Colorful Revival in New Albany: A Georgian Home Reimagined

See this project featured in the September Issue of Northwest Columbus City Lifestyle Magazine

Some projects stick with you—and this one is hands down a favorite. Nestled in New Albany, Ohio, this classic Georgian home was ready for a bold refresh. The clients—a busy professional couple with two creative, energetic daughters—wanted a home that reflected their vibrant personalities while honoring the timeless elegance of their architecture.

At Dwell Well Design Co., we believe a home isn’t just where you live—it’s the backdrop of your life. It should feel deeply personal, emotionally resonant, and unmistakably yours. This project was an opportunity to bring that philosophy to life, crafting spaces that feel effortlessly curated yet fully livable.

The Build

While the home’s bones were beautiful—detailed millwork, timeless architecture, and a gracious layout—the interiors hadn’t kept pace. A decade-old, neutral-heavy design left the spaces flat, underutilized, and impersonal. The dining room was formal yet rarely used. The living room didn’t fully accommodate family life or highlight the architecture. Simply put, the house looked fine—but it didn’t feel like theirs.

Our mission: to change that.

Transforming Each Space

The Dining Room

Once a rarely used, overly formal space, the dining room has been transformed into a multifunctional hub that welcomes you the moment you step through the front door. Evoking the feel of an English library, it’s now the perfect spot for puzzles, games, dinners, and everyday family connection.

Jessica, Founder and Principal of Dwell Well Design Co., designed a custom wall of built-ins, including a cozy window seat nook. She also reimagined the shelving system—balancing functionality with visual appeal by eliminating the typical peg-hole look, creating a solution that’s both practical and striking.

A coffered ceiling adds architectural weight, with insets painted to harmonize with the room’s color palette. Matching textured wallpaper wraps the walls, bringing depth while subtle bronze accents add warmth and richness. The result is a space that is simultaneously functional, elegant, and full of character—a true family-forward gathering spot.

designer notes: Creating this warm, British café–inspired space was all about the details—they are what give the room its unmistakable character. The palette includes three paint colors (two in different sheens), a textured wallpaper, and a wall of custom built-ins that anchor the room. A wall installation of vintage cameras, designed by Jessica, adds a personal and playful touch. The captain chairs at the dining table feature three fabrics and two trims, perfectly tailored to the space while capturing its layered, charming personality. Every choice was intentional, creating a space that feels cozy, curated, and uniquely one-of-a-kind.

The Office

Her office was completely reimagined to support everything from work and Zoom calls to creative projects and quiet moments. Anchored by a large vintage English dining table repurposed as a worktable, the space balances function with comfort. Lounge seating invites crafting, reading, or spending time with her daughters, while refreshed built-ins provide smart, concealed storage to keep the room organized and visually calm.

Floor-to-ceiling drapery and matching ceiling wallpaper emphasize the architecture while adding unexpected charm. Every detail—from painted doors to coordinating sconces—creates a seamless flow from the foyer and dining room. The result is a high-functioning, deeply personal, one-of-a-kind space that is as beautiful as it is practical.

designer notes: This office is colorful without ever feeling loud or overwhelming. The key lies in thoughtfully breaking up color across the armchair, desk, and wall treatments, creating visual interest while maintaining harmony. Color cohesion and pattern mixing are a delicate balance here—don’t be afraid to embrace bold hues, but never underestimate the precision required to pull a space together using them. Every element works together to create a space that is vibrant, layered, and effortlessly curated.

The Living Room

Reoriented to anchor the home, the living room now serves as the hub for lounging, gathering, and connection. Layered seating accommodates movie nights, conversation, and casual entertaining. Rich textures, curated color, and a thoughtful material mix bring warmth and personality, while clever details—like a lowering TV mount and Frame TV—keep technology tucked away until needed. Custom tables and furnishings echo architectural tones from the fireplace and dining room, creating cohesion without feeling forced.

designer notes: The living room features the same color on the built-ins as the dining room units, creating visual cohesion across the first floor. The rust-hued sectional includes an inset grid in the textile, subtly referencing the traditional brick of the home’s exterior as well as the fireplace surround. These thoughtful details tie the space together, balancing personality, warmth, and architectural harmony.

The Powder Room

Though compact, the powder room makes a lasting impression. Organically shaped wallpaper sets the tone, while traditional details—custom marble sinks, matching skirting, and lantern-style lighting—anchor the design. The marble sink, designed by Jessica and crafted by artisans in Turkey, is paired with door casings and skirting made from the same stone, creating a cohesive, elevated look. This thoughtful use of traditional materials also nods to the classic style of the Georgian home. Every element is intentional, giving the space charm, character, and a sense of considered luxury despite its small footprint.

designer notes: This powder room proves that even a small space can make a big impact. Thoughtful styling, including curated wall art, helps break up the wallpaper pattern and adds personality, reinforcing the room’s character and charm. Every detail is intentional, showing how scale doesn’t limit design impact.

Foyer

The entryway, with its stunning bones, now quietly sets the tone for the home. A vintage table base topped with honed marble welcomes visitors, while original artwork and lush greenery add life and soul. An updated stair runner offers softness and sophistication, giving a subtle nod to the personality and story that unfolds beyond.

designer notes: The foyer table base was sourced on a vintage trip and dragged back across state lines. Much of the the time vintage sourcing at Dwell Well isn't for a specific project, but for inventory that we just can't leave behind. This table that we created is the perfect example of how important vintage, styling and sourcing is in our business.

Dine in Kitchen

Although not originally part of the project scope, the dine-in kitchen quickly became a natural extension of the redesign. This space presented the perfect opportunity to create a custom table tailored to the room’s scale and function. Designed by Jessica and expertly crafted by the talented Jeff at Left Hand Wood Co., this heirloom walnut piece is a true statement of furniture design—bringing warmth, craftsmanship, and presence to the heart of the home.

The Result

This home is the embodiment of what we do best at Dwell Well Design Co.—infusing warmth, color, and soul into classically rooted spaces while ensuring they function beautifully for a busy family. Bold patterns, layered textures, original artwork, and custom pieces give each room personality and life.

From the playful, family-forward dining lounge to the sophisticated adult lounge, from the high-functioning office to the lively living room, every space tells a story. This project honors traditional Georgian architecture while embracing layered personality, vibrant character, and thoughtful design.

The family was bold and trusting—ready to embrace color, pattern, and creativity. The result? A joyful, curated home that is not just designed to impress—but to truly live in. Every room has a heartbeat, a wink, and plenty of heart.