Creating Balance

A desire to avoid the staid formality often associated with the creation of rich, sophisticated spaces drove interior designer Michele Plachter on a recent project

This home is located in the historic area of Philadelphia. My team and I wanted to honour the traditional bones of the home yet inject a more youthful appeal,’ designer Michele Plachter explains.

As a perfect example, all the library millwork was newly installed. ‘Our client initially wanted it to be stained,’ says Michele. ‘However, with some visuals and a gentle push, we convinced them to go bold with high gloss lacquered paint in a custom blue color with a matching blue grasscloth.’ The result was a stunning if unexpected space.

Michele’s approach is also evident in the master suite. ‘We mixed soft color palettes and classic lines with glamorous lighting selections, pops of cobalt blue and a graphic fireplace screen to create balance,’ she says.

Most of the furnishings were customized for the project. ‘Luckily for us, the gorgeous library chandelier was present from the previous owners and is believed to be original,’ she boasts. Also key to the look is the art above the library fireplace, which is really unique. ‘We give our art placement and recommendations a lot of thought. Good quality art elevates well-designed interiors to another level. Good art curation and interior design need to go hand in hand.’

The relationship between Michele and her many clients could also be described as one that goes hand in hand. ‘We encourage them to move outside their comfort zone and sometimes that requires hand holding. We like to call it ‘educating’ our clients to ideas and pieces they’re not familiar with. It’s what creates the wow factor.’

‘Our favorite part of the project was balancing the clients’ request for traditional aesthetics and being given the creative freedom to insert a sprinkling of pizzazz,’ she says. ‘It was a perfect balance of how traditional and modern can blend beautifully when thoughtfully orchestrated.’

Michele Plachter, the Principal Designer for Philadelphia-based design firm, Michele Plachter Design

The walls, painted in a Fine Paints of Europe custom blue gloss enamel, gives this otherwise traditional library a daring appeal. A Baker leather sofa paired with an Orly marble table and an inherited chandelier, create a timeless look and add furniture traditional-style glamour to the library