Decorating & Design
Global Textiles & Bold Prints In An Upbeat Family Home
Published on March 11, 2019
More often than not the homes we most like to spend time in reflect their inhabitants, quirks and all. That’s especially true of this from-the-ground-up renovation by Y&Co. owner Ali Yaphe and her builder husband Matthew Kosoy. Together, with input from designer and longtime friend Mazen El-Abdallah, they created a welcoming home for themselves and their two young children, Charlie, 8, and Annie, 5, where bright colors pop against sleek finishes, and personality abounds in every room.
“I’ve never been one to shy away from color or bold design elements,” says Ali. “When I walk up the stairs every day, it makes me happy.” Click through to peek inside the upbeat, global-inspired space.
The homeowners’s daughter, Annie, perches on an antique bench in the entry. “When we stumble upon things we love, we find a space for them,” says Ali.
Ali initially planned to install colorful Moroccan tiles in the entry, but practicality — and these handsome-yet-durable herringbone tiles — won out in the end. A vintage heirloom dresser provides storage for everyday clutter, as well as a home for a pair of cheerful South African beaded dolls.
Ali, her husband, Matthew, and their two kids, Charlie and Annie. The stair runner was designed by Ali’s sister, Katherine Yaphe. “It’s my happy carpet; I love it!” says Ali. The banister was custom designed by Matthew.
Ali’s eclectic approach to decorating results in a cozy mix of colors and textures that’s perfectly suited for a family on the go. “We invested in the main furniture pieces because we knew they’d be here for years to come,” she says. “We added personality with carpets and pillows and drapery.”
Ali bought the living room’s vibrant floor pillows on a trip to India.
Ali’s favorite design books are always on hand, thanks to the living room’s built-in bookshelves that also hold souvenirs from the couple’s honeymoon in South Africa. A pale rug and matching upholstery allow for bolder textile accents like the drapery to make a statement without overwhelming the eye.
“We always thought we wanted to do a walnut kitchen, but when we saw this huge panel of white oak, we fell in love,” says Ali.
Pendants that look like baskets offer a hit of texture. White subway tile brightens the space, and a colorful rug adds warmth and personality.
Black metal and glass in the uppers break up the kitchen’s wood panelling. “It’s nice to see pieces that would otherwise be hidden,” says Ali.
Ali chose to skip a chandelier above the dining table to keep the home’s sight lines open and give the room a less formal feel.
The couple’s walk-in closet displays a prized photograph of a European church detail given to them by Matthew’s father, along with a few beloved trinkets. “The pieces in a house tell the story of the people who live there,” says Ali. “Our house reflects our personalities and our travels.”
Whimsical beaded animals are a fun place to hang Ali’s jewelry.
Vibrant textiles combine with more traditional touches to create Ali’s layered aesthetic.
A linen-upholstered bed and pale grey walls contribute to the principal bedroom’s hushed feel, while drapery in a tone-on-tone print and cheerful fabric on the bench give the space energy.
A gallery wall shares space with reupholstered heirloom armchairs in the principal bedroom.
Hits of matte black ground the principal bathroom’s pale palette.
Framed artwork makes the bathroom feel as decorated as the main living areas.
An antique armoire and vintage Moroccan rug are grown-up touches in Annie’s bedroom.
A vibrant, folksy pillow is a charming accent.
Annie’s headboard creates a colorful backdrop for neutral bedding and playful accent pillows.
Stacey Brandford
House & Home February 2019
Ali Yaphe and Mazen El-Abdallah