A House-Wide Cabinet of Curiosities

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Name: Family of Three plus one adorable service dog
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Size: 3000 square feet
Years lived in: 3 — owned

You get to see plenty of streamlined, minimalist spaces on Apartment Therapy. This isn’t one of them. This is a home that feels more like a delightful, giant cabinet of curiosity. This place isn’t shy about reflecting the stories, experiences and history of those who are lucky enough to live here.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Front Hallway (Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Like most photo shoots, I’d scheduled a tight window of time to take the pictures. Little did I know, this is a home that insists on lingering. I was left craving to spend at least a few hours poking around the place, studying the cherished items sprinkled everywhere. Sure, some might grumble that there’s too much stuff here, but not me. I celebrate the homeowners commitment to creating a home whose every nook reminds them of a life fully lived. Not to mention, the boldness of living in a densely adorned space with a large, energetic service dog and an equally energetic boy! (To learn more about how you can support the incredible work of service dogs, please click here.)

Here are a few of my other favorite elements: the boldly painted ceilings, especially the orange ceilinged office where each family member has a dedicated desk spot; the rare success of making diplomas and certificates look charming and inviting (as they do on the office bookshelves); the airy butterfly mobile in the foyer; the fact that the dog has a dedicated chaise lounge; and the dark-walled but bright-spirited dining room, especially those blue chairs!

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: Modern, organic, lived-in, does “cocooned in beloved clutter” count as a style?

Inspiration: Photography, typography, nature and local artists. My very active boy and how he functions in his space.

Favorite Element: I just love being surrounded by interesting things to look at or things that remind me of places I’ve been or things we’ve done.

Biggest Challenge: Editing, editing, editing!

What Friends Say: “It looks like you” or “It’s colorful”

Biggest Embarrassment: Lack of editing…and the smell of hockey equipment and dog hair everywhere- thankfully you can’t see that in photos!

Proudest DIY: Getting the mold off the shower caulking after watching multiple you tube videos and drowning in bleach. Also, learning to hang stuff on horsehair plaster without destroying the walls.

Biggest Indulgence: All of it, especially the womb chair. I drove several hours to the New Jersey DWR outlet sale to grab it.

Best Advice: Do what feels good….there is nothing better to coming home to a living space that is truly yours.

Dream Sources: Anthropologie, Room and Board, ABC Carpet and Home

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Resources of Note:

PAINT & COLORS

LIVING ROOM

DINING ROOM

KITCHEN

MASTER BEDROOM

SON’S BEDROOM

GUEST ROOM

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Images: Kyle Freeman

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