+ Story by Tammy Christel
+ Photography by Paul Mullins
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Trauner Designs, Inc.
traunerdesigns.com
Finishes, furnishings and fabrics were meticulously researched to create a sense of comfort, history and warmth. “The house spreads out before you,” says Trauner.
When Terry Trauner and Kristin Frappart agreed to redesign a California home’s master bedroom, the pair had no inkling they’d wind up fully transforming a sleek, contemporary residence into a warm, Spanish Colonial-style home.
The flame-red upholstery mimics nature’s display on these distressed Ponti side chairs. Circling a Napa Stone tabletop, it’s an inspiring pairing.
Past the iron gate, a reading nook leads to the master bedroom. Reclaimed barnwood ceilings and grommeted grasscloth wallpaper provide a sumptuous atmosphere.
“These are prior clients,” says business owner Trauner. “They revealed the project was far more than originally imagined. With only a few photographs and a general direction to go on, our mission was to envision what this house would be, to define every architectural detail. Their trust was remarkable. We thought we’d be designing soft goods, and now we’ve designed the entire home, right down to the sheetrock.”
This master bath oasis light, provided by a Bella Figura Venetian crystal chandelier and Reborn Antique accent lighting, highlights the double shower and rustic black floor tile.
That trust was well placed. Trauner and associate ASID, IIDA designer Frappart researched furniture, fabrics, trim, fireplaces, hardware, exterior features and lighting. Frappart emphasizes the project is a superb example of Trauner Designs’ range of services.
A pair of bright red pitchers and a rustic side table, complemented by a Chinese Chippendale wing chair finished with a crackle lacquer, raised chinoiserie-gold gilt, help cozy a bedroom corner. The drapes are drawn back by a monkey fist- inspired knot custom-created by Samuel and Sons.
The home’s double front door features substantial stylistically accurate iron details by Rocky Mountain Hardware.
“We can add architectural details to an existing home and create something fantastically special,” says Frappart. “Four months after first seeing the house, we put a complete package together for the owners. They made no changes whatsoever; that’s incredibly affirming!”
“Kristin is fabulous at layering patterns, textures and fabrics,” says Trauner. An exotic, hand-carved bed frame by Artifact is the centerpiece in an aesthetically perfect bedroom retreat.
Frappart and Trauner chose rustic elements such as beamed ceilings, scrolled iron, red barnwood and leather wall tiles to echo a pair of magnificent iron gates identifying the neighborhood. To enter the house is to experience a time period’s fresh revival, as well as a livable, functioning home.
Rustic wooden beams, a 14-foot- long cabinet, a wool-and-silk rug—and cozy upholstered pieces designed by Frappart— make you want to curl up and relax.
“We work to establish trust and become intimately familiar with the way a client lives, how they go through their days,” Trauner says. “We can design a stunning, beautiful house, but being able to live there is what makes it a home. Our clients have asked us to dinner when the home is complete—a rare honor. We’re proud of our friendship, partnership and deep understanding of our clients’ dream.”
