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The Happy Place

Photography Julia LynnPhotos 21Issue July 2025
The sunny upstairs den is drenched in “Crispy Gold” by Sherwin-Williams.The Happy PlaceThe harlequin-patterned walk hints at the sophisticated whimsy inside.The mahogany newel post, shaped like a lighthouse, harkens to the city’s port heritage, while the front door, painted a deep Dutch black, connects visually to the kitchen beyond.The Happy PlaceAn abstract by Marissa Vogl inspired the color story.Designer Ghislaine Viñas’s “ShweShwe” wallpaper elevates graphic action on the high ceilings and meshes with the 19th-century egg-and-dart molding and ceiling medallion. A vintage Dirk Wynants “Arthur” dining table echoes the circular designs, and a Moooi “Meshmatics” light fixture reflects the Mendezes’ love of Dutch design.“We knew from the start that we didn’t want an all-white kitchen,” says Phoebe. The sleek space features monochrome Porcelanosa countertops from ARC Interiors, black INAX “Yuki Border” porcelain tiles on the walls, and a Castor “Recycled Tube Light” linear chandelierThe Happy PlaceA vintage Angelo Leili pendant sets a contemporary tone for the sophisticated, mod living room, where a Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams sofa, Kelly green Arflex chairs, and Viñas’s award-winning custom rug chime in with color and curve.Zeus, the Mendezes’ 12-year-old pup, likes his blue velvet perch.Bright yellow Bauhaus chairs amplify the sunshine streaming in the bay windows.The dining room bookshelves display art, ceramics, and memorabilia from Mexico and other travels.The Happy Place“David is our resident photo archivist,” says Phoebe. “We both grew up with a wall of family photos, so here’s our version.” Built-in shelves painted in the same deep ochre (“Crispy Gold” by Sherwin-Williams) line the facing wall, holding dozens of catalogued photo albums. The stairwell offers a peek of the home’s original stained-glass window.“When Ghislaine asked what I wanted our bedroom to feel like, I simply said, ‘a resort,’” notes Phoebe, who loves the peaceful creams and soft whites. A collage of woven medallions from Mexico add texture, while a bench from their time in San Miguel de Allende serves as a window seat.“A neighbor told us that a woman who once lived here was a hatmaker; displaying some of my collection is my ode to her,” she continues.The Happy PlaceThanks to the expansion of the porch, they have a covered outdoor sitting room, perfect for the vintage Woodard wire chairs that belonged to Phoebe’s mother, an antiques dealer.Taylor Fehmel of Remark Landscape Architecture masterminded a new garden, with room for a pool and outdoor dining. “We love that our indoor and outdoor spaces now feel so connected,” says Phoebe.The Happy Place

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The Happy Place: Tour a 19th-century Harleston Village home, where bold design, global flair, and whimsy await in each room
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