 Dennis
and Kathy Wicht have lived in their historic Ernest Flagg home for 36
years. While the casement windows, cupola, cedar shake roof, flagstone
and skylight details are signature architectural elements of a Flagg
home, the couple’s interior design taste has adapted to a myriad of
style trends. With the help of interior designer Marianne Kohlmann of
Blue Hot Design, the couple returned the interior to a design style
that complements Flagg’s architectural intentions while creating a
functional floor plan that suits their empty nester lifestyle.
The living room incorporates a variety
of patterns and textures in neutral and metallic tones that serve as
an elegant backdrop for signature artwork and accessories. As a docent
for the Milwaukee Art Museum, Kathy introduces significant art pieces
into the home, so the light, neutral setting suits the couple’s
diverse and colorful collection of art. The striped pattern of the
wallpaper combined with the smooth texture of the fireplace tile and
the rich colors of the area rug and upholstered furnishings create a
comfortable, elegant space that draws guests into the home.
 While
the layout of the kitchen didn’t change, every surface from floor to
ceiling was readdressed, giving this space a stunning makeover.
Cabinets were painted and accessorized with new hardware and new
appliances such as the dishwasher were concealed with panel fronts.
Granite dresses up the countertops while a decorative tile backsplash
adds a whole new level of detail. Strategically located mirrors help
enlarge the space; an embossed wallpaper and glaze on the walls adds
to the elegant sparkle and decorative lighting and artwork complete
this total makeover.
 The
dining room adds eclectic flair to the Wicht home. A unique white
chandelier is a stunning centerpiece, while the light, neutral color
palette creates a feeling of warmth in the space. Decorative cabinetry
with glass doors and rich wood floors add an air of old-world
sophistication to the space.
 What
was once the dining room is now Kathy’s special space. By
reassigning the functions of particular rooms in the home, the house
better suits the Wichts’ lifestyle. The color palette in Kathy’s
area takes cues from the adjacent living room space but uses a
soothing blue-green as a dominant color with a palette of neutrals and
accents of red. Champagne gold trim infuses the metallic influence
into this space and a chaise is another elegant touch.
 Artwork
by David Barnett makes a colorful statement in this space, which is
once again finished with subtle, soothing colors, rich woods and a
combination of elegant textures and patterns. "I like people to
be able to move artwork and furniture from room to room, so we used a
complementary palette throughout the home," describes Kohlmann.
 The
location of this master bedroom is disguised from passers-by, while
Kathy and Dennis enjoy the views to the front of their house by day
and the privacy behind the motorized shades by night. Many items that
were old and out of place are new again in this room. The china
cabinets that were obtrusive in the living room were furnished with
shelving and baskets for a whole new life in the bedroom. A once
horizontal headboard was given new life in a vertical position and is
transformed into a focal point with a signature piece of artwork.
Golden hues dominate this space, creating an elegant glow, while blue
and green accents, as well as the soothing effect of the organic
patterns and soft textures, complete the décor.
|
