Megan O'Neill and Jesse Bull's weekend sanctuary in Woodstock, New York, is a vibrant testament to their lively personalities and shared passion for bold colors. O'Neill, the creative force behind the distinctive footwear brand Nayla, which crafts shoes from brilliantly dyed fish leather, and Bull, who orchestrates team-building events featuring neon paint "bombs," have infused their home with an infectious sense of fun and a tropical aesthetic. This article delves into how they meticulously renovated their unique property, embracing its eccentricities and transforming it into a family haven bursting with character and cheer.Embrace the Unexpected: A Symphony of Hues and Quirky Charm
The Dynamic Duo Behind a Vibrant Vision: Infusing Life with Color
Megan O'Neill and Jesse Bull are individuals who wholeheartedly embrace life's lighter side, a trait vividly reflected in their home. Megan, CEO of Nayla, a footwear brand known for its vibrant fish leather shoes, and Jesse, who orchestrates team-building games with neon paint, naturally gravitate towards lively aesthetics. This shared appreciation guided their renovation of a Woodstock, New York, weekend house, which now radiates with brilliant pinks, yellows, and greens, embodying their tropical-inspired, colorful sensibilities.
Unraveling the Home's Enigmatic Past: A Blend of Old and New
The house itself is a charming enigma, defying easy architectural classification. Its exact construction date remains a mystery, though it is believed to have been built around remnants of an older stone structure. Inside, a delightful array of mismatched angles, sloping rooflines, and even a whimsical treehouse-like bathroom add to its distinct personality, reflecting the couple's playful approach to their living space.
From Party Pad to Family Haven: A Decade of Transformation
When the couple acquired the property over ten years ago, it served as a lively gathering spot for friends, playfully described as "a fun dump." It came fully furnished, a kitschy "Woodstock hippie house" complete with inspirational signs and framed wizard pictures. However, with the arrival of children, O'Neill and Bull embarked on a transformation. Rather than undertaking a complete overhaul, they chose to preserve the home's original essence, selectively updating the kitchen and adding essential spaces like a bathroom, bedroom, and laundry room. The true magic lies in their choice of paint and furnishings, personally curated by the couple without the need for an interior designer, while an architect was brought in for structural modifications.
The Culinary Heartbeat: A Palette of Yellow, Green, and Pink
The kitchen serves as the vibrant nucleus of the home, dictating its bold color narrative. A striking trio of hues creates a sunny and inviting atmosphere: bright yellow Italian tiles form a cheerful backsplash, cabinets are painted in the refreshing Benjamin Moore's Bahama Waters, and a charming baby pink Smeg refrigerator adds a touch of whimsical flair. O'Neill's philosophy, "You only live once, so get a pink fridge, you know?" encapsulates their fearless approach to design.
Whimsical Touches: The Enchanting Treehouse Bathroom
Beyond the kitchen's cheerful allure, a second-floor bathroom, awash in Benjamin Moore's Caribbean Coast, evokes the charm of a treehouse. A delightful, child-sized secret door leads to an indoor Juliet balcony, offering a playful and imaginative escape within the home.
A Treasure Trove of History: Curating with Vintage Finds
The furnishings throughout the home are predominantly vintage, carefully selected from a variety of secondhand retailers, New York City thrift stores, and antique shops across the Hudson Valley. O'Neill and Bull share a deep affection for aged, rustic pieces, dedicating countless hours to unearthing unique items from platforms like Etsy, 1stDibs, and Chairish. This meticulous process involved navigating the complexities of international shipping and the art of refurbishing, bringing cherished 1980s Swedish wall lamps and a 1970s pine mirror back to life.
A Playful Evolution: From Wild Parties to Warm Family Gatherings
What began as a casual party spot in their twenties has blossomed into an energetic and sophisticated family home, yet it retains a delightful unseriousness. The couple, true to their spirit, even kept one of the original wizard pictures, a nod to the home's past and their enduring sense of humor. This evolution reflects their journey, transforming a "fun dump" into a cherished weekend retreat designed for large, joyful gatherings with friends and their growing family.
Upstairs Retreats and Family Heirlooms: Art and Comfort
In the upper levels of the home, personal touches continue to enrich the space. A large painting by Bull’s sister, artist KC Bull, adorns an upstairs hallway, adding a familial artistic touch, while an antique bookshelf, a remnant from the home’s previous life, contributes to its storied character.
Childhood Wonderland: Bunk Beds and Secret Spaces
The children's room, equipped with two sets of Maine Bunk Beds painted in Benjamin Moore’s Flame, creates a vibrant and playful environment. This space, along with a small loft that lacks furnishings but sees plenty of child’s play, highlights the home's dedication to fostering imagination and comfort for its youngest residents.
A Blend of Eras: Mid-Century Modern Meets Global Finds
The primary bedroom, featuring a ladder leading to a small turret, showcases a curated collection of vintage furnishings from Chairish, family heirlooms, and finds from the City Opera Thrift Shop. This eclectic mix of pieces from different eras contributes to the home’s unique charm and personal narrative.
Crafted Connections: Local Artistry in the Dining Space
The dining area features a reclaimed wood dining table and benches, skillfully crafted by local artisan Mike Brontoli. This commitment to local talent and sustainable materials underscores the couple's thoughtful approach to their home's design and their connection to the Woodstock community.
The Cozy Heart: A Living Room Designed for Togetherness
The living room, centered around a pink Moroccan rug sourced from Etsy, offers a cozy and inviting space for family and friends. Sofas, which journeyed from Bull’s mother’s home in Nashville to upstate New York, provide comfortable seating, embodying the blend of personal history and eclectic style that defines their home.
