loud or vibrant. The goal was cheerful and lighthearted, something that reflected the young family’s love of entertaining.”
Every inch of the kitchen was designed with purpose. Custom millwork conceals organized storage, from full-height cabinets with pullouts to oak display fronts that add texture and character. “It’s not a huge kitchen,” she notes, “so functionality was key, but it still needed personality.”
Upstairs
That sense of thoughtful luxury extends to the second level and into the primary bedroom ensuite, where a cast-iron claw-foot tub sits beneath a skylight, arguably the home’s most romantic detail. “Our client’s only request was a claw-foot tub,” says Martin. “So, we made it the focal point. Imagine soaking while gazing up at the sky; it’s an experience.” To heighten the indulgence, she tucked a bar fridge and coffee station into the built-ins, perfect for morning espresso or evening wine. A black, white and wood palette grounds the space, while double oak doors, custom-made with ornate detailing, bring vintage charm.
The main bedroom itself overlooks a leafy park and feels like a quiet retreat. Though compact, it’s layered with rich materials and soft patterns. Heavy drapery, a tailored wallpaper and a French blue velvet headboard bring comfort and calm. “It’s not a large room,” Martin says, “but it feels serene, the kind of place you want to exhale in.”
The home office continues that sense of refinement. Wrapped in stitched leather wallpaper with oak ceiling beams and full-length drapery, it feels warm and tactile. “It’s a space for focus and solitude,” Martin explains. “It functions as an office, but also as a place to read or unwind.”
Mission accomplished
The result is what Martin calls “new traditional” a style rooted in craftsmanship and comfort, reimagined for how families live today. “The home feels intentional, original and seamless, just as my team and I always aim for.”