Westchester condo renovation: designer finds family amidst chaos
A whirlwind renovation became a testament to resilience and personal growth for Stephanie Perez O’Boyle, a designer who traded a temporary investment for a deeply personal home.
From blank slate to family heart: a designer's unexpected journey
Stephanie Perez O’Boyle, owner of Stephanie Perez Studio, didn’t fit the typical designer stereotype of the picky client. Instead of agonizing over design choices, she acted on gut instinct, impulsively purchasing a dated 1980s condo in Westchester County, New York, just nine months pregnant.
The two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath property presented a challenge: a layout that would make even seasoned professionals wince. But the abundance of natural light and proximity to the beach hinted at potential. “The home was essentially a white box with no architectural character,” she explains, but the possibilities were undeniable.
The renovation, a three-year project, unfolded against the backdrop of new motherhood. Imagine coordinating site meetings with subcontractors while simultaneously caring for an infant – a daily juggling act. “For months our ‘kitchen’ was a microwave on a folding table,” she recalls, highlighting the sheer intensity of the undertaking. She reimagined the footprint, transforming two bedrooms into three, and the project quickly became deeply personal.
Custom millwork, crafted by her father-in-law, filled the void left by the condo’s lack of character, introducing a blend of coastal Americana and European influences, drawing inspiration from her time in Newport, Rhode Island, and travels throughout Europe and Colombia. Perez O’Boyle emphasizes that the design wasn't dictated by historical constraints, allowing for the creation of a narrative uniquely her own.
The result is a home imbued with the patina of family life: sleepless nights, first steps, and countless family dinners. The primary bedroom exudes a serene atmosphere with layered drapery and calming neutrals, while the children's rooms reflect their personalities with playful touches and nostalgic details. Even the small powder room, adorned with fern wallpaper, becomes a