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.