Christie Carpentieri–owner and principal interior designer of The Interior Design Studio (IDS) based in Brookfield, Connecticut–thoughtfully composes each project for each client. Whether designing new construction homes, kitchens, bathrooms, or curating decorative touches, Christie and her team of accredited designers listen to their clients’ vision and needs every step of the way.
“Our projects and designs never look the same. Some are quite modern, some are very coastal, and others are a fresh twist on tradition,” Carpentieri shares. “Every home and every client have their own story to tell. No two are alike.”
But, with 30+ years of experience servicing Fairfield and Litchfield Counties and destinations beyond, some aspects of luxury home design are tried and true for IDS. The importance of a primary suite endures no matter the project. IDS seeks to better their clients’ lives and educate them, especially since studies show that nearly 1/3 of individuals suffer from symptoms of insomnia. Proper rest and sleep is just as important as good diet and exercise, yet the primary suite is often overlooked. It can be viewed as a space that’s not critical to invest in because “no one really sees it.”
IDS encourages people to invest in themselves and in their own sanctuary, which is the place they will wake up day after day and year after year. Discover a beautiful New England primary suite Christie and her team designed, displaying a splendid balance of polished glamour and tranquility.
The homeowners of a lovely Colonial in Newtown, Connecticut knew they wanted to embrace the traditional bones of their house and they had a fondness for classic elements. At the same time, they hoped to sprinkle in some fresh and unexpected materials, hues, patterns, and textures. Carpentieri and her accomplished designers understood the assignment. Teeming with ideas, they set out to create their clients’ ultimate haven.
The primary suite exudes mindfulness and engages all five senses, from its technology to its aesthetics. The firm specified zoned Sonos speakers for mood-setting music and outfitted the spaces with the finest linens imported from Europe.
Luxury comes in all forms here. Everything is motorized and remote-controlled, including a telescopic TV that is seamlessly hidden in the ceiling until one wants to see it. But, perhaps the most exciting technological customization is the smart shower system. Voice activated and programmed by the homeowners with their preferences, it shifts to their desired temperatures and water sources with just a word.
This light-filled primary suite encompasses a bedroom, sitting area, dressing room, and spa-like bathroom. Stunning millwork is a signature of the suite, whether you’re unwinding in the standalone sinking tub or waking up in bed to the intricate coffered ceilings above. Textural cloth wall coverings in the bedroom, as well as window panels, stand out while simultaneously serving the important function of absorbing sound to help aid peaceful sleep.
Appropriately, the most fashionable spot is the dreamy dressing room with an Art Deco flair. While it’s fit to hold couture purchases or treasured vintage heirlooms, it’s so much more than a place to store one’s wardrobe. With its thoughtful organization solutions and striking details, the space makes its owners feel special and dazzling each time they enter.
Carpentieri lavishly designed the dressing room with plush carpeting, gold fixtures, sensor activated lighting, and fashion designer-inspired sunglass, watch and jewelry drawers for easy viewing. The glass cabinetry creates a jewelry box effect as well, so the clients can enjoy their special items even when they’re not grabbing to use them.
Every corner of the primary suite was designed with acute purpose and care to make it a place Carpentieri’s clients can relax and rejuvenate in. By creating these spaces, the designer has played a role in improving their lifestyle and even their health. They start and end their day in a room that is elegant, effective and effortlessly functional. After all, anything you can do to decrease daily stress and increase joy is good for mind, body, and soul.
At the Interior Design Studio, Christie Carpentieri and her team also believe in paying it forward to help everyone improve their homes and their lives. Here are three quick tips from Carpentieri to use when designing your own sanctuary suite:
- Layer your lighting with a combination of overall, ambient, and task lighting. And, keep everything on dimming features (even the lamps).
- Be extra mindful of fabrics, textiles and textures in the space and the entire experience of using the space. Think of soft, high-quality bedding, the plushness under your bare feet as you first get out of bed, and interesting textures on walls and windows to keep spaces acoustically sound during quiet hours.
- Do not skimp on spending on technology in this space. This may include motorized, blackout window treatments, heated floors and commodes, smart shower systems with steam and oil diffusers, music systems, and heated towel and linen devices.
To work with The Interior Design Studio and enlist them to creatively and thoughtfully design and decorate your projects, visit the boutique, full-service design firm’s website.
