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For their pied-a-terre in the city, the owners sought an interior aesthetic that was different from the feel of their primary residence. “The wife wanted to go funky,” says designer Jennifer Cavorsi, who had set the scheme of the family’s more subdued, family-friendly home in the Boston suburbs. “We didn’t have to worry about making sure the place was kid-proof, because they aren’t here all that often.”

When the couple purchased the Back Bay unit, “It was your standard, basic condo,” says Cavorsi. The interior was stark with poor quality parquet floors and far too much beige. Right off the bat, new, grey-toned hardwood floors were installed that made the space more modern. Next, Cavorsi (working closely with the homeowner) sought colorful elements that exude a fun, spirited vibe without going over the top. “The husband brings work colleagues to the condo, and the couple entertains their friends together there on the weekends. We were careful to pick items that balance the masculine and feminine vibe,” says Cavorsi.

In the master bedroom, for example, a leather Pottery Barn bed and dark grey West Elm night tables feel masculine, while Lillian August lamps with shapely gold bases add a bit of sparkle for feminine flair. The homeowner initially wanted a tin ceiling installed in the room, “but that became too complicated,” says Cavorsi, who went back to the drawing board to find an element that offered the distinction the homeowner craved. The solution was to create an accent wall sheathed with a mural, but had the look of a sophisticated concrete wall. 

“I was nervous about how it would look,” recalls Cavorsi. “But it looks so authentic, the grey color actually appears to have the texture of cement.” 

The other three walls are painted Benjamin Moore Amazon Green. The saturated hue is offset by a dresser featuring rose gold legs and mirrored drawer fronts, which work to balance light around the room.

In the guest room (located through French doors off the main living area), Cavorsi opted to create a more airy appeal. The wall behind the double bed features a Hygge & West wall covering featuring birds in flight. The West Elm nightstands and bed have a pared down, mid-century vibe, while the simple bedding is from Target.

“The owners wanted to keep costs down since this isn’t their main home. So, we selected things that were modestly priced, with a few splurges,” says Cavorsi.

One higher end element is the black and white Schumacher “Queen of Spain” wall covering in the living area. “My very first thought was that the wall was calling out for that pattern,” says Cavorsi. Oversized prints of exotic birds from Grandin Road add whimsy to the space, while the blue velvet sofa brings in a vibrant splash of color.

The masculinity of the leather swivel chair is softened with a white furry throw, and the camel-hued rug (a score from CB2) adds another layer of texture. “It looks like a sisal, but it’s a traditional cotton loom rug sheared down to create a vintage vibe, so it’s actually very soft,” says Cavorsi.

The owners don’t cook much when they’re in the city, so they kept the compact kitchen in its original incarnation. For when they do dine in, a corner of the living area contains a glass-topped pedestal table, paired with mid-century inspired West Elm chairs, thus providing a wonderful place to enjoy a light, leisurely breakfast with a prime view of the city skyline.  

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