by Andrea Nordstrom Caughey
What could have been a Bermuda Triangle of design challenges — a new home, blended households, reduced square footage — turned into a glamorous reboot for seasoned interior designer Teri Seidman.
When Seidman and her new husband dismantled larger homes before moving into more compact quarters in a Charlotte senior-living community, she was fortunate to be armed with a host of design strategies. These were gleaned over an impressive 40-year design career spanning the Hamptons to the South, authoring several acclaimed books in the process.
Built 25 years ago, their condo was ripe for a renovation — kitchen and baths were gutted, doors raised, a ceiling dropped to include recessed lighting, electricity upgraded and more strategic lighting added.
Seidman started the transformation as she does all of her design jobs, with some soul searching.
“First and foremost, determine what inspires you. You need a strong point of view. … I call it the ‘umbrella,’ where all the pieces fit inside,” she says.
“I like to entertain and have my home party-ready. But it also must work for day-to-day, too.”
Glamour, romance and sensuality became a part of that umbrella for her, along with doses of comfort and personality.
“I like to entertain and have my home party-ready. But it also must work for day-to-day, too,” she says.
Within that umbrella, she next navigated the melding of two distinct spousal tastes: polished wood and eclectic style for him, a French patina with peeling paint for her.
Case in point is the dining room, where Seidman loosened up her husband’s formal pieces with more modern lines. She swapped his traditional crystal chandelier for a modern sculptural fixture, recovered the existing chairs and bought a new transitional dining table with leaves. She also replaced a pair of Audubon bird etchings with a more simplified mirror.
The same his-and-hers balance spurred the design of both home offices. Hers is soft and tactile, with taupe-colored grasscloth wallpaper mirroring the lush outdoors. His is decidedly masculine, “a blue blazer with brass buttons,” she says.
“Ask yourself how you want to live in the home,” Seidman says. “What does the space call for? What is your preferred traffic pattern? Do you want a fireplace? Where is the view? Where do you like to eat breakfast — a counter or a table? Is extra storage necessary? Unnecessary clutter will defeat any look!” she adds.
Along with furniture choices, Seidman pays close attention to lighting, too.
“A well-conceived lighting plan can completely transform a space and its contents,” the designer says. “I recommend using many levels: both highlights and low lights to create moods. Sconces, uplights, cove ceiling spotlights — all on dimmers — set the tone.” In the foyer, for example, a spotlight illuminates a favorite glass bird of her husband’s. She also lowered a ceiling to add recessed lighting. Reflected light through use of metals, glassware and even metallic tiles, like those in the kitchen nook, interject dramatic shine.
Fabrics can work hard for you, too, Seidman says. “To create a luxurious feel without breaking your budget, consider using expensive textiles on small areas like chair seats and throw pillows, leaving basic neutrals for large expanses like sofas.” Also be aware of scale to create drama. Consider using an indoor tree instead of a compact house plant or large art pieces rather than small.
“In the end, use what you love and don’t be afraid to be eclectic. Be in the present while choosing … assessing what brings you joy now. Ignore any trends along the way, but don’t be afraid to edit either, or even rotate some overflow items in and out.” SP
