trad fusion

Can a home designed with mid-century modern furniture that’s heavy on light-loving Lucite and mirrored veneers be considered traditional? In addition to its modern touches, the Dallas home of newlyweds Natalie and Matthew Perry also features classic architecture. The red-brick two-story is embellished inside with chunky traditional moldings; its ceilings are high, and its proportions proper. Put together, the classic architecture and modern furniture create their own distinct style—trad-mod fusion—which celebrates the best of both.

For help reconciling the traditional architecture with the fresh look they wanted, the Perrys turned to interior designer Mary Anne Smiley. In the living room, Smiley repainted the brown walls an ethereal neutral with a hint of blue. Then she mixed in white leather classic Barcelona chairs, vintage white plaster Dorothy Draper torchieres, and an acrylic-and-glass coffee table. Hand-painted Nomi fabrics at the windows, velvet-covered mid-century-style sofas, and a Kelly Wearstler custom wool rug complete the light look.

“I layered dramatic elements for a contrast of shiny and matte, cool and warm,” Smiley explains. “I aimed for a young yet dressy room, a touch more formal than the others.” Gilt-trimmed side tables with antiqued-glass inserts continue the living room’s youthful elegance, as does the 1960-vintage Venini chandelier.

Design:
Interior designer: Mary Anne Smiley Interiors, ASID, IIDA, NCIDQ Cert. Tx Reg. Designer, 5440 Harvest Hill Rd., Suite 234, Dallas, TX 75230; 214/522-0705. 

Photographs by Colleen Duffley
Written by Candace Ord Manroe
Produced by Diane Carroll

Sources:
Sofas (“Canape Apollen,’’ Lucien Rollin): William Switzer Collection, 212/207-8332, trade only.
Sofa fabric (“Penumbra/Polder #5700-14): Joseph Noble Inc., 800/774-7788, josephnoble.com.
Pillows (“Knotty Knotty’’/Meringue #10012-10): Donghia Furniture/Textiles Ltd., 914/662-2377, trade only.
Art (by Mark Whitmarsh): Southwest Gallery, 866/413-2305, swgallery.com.
Armchairs (“Julian/gold finish #L26): Niermann Weeks, 212/319-7979, trade only.
Chair fabric (“Knot-B’’/Celadon #1002B-2): Nomi Fabrics Inc., 831/728-4335, trade only.
Ivory leather chairs (“Barcelona’’/chrome finish): Knoll Inc., 877/615-6655, trade only.
Coffee table (“Hammon Cocktail Table’’): Allan Knight & Assoc., 214/741-2227, trade only.
Quartz cluster on coffee table; citrine geode; quartz tabby crystals: Mineral Hunters, 214/752-8662.
Area rug (“Pierced Lattice’’/Light Sea #1074 by Kelly Wearstler): Patterson, Flynn, Martin, 212/688-7700, trade only.
Chandelier; torchieres: John Gregory Studio, 214/741-9858, trade only.
Fireplace screen: Crow Chandeliers, 214/744-5488, trade only.
Side tables (by Sun): Allan Knight & Assoc., 214/741-2227, trade only.
Consoles: Mary Anne Smiley Interiors, 214/522-0705.
Table lamps: John Gregory Studio, 214/741-9858, trade only.
Vases and bowls: Carlin & Co., 214/760-9522.
Drapery (“LB Dynasty’’/B1 Multi #1 design, #1053): Nomi Fabrics Inc., 831/728-4335.
Shades (natural grass): Conrad, 866/426-6723, trade only.
Wall paint (custom); ceiling paint (“Window Pane’’ #6210): The Sherwin-Williams Co., 800/474-3794.