Category:
How an Ambitious Correspondence Begot a Forever Home
🏡 Project Overview
Designer: Nicholas Obeid
Location: Albany, New York
Client: Deirdre Brodie and her husband, Dan Odabashian
Property: A three-story townhouse built in 1875, adjacent to Washington Park
Scope: Comprehensive interior renovation focusing on cohesive design across all floors
🎯 Design Vision
The collaboration between Obeid and Brodie was marked by meticulous attention to detail, exemplified by their extensive email exchanges discussing design elements. Brodie aimed to create a "forever home" that was both inviting and reflective of local craftsmanship. The design concept treated each floor as a distinct chapter:
First Floor: A vibrant space for entertaining and community gatherings
Second Floor: A tranquil primary suite adorned in soothing brown tones
Third Floor: Two guest rooms, each with unique design themes to cater to different preferences
🧱 Architectural and Design Highlights
Stairwell Mural: Serving as the connective "binding" of the home's "chapters," the original 19th-century staircase features a hand-painted mural of oversized Greek key motifs. This artwork, created by local artist Nina Stanley using custom-engineered rollers, draws inspiration from classical Greek and Egyptian designs, as well as Art Deco rug patterns by Ivan da Silva Bruhns.
Dining Room: The space boasts sage-green walls, a vintage burlwood table, and French Art Deco chairs upholstered in Zak + Fox fabrics. An antique rug from Upstate Rug Supply adds warmth and texture.
Living Areas: Obeid incorporated a mix of custom, vintage, and heirloom pieces, including two antique Fortuny chandeliers. The design emphasizes geometric forms and rich textures, creating visually engaging spaces from every angle.
ELLE Decor
🎨 Personal Touches and Sentimental Elements
Vintage Wallpaper: Brodie introduced a box of vintage orange Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper, which Obeid embraced despite its bold hue. This wallpaper was used in a guest room, complemented by tasseled green curtains made from custom hand-marbled silk by Rule of Three.
Heirloom Integration: Obeid thoughtfully incorporated items sourced by Brodie's mother from estate sales and online marketplaces, transforming them into cherished elements of the home's design.