Inevitably, upon seeing Jeannine Foley's home, people find a way to ask, "Do your husband and kids really live here with you?"
"Of course!" replies Jeannine with a laugh. "And trust me, there's no less tumble and chaos here than there is in any other family home for four!"
At first glance, it's hard to believe. White upholstered seating and pastel-painted furnishings dominate every room. And everywhere, sparkling home accents in crystal and silver impart a delicate glamour. "What people don't notice is that the seating is covered in white denim slipcovers that I just throw in the wash," explains Jeannine. "And I love anything that looks a little bit weathered or worn, so the painted furniture is already imperfect. If the kids ding a table, well, it only adds to my look," she says.
Jeannine's signature style is certainly familiar to the loyal customers who frequent Stella Bleu, the home design boutique in South Surrey that she co-owns with Kelley McNamara. The shop is filled with white-painted antiques as well as modern furniture, enchanting lamps and an endless array of shimmering design details. "It goes without saying that a lot of the things in the house are things I first fell in love with at the store," says Jeannine.
But one of the lessons she learned while decorating her first house was that objects show best with contrast. "I used to think that a light palette should be paired with light-coloured flooring and wood. As a result, everything ended up looking really washed out." With this brand new house located in Walnut Grove, B.C., came the opportunity to take a different approach. Working with the builder, Jeannine customized the interior to have an urban Cottage Style flair, so included walnut floors and dark wood cabinetry. "I knew the dramatic backdrop would make our furniture really pop," she says.
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