INSPIRED DESIGN

Colorful Harmony
A variety of eras, textures, patterns, and hues comes together with unexpected poise in a dining room
rich with intrigue and warmth. Elizabeth Bonner Czapski |
by Sidney Bragiel |
styling by Jim Bathie
photography by

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eflecting the eclectic persona of
her Nashville environs, as well
as a creative spirit instilled
through a nomadic stint as a military
spouse, Wesley Stanley’s approach to
this distinctive dining room captures
the essence of her design firm’s
moniker: Hunt + Gather. The result is a
carefully curated treasure trove of
traditional fixtures, hip flourishes, and
old-fashioned flair that feels timeless
and truly one-of-a-kind.
“I am exhilarated by the thrill of the
hunt and inspired by unique finds,”
says Wesley, who credits a decade
of military moves with her practiced
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tell your story: colors that inspire
you, pieces you’ve inherited, or art
you’ve collected. Your home is like a
tapestry of you, and it should feel
multidimensional and unlike
anyone else’s.”
To achieve that personal aura in
Libby and Patrick Burke’s new abode,
Wesley diverged from the off-white
used on the walls throughout, opting
for an eye-catching backdrop in the
dining room that greets all who walk
through the front door. “We wanted
this rather small dining room to
create a big wow factor when guests
entered, but it had to strike the
Meg Braff’s Arbour wallpaper fit
the vision with sprawling steel blue
branches that contrast with the crisp,
clean wainscoting. Infusing a warm
note of color and a lush texture,
Wesley went with another daring
choice for window treatments. “From
the moment the blush velvet landed on
the table, it was the clear winner,” she
recalls. “The combination of the dusty
blue in the wallpaper and the velvet
just seemed to sing together.”
A stately wooden table grounds the
setting, softened by an oval shape that
prevents it from overwhelming the
space. “It was the perfect nod to tradition

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ability to transform any house into a perfect, airy balance, as it opens up to with a bit of a vintage edge in its brass
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home. “Layers are the key. They all the white spaces,” Wesley says. inlay detailing and capped legs,”
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Wesley says. Across the tableau,
Southern family heirlooms like
engraved sterling silver julep cups
and ornate stemware sparkle under
the glow of a crystal and burnished
gold chandelier, chosen for its
transparency that enhances the
room’s mix rather than obstructing it.
White chairs brighten the dining
area through a tonal blend of
painted wood and creamy faux
leather upholstery. A tan rug adds
depth with an understated
geometric design.
With little space for decorative
accents, Wesley decided a large work
of art would make the greatest
impact. The Burkes asked for a piece
by Charleston-based abstract artist
Kate Long Stevenson, who also
happens to be one of Wesley’s best
childhood friends. “With the drapery
and wallpaper swatches in hand, Kate
set to work creating what would be
the icing on the cake for this room,”
Wesley says. The contemporary
painting complements the botanical
wall covering and vivid curtains, and
its kaleidoscopic spectrum ties the
space’s palette together with panache.
Echoing her company’s name,
Wesley attributes this room’s allure
to the meticulous search for special
elements that harmonize beautifully.
“We knew the wallpaper would pack
a big punch in such a small space and
that each detail had to be carefully
selected,” she says. “A room should
be surprising but thoughtful. I think
we achieved that with this space. It’s
colorful, classic, and sophisticated in
an unexpected way.”

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