House Tour: Cozy Connecticut Nest
See how classic style and an eye for the unique seamlessly blend in this comfy Cape-style home.
Name: Brooke Christen of Nesting with Grace
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Own/Rent: Own
Time in Home: 2 years
With 17 years of design experience under her belt, you could say that Brooke Christen has honed her shopping and decorating skills. The interior designer and blogger behind Nesting with Grace has filled her 1100-square-foot home in Fairfield to the brim with timeless touches and treasures that tell a story. She somehow still manages to leave room for on-trend pieces, though, like the black-and-white mosaic tiles in her kitchen or the antler chandelier in her daughters' bedroom. Keep scrolling to hear more about Christen's classic and collected home.
What was the inspiration for your home?
I wanted our home to look and feel like us—a reflection of our life and interests. I also wanted it to feel comfortable.
What is your favorite room in the house, and why?
That would have to be our kitchen. It’s small, but we’ve made it cozy and comfortable since that’s where we spend most of our time. We renovated it when we first moved in back in January 2015. I love the statement tile, white cabinets, and marble dining table.
What items did you splurge on and which did you choose to save on?
I tend to splurge on upholstery and larger casegoods. As a former designer, I’ve toured upholstery factories and have seen firsthand what it takes to make a quality piece of furniture, so I value that. I want a piece that will last for my children to have one day. I save on things like accessories, dishes, and accents, since I tend to change those out more often.
What was your biggest decorating failure?
Whenever I’ve followed trends instead of sticking to my classic style and what I love.
What do you hide when company comes over?
Papers! I feel like I have stacks of coloring projects from the kids that they don’t want me to throw away. I either leave them on the counter or on the table waiting for the right moment to toss them or save one of my favorites.
What advice do you have for those who want to achieve your style?
Don’t settle. Always stay on the lookout for what you want and wait for it. I had wanted a marble topped dining table for almost 4 years. One day, I happened to find one at an antique shop for a quarter of the price I would have paid somewhere else. It’s better to have a few nice, unique things than a lot of things that mean nothing.
