
Along with her passion for nature, this homeowner understands that the right furniture can transform a space into an inviting retreat for family and friends. “I can sometimes wait years and travel hundreds of miles before finding the right piece,” says Mary Bea Ellis, “and often, the more unconventional it is, the better.” Encourage conversations in your main rooms by including comfortable seating in your design.
![Designer Paige Kontrafouris Layers Her 100-Year-Old Home with Collected Treasures “I think my own personal style is a bit of French design [and] a little bit of English, but I just love that overly collected, curated, layered space that looks lived in and comfortable,” Paige says.](https://thecottagejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Photo-May-05-2022-2-46-08-PM_OTR-feat-218x150.jpg)




