Need a fresh take on an old space? Challenge accepted—especially if it involves turning under-utilized areas into family entertainment hubs.
Julia Bender, of Julia Bender Interiors, offers full-service interior design solutions for homes, businesses, and whatever creative improvements you want to conjure up for your space.
Her recent renovation—a super-chic revamped bar with a wood countertop, dark cabinets, leather bar chairs, and mounted TV. There’s even a cozy corner nook.
The clients—with whom Julia had previously worked—had an addition to their home that just wasn’t getting its best use. They had bigger ideas for the space, but needed help to bring it to fruition.
“It was actually a small bedroom in the back that they had never used except for storage—part of an addition that also included a family room,” Julia explains. “Next to that was their kitchen—so we decided to open up that space and turn it into a larger area with a bar.” And what a transformation. Julia’s favorite highlights?
The Collaboration
“The way we collaborated with the contractor, and the fact the client was so open-minded, always makes a huge difference in a project,” Julia says. Together, they tossed a few ideas around.
“We were thinking cigar bar, then wine storage, and it kind of morphed into what it is now—a traditional-looking bar, plus another place to sit at the corner table. We always knew it was going to be some kind of bar, but it transformed into, ‘Let’s make it a nice bar, but with other purposes, too.’”
The Flow
“The ability to really transition this space—from their older, traditional home design to this new look—was pretty seamless. You can’t really tell what’s old and what’s new,” Julia smiles.
These clients enjoyed football and family—and liked the idea of having two spaces that could intertwine seamlessly. “It’s good for entertaining, because the spaces are adjacent to each other—you can watch football in the family room, but also have friends in the remodeled space and still feel like you’re together.”
The Style
“I was really happy with the style the clients went with … not too modern, but not too traditional by any means,” Julia says. “I like that they were open to having some interesting colors, finishes and textures. They wanted a little bit of drama, so we did add some darker tones that kind of ‘popped,’ paired with natural and neutral tones. I was happy they were open-minded with the colors and the fabrics.”
The Creative Process
“The color scheme was all me—the clients had no preexisting anything—they let me work from a blank slate.” A designer’s dream. “Having worked with them in the past, they were already familiar with my own personal style and knew what I was capable of. So they said, ‘Do your thing!’ based on some initial concept images. After seeing the look they were wanting, I pulled together all the fabrics and finishes—and they loved it.”
JuliaBenderInteriors.com | 513.889.6478
“When you’ve worked with someone before, there’s a level of trust when it comes to knowing what’s aesthetically pleasing.”