Tour a Chill New York Home With Laid-Back Vibes

Jaime Willey wanted her home in Larchmont, New York, to have a distinct look (no surprise, given that she’s a designer), but she was equally determined to make it a relaxing place for her busy family. The answer was as clear as black-and-white — put it together in the most compelling way. Laid-back locales served as inspiration. “I’m into the simplicity of the designs in California, Oregon and Australia,” says Jaime. “When I find houses I love on Instagram, they’re inevitably from there.” The farmhouse (built in 1837) she and her husband, Stephen, had bought definitely needed serenity: “When we got the place, it had creaky floors, peeling siding and lights that turned on in the middle of the night. It felt haunted!” Once the bones were in good shape, Jaime juxtaposed neutral mash-ups with pale wood and sprinkled in hip finds — proving that monotone doesn’t have to be the least bit mundane.

The wood design by Modstic installed on a custom barn door is fitting for the home's farmhouse roots. "I was going for modern but natural," says Jaime. She found the big leather tassel at local store The Souk at Maisonette, which sources items from Morocco. The flowy legs of the plant stand (from Terrain) and a jute runner (from Amazon) say, "Relax!" The family's goldendoodle, Nella Nutella, agrees.

Jaime passed down her love of cooking to the kids — and who wouldn't want to help with dinner prep in this chic space? The pendants have drama, in a boho sort of way. (The duo is from Etsy shop, Viwei.) Open shelves built into a corner are casual and inviting. Although gray porcelain counters are serene, the marbled effect adds impact. Black runners on both sides of the island ground the white oak floor, which was bleached twice and whitewashed for the airiest effect.

For extra edginess, Jaime had the table made with hammered iron nailhead trim. Spills wipe right off the faux-leather bench — which helps her keep her chill. Minor variations in clay tiles by Clé Tile exude easygoing charm. The sconces are by Cedar and Moss.

Double chaises on the Pottery Barn sofa mean less competition for who gets to put their feet up. “We pull the coffee table over for those of us in the middle,” says Jaime. An oversize double-exposed nature photograph by Elena Lyakir has a soothing presence. Equally relaxing, the curvy shape of the Ferm Living mirror resembles a pool of water. Wool and shaggy with a cross pattern, the Anthropologie rug is kinda bold and kinda not. The uncomplicated repeat adds interest without overpowering the peaceful space. The geometric throw is from The Loomia.

Sheer white linen drapes from West Elm give this retreat the dreamy quality Jaime was after. A low profile bed puts the focus on abstract pillows from Kim Soo and blanket from CB2. “It's nice that we never bang into the legs!” says Jaime.

A mesmerizing Eskayel wallpaper in soft blues and pinks is practically therapeutic. Trough sinks always feel zen; this concrete one is by Native Trails. The seagrass basket is from World Market.

From the floaty mobile by Kelly Design Mobiles on Etsy down to the ombré rug by Magnolia Home, the game room is as appealing to grownups as it is to kids. A rattan cocoon chair (from Eclectic Goods) and a striped beanbag (from Wayfair) serve as crash spots after the boys have battled it out. "When your look leans minimal, you can drop in character in the details," says Jaime. "A foosball table counts, right?!"

Muted rainbow shades in the duvet set from Roxy for Pottery Barn Teen are a mellow twist. The carefree art collection from Seascape Prints paired with a peace sign tapestry by Kawaiian Lion capture the cool vibe. The Pottery Barn bed with corner shelves offers lots of spots for the teen to tuck away her stuff.

In a corner of Nina’s room, Jaime applied light blue dots from The Lovely Wall Co. over the course of two weeks. “I like temporary decor in kid rooms, so they’re free to change their minds,” she says. A mixed wood desk from Wayfair matches the home's style. Plus, David Bowie looking down on you while you do geometry homework? Inspiring! Jaime snagged the poster during a trip to Barcelona.