Louise Copeland of L.B. Copeland Interior Design renovated a home in the Hudson Valley during the pandemic. That client’s mother, pleased with the result, hired Copeland to bring fresh design into her 6,000-square-foot Palm Beach residence. The client had lived in the 2001-built house for over a decade, having only renovated the kitchen during that time. “While she wasn’t interested in another remodel, she did want a complete refresh: paint, wallpaper, rugs, all new furniture and lighting, and a massive art shuffle,” Copeland shares. “Our client has been collecting and creating art her entire life, so while we didn’t purchase new pieces for the redo, we moved every single work to a new place in the house.” Read about the project below.
Three words to describe the end result of this project?
Colorful, sophisticated, classic.
How did the Spanish Revival architecture play into your design?
In this case, we didn’t want to lean too heavily into the dark wood and scrolling iron aesthetic typical of Spanish Revival—that was exactly what our client was hoping to move away from. Instead, we steered the design toward something lighter and fresher. That said, we didn’t want to deviate too far from the home’s traditional character, so we mixed in classic pieces and upholstery frames with updated textiles, drapery styles, and lighting to create a really fun mix of Palm Beach, tradition, and the client’s personal style.
How did you decide on the palette for this home?
Since we wanted to avoid anything overly heavy or dark, the palette stayed light and airy. In the study, we painted over very dark millwork with an airy blue-gray. In the formal sitting room, the dark wood ceiling was painted off-white to give the space more height and brightness. There aren’t any deep, moody rooms in this house—the goal was flow and a sunny Florida feel throughout.
What is the story behind the artwork in the dining room, and how did it influence the rest of the space?
This is actually an old Zuber hand-painted wallpaper. It originally hung in the client’s South Carolina home, then was carefully removed and installed in her daughter’s Gramercy apartment in New York. When that apartment was sold, the wallpaper was mounted on boards so it could have a third life in Palm Beach—it truly is a family relic. When we began, the panels were in the hall and not getting the spotlight they deserved. They became the inspiration for the custom rug and chair upholstery, and our aim was to make the whole room feel like a lush garden.
Can you share details on the paint color, mirror, and chair in the green bedroom?
We really fell in love with the window treatment fabric from Guy Goodfellow. That pattern inspired the green paint, which is probably the darkest color in the house! Both the mirror and chair belonged to the client but were relocated to this room. Once the chair was reupholstered in fresh green textiles, the space took on a lively, old-Bahamian vibe.
How does a project’s locale play into the design? Can you share any examples in this project?
Palm Beach has such a specific energy—bright, breezy, and a little glamorous—and we wanted the house to reflect that while still feeling personal to the client. The lighter palette, airy window treatments, and playful textiles were all choices that echo the Florida sun and coastal lifestyle, but interpreted through a more classic, sophisticated lens.
Do you have a favorite design store in Palm Beach?
Show Pony Antiques. You have to know when they’re open, but they always have incredible finds.