Mallory Smith’s Secret to Good Design

The romance of draperies and a four-poster bed create a peaceful bedroom sanctuary for the couple. The French style continues with a classic bedside chest and loveseat, while a hide rug and a Lucite-legged footstool offer contrast—both in style and attitude— to keep the room from being too formal. The master bathroom was the last renovation and also Mallory’s favorite. She explains, “It was small and carpeted. It was so awful we gutted the whole room.” Once the walls and shower were removed, they could see the space available and Mallory knew exactly what she wanted to do. Adding a window was top of the list.

Ironically, there had been a window in the same place on the original house plans. As the renovation progressed, the window extended to a small iron balcony that Mallory brought back from France. She calls it her “Snow White balcony,” where she can look out to the garden and enjoy the birds and other wildlife. Because some of the original bathroom walls were torn down, it was necessary to add a beam for support, but Mallory didn’t mind. She accented the space with a crystal chandelier and gold sunburst, which is a perfect example of juxtaposing formal and casual—Mallory’s secret for good design.