As two of the 30 designers who were entrusted with the remodeling project for the historic Pillsbury Castle, Sarah Conti of SKC Designs and Terry Gustafson were awarded the original mudroom (including the Powder Room, Nook, and Stairway) as hidden gems nestled within the grandeur of “The Castle.” Their mission was to honor the renowned essence of the home while integrating contemporary elements that would resonate with the current owners, Matthew and Ryan, and their love for a luxury hotel aesthetic.
Transforming the Grand Stairway
The main basement stairway was conceived as a crucial transitional space, leading from the reserved living areas of the main floor to the more vibrant entertainment zones, including the Speakeasy and Billiards rooms below. Sarah and Terry sought to create a journey that felt both dramatic and inviting, evoking a sense of anticipation as guests descended.
Drawing from the homeowners’ vision, the designers selected a deep charcoal wallpaper with subtle brass accents to establish a sense of luxury and depth. The winding nature of the stairway was further dramatized by brass raindrop-style sconces and antiqued mirrors that reflected light, enhancing the atmospheric vibe. To elevate the experience even further, they painted the ceiling in Sherwin Williams’ Iron Ore, adding to the moody ambiance. The warmth of the original quarter-sawn oak complemented these rich tones, creating a seamless blend of old and new.
At the stairway landing, the design extended into a small gallery space, featuring two pieces from Matthew and Ryan’s personal art collection. This thoughtful touch not only personalized the space but also set the tone for the continuation of the journey into the home’s entertainment areas. The stairway’s design was not merely about aesthetics; it was about crafting an experience that connected the various areas of the home into a cohesive, luxurious whole.
Reimagining the Powder Room
The Powder Room, a small but impactful space, was transformed from a purely functional area into a statement of luxury and timeless elegance. The discovery of the stunning copper tile became the design's cornerstone, inspiring a palette that resembled fine jewelry—delicate, bold, and full of character. To enhance the room's functionality, Sarah and Terry made strategic changes: reversing the door swing to reposition a small sink that had been awkwardly placed in the corner. They installed a floating vanity paired with a Kohler vessel sink from Ferguson, which not only met the code requirements but also realized Matthew’s dream of a more spacious, stylish powder room. The toilet was repositioned as well to an adjacent wall, further enhancing the room's layout and usability.
The designers’ goal was to encapsulate the glamor and sophistication that Matthew and Ryan desired, without compromising the integrity of the castle’s original architecture. They achieved this balance by seamlessly blending the historical with the contemporary, reflecting the grandeur of a luxury hotel while making the space undeniably functional for modern living.
Elevating the Nook
In the Nook, the challenge was to carve out a serene, intimate space amidst the larger, more dramatic areas of the home. This short passageway extends from the scullery to the main floor and stairway that leads to the lower level.
Originally, this space had a closet as well that they repurposed into an art feature. Installing antique mirrors between the millwork, they elevated the Nook further to house the bronze Frog Baby sculpture. Due to the design of the scullery, the windows were covered, blocking natural lighting from filling the space. After removing the windows and cleaning them up, antiqued silver leaf was applied before reinstallation. To simulate natural lighting, the duo worked closely with a lighting designer to “back light” each window. Using Lurton technology, they were able to mimic the full spectrum of daylight and highlight the sculpture so that viewers can clearly see all of its details from every angle. As for the walls, the Nook boasts heavy paneling which is complimented by the chosen Sherwin-Williams Cityscape paint. This neutral hue was selected to tie in together with the custom hex tile in the shade Asphalt.
With Sarah's 30+ years of experience, they were able to infuse the nook with whimsy and artistry. The result was a cozy retreat where the grandeur of the castle gracefully softens into personal, livable luxury, adding an unexpected but delightful layer to the home’s story.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Throughout the project, Sarah and Terry collaborated closely with the homeowners, fellow designers, and remodeling partners. Their shared vision was rooted in creating a cohesive narrative that honored the history of Pillsbury Castle while embracing the homeowners’ contemporary tastes. From sourcing a manufacturer to replicate the original terra cotta tiles in a modern color scheme, to meticulously curating elements that enhanced the functionality of each space, the design process was a true orchestration of past and present.
For Sarah, the redesign of the Grand Stairway, Nook, and Powder Room at Pillsbury Castle was more than just a project—it was an opportunity to tell a story through design, creating spaces that are as rich in history as they are in luxury. Each choice was deliberate, each element purposeful, resulting in a transformation that is, quite simply, sweet music to the ears of those who experience it.
Are you ready to transform your space? Schedule a Discovery Call today to begin the process!
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