she says. “Since my kids are older, I also don’t need every- thing Saran wrapped. I wanted a casual, elegant feel, a place that was comfortable for teenagers but for me as well—a place to entertain.” Thorough research led her to Barbara Gilbert, associate ASID and IDS professional. Gilbert happens to be an expert in color—she has studied color integration and the resulting psychological effects—and is known for her ability to blend bold textiles and prints with more subtle neutral hues. “It was very clear to me after meeting Barbara that we would have a great experience working together on the house,” Rosario says.
Given that the home was finished out in simple gray and white paint, “we had an empty slate,” Gilbert says. She outlined color mantras for every space, from the entryway to the childrens’ rooms. “Allison is vivacious, smart, focused and sweet, and we wanted to reflect all of that in the design,” Gilbert says. The challenge, she adds, was ensuring each area seamlessly flowed into the next. “We wanted to vary the color scheme while also establishing continuity.” Variation was immediate. Never one to shy away from wall coverings, Gilbert integrated papers in beautiful patterns and prints in nearly every room. She
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In the front entrance glass art from La Montage greets guests on the landing. French doors on the right lead into the homeowner’s office.
