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Vermont retreat shakes off its formal past

<span id="U802968521608DzD" style=" text-transform: none; font-family: 'PoynterGothicText Black'; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ;">Kitchen dining area</span> The chairs around the distressed wood table are sheathed in a faux blue leather. “There are always a lot of kids in the house. The chairs are maintenance free. Everything can be wiped off,” says Reider. To make the space more intimate, the large-scale chandelier was installed to bridge the gap between the table and the high ceiling. The wool rug has shades of green, blue, and brown in a basketweave pattern. Michael Partenio

With a traditional and formal interior, the feel of this Stowe, Vt., retreat didn’t suit the current homeowners — a married couple with three sons — at all. “It’s meant to be a casual, comfortable place for the family to escape and spend time together,” says Boston interior designer Rachel Reider. “They love to hike and ski, they use the house year round.”

Reider created a look that feels relaxing and livable. “The owners didn’t want anything to be precious enough that people couldn’t put their feet up on it,” says Reider. The furnishings and decorative elements aren’t fragile, but they are deeply appealing. The multifaceted scheme is filled with layers of texture and pattern with a soothing color palette. “We used softer tones of green and blue to create a very serene environment,” says Reider.

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Large windows framing the magnificent mountain views contribute to the home’s light, airy appeal. While the environment is soothing, Reider incorporated unexpected pieces with dramatic flair in key places. In a bedroom, a mirror is framed with porcupine quills; a custom metal and glass chandelier hung from the soaring vaulted ceiling above the kitchen table is a take on the traditional lantern in “a modern, cleaner, more tailored way,” says Reider. And in the mudroom, a striking oil painting of a vibrant hued bicycle indicates that the house is relaxed and fun — anything but formal.

-credit: Michael Partenio

Bedroom In one of the son’s bedrooms a Mitchell Gold bed is upholstered with a blue and white geometric patterned fabric. For softness and texture, the bed is layered with Matouk linens, a faux fur throw, and Johnathan Adler throw pillows. The nightstands and chest at the foot of the bed are from Restoration Hardware.

-credit: Michael Partenio

Mudroom A new slate floor was installed with radiant heat underneath, so cold feet can be instantly warmed. The Somerset Bay bench is painted a leafy shade of green. The painting by Wendeline Simpson Matson was purchased at South End Gallery, Jules Place. “The homeowner had to have the painting,” says Reider. “She felt that it exudes happiness.”

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Jaci Conry can be reached at jaci@jaciconry.com.