In Holladay, designer Catherine Goodsell reimagines a once-dark home, infusing it with light, elegance and stylish surprises. The late 70s Holladay house had always been impressive—a sprawling residence with European flair, nestled within an expansive wooded lot with manicured gardens. Inside, however, time stood still. Heavy drapes muffled the sunlight, wood paneling loomed over dark spaces and the furniture felt outdated. When the homeowner decided that both she and the house needed a fresh start, she enlisted designer Catherine Goodsell to breathe new life into her beloved home.
Garden views fill the window seat, where pillows covered in Donghia, Clarence House and Rubelli fabrics shimmer in pink and gold tones. Samuel & Sons trim adorns linen Roman shades above. Flowing from the entry into the living room, the once-dark hallway is now bright and inviting, thanks to freshly painted walls and a soothing palette of textiles and trims. Motorized Schumacher Roman blinds all but disappear, allowing natural light and garden views to flow freely indoors.
The owner wanted a traditional decor, but not in the predictable, old-fashioned sense. “We aimed for classic detailing with a fresh perspective—elegant yet relaxed, refined but never fussy,” says Goodsell. Clean lines, uncluttered spaces and a sense of lightness were key. Integrating the classic charm of a French chateau, the new design needed to feel inviting and sophisticated, yet full of unexpected moments of delight. “It was a beautifully crafted custom home,” the designer says. “My goal was to honor its integrity while infusing it with new energy—one that allowed the space to shine in an entirely new light.”
“My goal was to honor its integrity while infusing it with new energy.”
Catherine Goodsell
The transformation prioritized the home’s public spaces, beginning with the entry and staircase. “We kept the rich details but placed them in a fresh context,” says Goodsell. She removed the heavily textured plaster and painted the walls and dark paneling in a custom off-white that “feels lush and warm but not yellow.” The once-heavy staircase, weighed down by dark wood and carpeted steps, was simplified. “With the paneled walls providing texture, the staircase needed to be calm,” she says.
Full-wood treads, a custom runner and understated iron spindles replaced the ornate railing. A white oak newel post and handrail fosters relaxed elegance. Overhead, a modern hand-blown glass chandelier adds an element of surprise, while a reupholstered settee below honors the past. The once-dark hallway received a similar refresh, with off-white walls and a newly dressed window seat. “Now, the light and garden views spill into the space,” Goodsell says.
A once-dark and heavy entry is now a bright, inviting space with off-white walls, a simplified staircase and a dazzling Vaughan chandelier. The rug is from Regency Royale and the reupholstered settee features Calvin Fabrics paired with Samuel & Sons trim. The painting is by artist Brandon Cook.
The living room underwent a bold transformation as well. Goodsell covered the walls and hipped ceiling in off-white plaster to create a smooth, unified look, while the new French-inspired limestone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling draperies helped elevate the room’s sense of height. She skillfully blended contrasting shapes, dark and light tones, and varied textures to bring depth and interest to the serene space. “When working with a palette that lacks a lot of color, it’s all about playing with contrast and texture,” she explains.
The outdated furniture was replaced with bespoke, sophisticated pieces that define two distinct seating areas—one centered around the fireplace and the other, behind it, dedicated to the piano and musical performances. “In large rooms, it’s ideal to create smaller groupings for different activities, making the space feel more intimate and welcoming,” Catherine Goodsell adds.
The living room’s transformation features off-white plastered walls and ceiling, as well as a full-height, French-inspired limestone fireplace by Artistic Stone. Floor-to-ceiling Pindler draperies with Samuel & Sons trim foster a sense of visual height, while a custom Regency wool-silk rug anchors two intimate seating carved from the large space. A Brunschwig & Fils fringe-trimmed Kravet velvet sofa and Rose Tarlow pillow fabrics add color and contrast. Vaughan chandeliers cast a warm glow, while a Brandon Cook painting adorns the fireplace.
The dining room had always exuded formality, and Goodsell embraced that essence while infusing it with a fresh, inviting energy. The thickly glazed wainscot was brightened with off-white paint, while the heavy ceiling molding was removed to create a more open feel. Dark, textured walls were reimagined with a serene grass-cloth mural, depicting a watercolor-inspired nature scene in soothing blue-green hues.
Beneath an antique Murano chandelier, a custom inlaid mahogany table and Mokuzai side chairs are paired with hostess chairs upholstered in an unexpected tiger-patterned weave by Cowtan & Tout. “These chairs, along with the chandelier and wallpaper, introduce elements of lightness and fun,” says Goodsell, who selected a light-toned sideboard and elegantly trimmed off-white draperies to keep the space bright and welcoming.
In the dining room, ceiling molding was removed, wainscoting was refreshed with off-white paint and dark walls were dressed with grass-cloth wallpaper by Designers Guild. Beneath an antique Murano chandelier, a custom mahogany table pairs with velvet side chairs and two hostess chairs upholstered in a Cowtan & Tout tiger-weave. Kravet velvet draperies edged with Holland & Sherry trim complete the look.
The once buttoned-up office was reimagined as an intimate parlor—a personal sanctuary for the homeowner. “It’s a space where she can be surrounded by things that bring her joy, allowing her to reflect and simply be,” says Goodsell. To achieve this transformation, the designer removed the existing built-ins and heavy paneling from three of the four walls, creating a lighter, more inviting atmosphere. Partnering with Artistic Stone, she replaced the original oak fireplace with a refined limestone version, adding a sense of timeless elegance.
New built-ins offer both storage and display space while framing a cozy nook for a small, skirted sofa set against a striking oversized floral wallpaper by artist Diana Watson. “Its depth was exactly what we wanted—feminine and sophisticated,” Goodsell explains. The wallpaper’s dusty pink hues harmonize beautifully with the rich, chocolate-eggplant shade that envelops the room. “It’s a jewel-box of a space—serene and intimate, yet defined by a showstopping moment,” she says.
The office evolved from traditional and stuffy to a serene parlor. Cathrine Goodsell removed built-ins and heavy paneling for an airier feel, replacing the oak fireplace with an Artistic Stone design. A rich chocolate-eggplant hue coats the walls, while a Vanguard table rests on a Tufenkian rug. A floral mural and rich tones pull the eye into the parlor from the entry.
By the time Goodsell finished the overhaul, her client was in awe. Her home still carried the weight of history, but it no longer felt trapped in time. It became fresh, sophisticated and, above all, welcoming—the perfect balance of tradition and transformation.
All photos by Josh Caldwell.
