Text by Charlotte Safavi
When Monica and John Jacobsen purchased a 1940s Colonial-style home in Bethesda, Maryland, they planned on a redo to suit their family’s needs.
“Like many other families during [the pandemic], we found our former home cramped and were looking for more space and better storage,” says Monica, “but we also welcomed the opportunity to put a personal touch on our new home.”
The couple enlisted the help of interior designer Sarah Hayes, who consulted with Brian Arnold Design Build on the main level’s remodel and later designed and furnished the home’s interiors. When it came to décor, a predominantly blue palette became the driving force behind the design.
“They definitely wanted a relaxed, family-friendly home with neutrals and splashes of blue,” says Sarah. “The blues really help the spaces flow together.”
One of the early must-have textiles was a Thibaut fabric with a blue-and-white sunburst pattern, which was used to upholster a pair of custom armchairs in the family room. From there, the space came together, including custom shades and linen curtains for a polished look and built-in shelves for displaying the family’s collected treasures and artwork.
“Of course, all the textiles are stain-resistant and durable,” says Sarah, who layered in the Jacobsens’ favorite accessories to keep things interesting.
In addition to removing the columns that divided the family room from the kitchen, the renovation included painted wood cabinets and marble-topped counters. The kitchen also features a large island, where the couple’s two young daughters do homework or eat snacks while under the watchful eye of Mom or Dad.
“Though we wanted the open center of the home to be where we spent time with the girls, we also wanted some separate, more formal spaces where the adults could relax, entertain, or work,” says Monica, referencing spots like the welcoming dining room. Its bright and airy palette showcases a patterned wall covering and stylish ombré curtains, punctuated by a beaded chandelier and artwork, including an abstract canvas and a piece by Monica’s grandmother.
By contrast, the home office provides a comfortable area tucked away from the rest of the house, and a moody hue saturates the room with a bolder take on Monica’s preferred color. “I really love the color blue,” says Monica. “It’s fresh and calming. I’m glad we were able to incorporate it in so many ways without it feeling monotone or flat.”
Overall, the aesthetic imparts a crisp coastal-cottage vibe with lots of whites and blues interwoven with clean, traditional furniture lines and textural woven elements. “We love our renovated home and its design,” says Monica. “Blue turned out to be a great fresh base for our home. It gives a feeling of both calmness and fun.”
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