What were your initial goals?
My priority was to make the home warm, inviting and livable instead of feeling barren and kind of sparse. With a big, open area on the main level, I also had to create spaces within that space.

Describe the look you were after.
The wife was drawn to a Scandinavian aesthetic. Her husband, who’s from the South, likes modern design but also wanted something that felt familiar and comfortable with lots of wood elements. We landed on contemporary California-meets-traditional Scandi style.

How did the process unfold?
I think about a design project almost like a piece of art. After in-depth discussions with my clients, I come back six to eight weeks later with two options for each room. Everything down to the pillows is pulled together so that they can see how spaces translate visually and tie into other rooms. My goal is to figure out what resonates and to make sure all the options fit their style and needs.

Is it possible to overdo the Scandinavian aesthetic?
Nowadays, people who want a Scandinavian look often shove a bunch of Mid-Century Modern pieces into their homes as opposed to balancing the look out with other things. You have to make sure there’s an equilibrium and that on the whole it feels fresh.

What drove the color palette?
They were open to some color, but I had to be strategic about it. She likes certain warm colors and he likes blues. When selecting neutral pieces, we needed some contrast in order for the rooms to feel balanced and to help bring down the lofty white walls and high windows—to make it feel intimate and cozy.

Explain your criteria for furniture selection.
I wanted to show them a mix of pieces with familiar lines and some Scandi references. So even though they wanted to keep things clean and simple, I thought about ways to introduce a bit of detail in items that are unique. For example, the owners like to sit down and take off their shoes when they arrive home. We had to find something that could hold shoes, but that didn’t look super-utilitarian. Near the front entry, we sourced a Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams chest with a carved-wood element on the front; it was perfect.

Why are plants so vital to this project?
Layered plants are key to relieving the “new car smell” of new construction. And since we weren’t installing window treatments or ceiling fixtures, plants became important vertical elements. They bring the eye up so that there is some sort of balance between low and tall pieces in a room.

Why did you mix seating options in the dining room?
My clients were pretty adamant about having a long table that they could pull up to for casual meals. The benches bring in the contrast the space needed; the black leather makes them durable for kids. And the pop of color on the performance-velvet Four Hands chairs grounds the space.

Explain your rug selections.
With kids around, I am a big proponent of making sure that if something spills on a rug, you shouldn’t have to stress. Rugs that combine neutrals with some color and have a pattern are really good for disguising things while making a room feel clean and fresh.

How does art elevate the home?
Creating visual texture on the walls was so important. I selected pieces that represent the design well and have some personal context. I love that the abstract painting in the living room is by a California artist. And in the third-floor office space, a work by Colin Taylor that we found at Calloway Fine Art not only balances the room’s neutrals, but also the window and gorgeous view.

What inspired the primary bedroom?
A beautiful hotel room. Earthy tones give it a minimal feel, but we added a lot of textures that bring dimension to it, like the linen headboard, plum-accented fabrics on the throw pillows and the faux fur on the Four Hands bench. These elements make the room feel comfy and cozy, but not in your face. It has a natural elegance.

Ask Mary Jo

Name your favorite haunts for vintage finds.
I love going to Miss Pixie’s on 14th Street and Luckett’s in Virginia.

Describe a recent foray into bold color.
I painted a wall in deep teal—St. John Blue by Benjamin Moore—to show off a ceramic cherry blossom art installation.

Name a wallpaper that you’re crazy about.  
I’m in love with Butterfly Sky by Phillip Jeffries. It makes you feel like you’re floating and the little butterflies make it all the more fun.

What’s your take on maximalism?
I’m a fan of Maximalism and its play of color and pattern. I think it’s here to stay. To make it work, you have to avoid clutter. More pattern and color do not necessarily mean more stuff.

What inspired you to become an interior designer?
I wanted to be a designer since I was 11 years old and always styled my own room. Once I saw “Trading Spaces,” it was fuel to the fire.