Wellesley Victorian study: a modern makeover

“I imagined this space as the inside of a jewelry box,” says Jamie Keskin, founder of Jamie Keskin design, say. “I wanted it to be cozy and enveloping, but not too dark or heavy,” she says of the 10-by-16-foot den. Keskin first designed the space at the historic Wellesley Victorian in 2012, but after redesigning the adjacent family room — the study is right next to it through pocket glass doors — the owners decided a refresh was in order here, too. “The wife uses it as her office (there’s a small desk behind the chairs) and it works well as extra seating for parties,” says Keskin. “This version is more comfortable and welcoming.”

1 Airy chairs with wicker backs and low profiles not blocking either side of the room or the view; they are also easy to move. The dusky raspberry color of Marika Meyer Studio’s pillows nods to the woman’s favorite color, while the striped vine pattern juxtaposes the geometric pattern on the walls.

2 Keskin exchanged the sofa and side tables for a more modern one bank with soft, durable fabric — and long enough for naps. The Elizabeth Eakins decorative cushion in the center ties together the colors in the room.

3 Huey Lightshop walnut and brass sconces with pleated ceramic shades provide a built-in corner feel, and Wendover Art’s oversized bird prints add some whimsy and balance the single sofa.

4 To start, Keskin covered the room with a woven grasscloth from Phillip Jeffries wall coverings with a dark blue background that gives a cozy feeling with texture and a small-scale, all-over diamond pattern.

5 The colors of the Roman shadow fabric, a linen ikat from McLaurin & Piercy, deliberately resemble the wall covering. “It’s a soft layer that doesn’t stand out,” says Keskin. “We play with different variations of tones here.”

6 A with skirt poof avoids an abundance of furniture legs and grounds the seating area. “It’s a traditional treatment, but made from fun, modern fabric,” Keskin emphasizes. In addition, the oval shape serves the entire couch and facilitates blood circulation.

Marni Elyse Katz is editor of the Globe Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @StijlWortel. Send comments to [email protected].