A NEAR NOTRE DAME GETAWAY
Growing up in South Bend, Indiana, The University of Notre Dame, became a defining force in my life. Weekends were full of Notre Dame football games, basketball tournaments, and even just campus walks around the beautiful lakes and campus. As I neared the end of high school, I made the decision to attend Saint Mary’s College, which as it happens, was one of the best decisions I ever made. There I made lifelong friends at both SMC and ND. It seems only fitting then, that as an adult, my career too has been shaped and moulded by Notre Dame. My husband and I own Irish Realty and Designed to Flourish. Through Irish, Steve has grown a specialty niche market, selling near campus homes, townhomes, and condos: often referred to as “football homes”. As my career as an Interior Designer has flourished, I have therefore gotten the opportunity to help many of these near Notre Dame home owners, design and furnish their properties. In fact, we not only offer them traditional design services, but we go a step further, acting as a concierge: making sure that their home is completely set up with things like window treatments and linens, stocked with pantry items or groceries, and it is turned over with white glove excellence ready for their first stay. We sweat the details: if they pull out their nightstand drawer they should find it stocked with Kleenex, pens, and a remote control labeled with how to use it. If they open a cabinet in their kitchen, they should find it stocked with their dishes already pre-washed and neatly displayed, ready for their use. And, of course all of this is just a layer in a beautifully designed home: curated to their taste and brimming with Notre Dame influence.
Recently, I was hired to do a traditional design at a 4 level townhome near Notre Dame: the home is so close to ND that it has campus views out of almost every window. The clients asked me to create an aesthetic that had classic lines, a colorful palette, a touch of Hampton’s charm, eclectic details, and a nod to Notre Dame too. This assignment was one of my favorites. I loved the idea that the client wanted color and pattern, antique items mixed with new pieces, and had a distinguishing taste for quality furnishings. I set to work to create just the setting she had requested.
Second from the ground level is the great room, kitchen, and dining space. Here I proposed a white dining table and chairs, upholstered with blue and white striped fabric. Nearby, there are two separate counter height bars: rather than repeat the same counter stools in both areas, I opted for one set of clear acrylic and gold stools, and one set of backless blue velvet and gold stools. The combination creates visual interest and allows for a clear sight line between the kitchen and great room. In the great room, we mixed blues together between the rug, sectional, and chairs: but in such a way that they all still compliment one another. Traditional white furniture gave this space a certain charm that has a nod towards nautical homes or traditional Hampton’s style. The central fireplace is flanked by two white and glass sideboards, above which you will see two custom commissioned pieces of art by the talented artist Anna Ryan Drew. One piece features the Golden Dome and the other features the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Finally pops of gold can be found interwoven into the design, helping to cement the Notre Dame influence, since the school colors are Blue and Gold. For example, an antiqued brass sunburst mirror sits at the top of the stairs and a blue shagreen martini table is accented with gold edges.
Upstairs on the third level, you will find three bedrooms, all of which have their own distinct appeal while still complimenting one another. The master suite boasts a wood bead chandelier hanging from a cathedral ceiling, a blue traditional area rug, a navy tall upholstered bed by Annie Selke, off white nightstands with gold mirrors above them, ombre blue lamps, and classic white bedding. We also added draperies with french pleats and blue tape detailing. A nearby guest room threads coral back into the palette: with a sunset painting and lacquered coral and gold stacked boxes. Across the hall a third bedroom features a marble lamp, bird print, light blue bedding, and a white nautical inspired headboard.
The main level of the home has a pretty foyer with a beautiful spot to welcome guests, as well as one more guest room. Here this ensuite space features a king sized bed, and gray washed furniture, and even has a small area for a reading nook with a comfy arm chair and floor lamp.
Other spaces not shown here include a small but beautiful balcony, and a great hangout space in the basement.
Looking back on this project, I have to say: one of the best parts of this process was the opportunity to work with my clients. They have beautiful taste, but more importantly they were so incredibly kind and pleasant to work with. They trusted me and allowed me to use creativity and artistry. The outcome was a space that both met their needs and preferences but also was unique and reflective of my design abilities too. Now when the visit their home away from home, they can truly relax and enjoy their time at Notre Dame and not worry about getting their townhome set up or furnished. It’s ready for their use and we hope they enjoy making memories there as much as we enjoyed creating it for them.
Shop this design: