Heidi Caillier – Heidi Caillier Bedford, New York Home

Photo of author
Written By Jim J Neal

Haris KenjarLike so many other families that fled New York City after the pandemic, Haris Kenjar and her young son long for more space, quiet and a change from urban life.
They searched for a home that was storybook-like and dated back to 1790s New York. The home was charming but needed modernizing. Interior designer Heidi Caillier, however, didn’t fight against potential problems like low ceilings or lack of natural lighting. Instead, she embraced them and designed interiors that pay homage to the home’s past without feeling too planted in an era gone by.
Caillier states that scale was crucial. “The rooms are small and the ceilings so low in the front are a problem. I wanted to emphasize architectural elements like the original beams or fireplaces. We were very conscious about how we painted trim, walls, and ceilings so that everything felt special and interesting. But also so your eye didn’t get too busy.
Caillier chose to use classic patterns and deep colors, as well as a mixture of traditional and modern styles for the furniture. She says, “In a house such as this, where the architecture’s beautiful, that’s its strength, so I really wanted to have the interiors just fit the house.” “We didn’t want any interiors that were too stuffed. We wanted something simple and modern but not too fussy.”

Kitchen

Haris KenjarSince the members of the family were not keen cooks, Caillier kept the kitchen simple with soapstone countertops and a Carrara marble island with simple wooden counterstools by Summer Studio. She says, “I wanted something that felt a bit sparse.” “I wanted something casual and collected, not fancy or overly-designed.
Although the owners may not spend much time in the kitchen, they love the adjoining breakfast nook with fireplace and it has become a favorite space to gather. Caillier says, “It’s very British- or European, especially in older country houses, that there is a lounge area in your kitchen with a fireplace.” It’s nice to be able to relax in a chair, have a glass or two of wine, and work on your laptop.

Dining Room

Haris Kenjar The bright floral Erdemfor de Gournay wallpaper adds a whimsical touch to the space. O’Lampia’s custom lighting fixtures adds modern flair with its cluster of spheres in a linear configuration. “There is a beam running across the ceiling. The height is very low so we needed something with a small drop that still provided good lighting.
Family Room

Haris KenjarThe sitting room is where the family gathers to watch TV. Caillier wanted it to be darker than the rest of her house so she chose Wellfleet from Portola Paints. She says that the sitting room is located at the back of house and receives a lot of natural light. “The ceilings were higher than I expected, but I wanted it connected and to feel connected. I felt that a dark color was appropriate.” However, since this space was intended for relaxation and communication, it needed to be casual. Caillier added elements like a Jayson Home Teak Root cocktail bar and an Apparatus chandelier, to balance the more traditional aspects.
The owners are passionate about every aspect of their fairytale home. Caillier finds this particularly pleasing, as she was given only a handful of inspiration images. She says, “The clients have contacted me several times to let me know how much they love their home.” “That’s what it all is about.”