Maggie Crandall, the talented mind behind Crandall Haus, is known for her signature design style: fresh, transitional, and bold. Her most recent creation, the Columbine Project, exemplifies her commitment to creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, especially when designing for a vibrant family.
The Columbine Project, named after the charming street it graces, was a vision brought to life by a client who shared Crandall’s passion for fresh designs with eye-catching twists. "The client reached out to me for the project, and it sounded like we were both a good fit for each other and had a similar design aesthetic," Crandall recalls. "She definitely wanted a more modern look for the house, but also fitting into the neighborhood.”
With two young children of her own, Crandall's design ethos is firmly rooted in the art of crafting spaces that transcend aesthetics and prioritize functionality. In the case of the Columbine Project, the practical aspects of daily life took center stage while also making sure that beauty harmonizes with functionality. "With the client having a family of three young kids and a pet," Crandall notes, "we had to be mindful of every design choice. From durable fabrics that can withstand daily life to seating placements that enhance the flow of the home.”
This dedication to functional beauty extends to the heart of Crandall's design philosophy, which includes collaborating with local artisans and integrating custom work. "Working with local vendors and artisans allows us to bring a unique, personal touch to every project," she emphasizes. "This project, for example, presented us with the opportunity to work with local craftsman
Josh Utsey, who crafted a seven-foot round dining table — a piece that would be difficult to find elsewhere. This type of collaboration enables us to create one-of-a-kind pieces that perfectly complement the vision of our clients."
The specific vision for this home included striking blacks and elegant golds, as can be seen from the modern dining room. Among the many bespoke elements of the stunning residence, the prominent use of black and gold accents emerges as a defining aspect of the design journey. As Crandall explains, "The client's love for black and gold obviously played a role in shaping our design. To honor her vision, we created a striking black dining room adorned with intricate gold detailing.”
While the predominant color palette is indeed captivating, it’s because of Crandall's expert touch that introduced texture and variety to prevent the space from feeling monotonous. Different shades of black, an array of patterns, and artful wallpaper selections brought depth to the design. "To add visual interest," Crandall says, "we introduced different textures, patterns, a lot of wallpaper and various shades of gray and white, even exploring different tones of black." However, the house also warmly embraces the occasional pop of color; the powder room, for instance, boasts shades of pink and blue, adding a playful touch while maintaining the overarching aesthetic.
Moreover, the project's lighting choices are equally unforgettable. The fixtures featured in the project were chosen to enhance the ambiance of each room while adding a touch of artistry to the space. Crandall underscores the importance of lighting, saying, "Lighting is an important element for most clients, and for this project, she envisioned lighting that becomes focal points throughout the house." One can easily appreciate this intention through fixtures like the enchanting glass bubble chandelier and the stunning golden six-light fixture, which not only illuminate the rooms but also infuse them with a touch of artistic allure.
The Columbine Project demonstrates Crandall Haus’ fresh, transitional, and bold design philosophy, proving that interior design is not merely about creating beautiful spaces but also about crafting environments that celebrate the unique stories of the individuals who call them home. In this project, beauty harmonizes with purpose, and functionality dances with aesthetics.
