Layered and Livable

Design by Megan Pisano
Photography by Meghan Balcom
Text by Nayda Rondon

When a retired couple upsized into a newly built, five-bedroom Chatham colonial in 2021, they envisioned more than a fresh start. They saw a blank canvas for a life centered on connection, comfort and enjoyment. With grown children visiting often and their first grandchild now on the scene, they were eager to embrace a more family-centric lifestyle.

To achieve this vision, they turned to local designer Megan Pisano of Megan Pisano Design, who helped them shape refined yet relaxed interiors rooted in intention.

“They wanted calm, but not cold,” Pisano says. “Elegant, but not precious,” Her directive: to create a home that felt layered and livable, serene without slipping into sameness.

Serene symmetry defines this refined living space, where matching sofas rest beneath a coffered ceiling and black chandelier.

The result is a rendering of inviting interiors where soft tones and subtle textures speak of a full life still unfolding. Across the home’s three key spaces—the living room, dining room and primary bedroom—Pisano’s disciplined arrangement of tone-on-tone palettes, tactile materials and balanced contrast finds distinct, harmonious expression.

The living room sets the tone for the home: restful, symmetrical and thoughtfully layered. Two identical trade-sourced sofas face each other, fostering conversation and maximizing seating for companionable gatherings. Between them an oversized, warm-toned marble coffee table, also trade-sourced, offers both functionality and understated presence.

A plush, neutral Surya rug adds depth and warmth underfoot, while a Made Goods chandelier above brings subtle drama. Sherwin-Williams’s Classic French Gray coats the walls, contrasted by crisp white trim that frames the architecture and enhances the airy feel.

“The neutral foundation allowed us to layer in texture and contrast through furnishings, art and lighting without overwhelming the space,” Pisano explains. Even the ceiling’s architectural details were emphasized to quietly elevate the room, underscoring its timeless refinement.

A monochromatic seascape from La Mar Collective reflects the room’s minimalist tonal palette; its large scale adds drama without disrupting the room’s relaxed vibe.

In the dining room, Pisano introduced a bolder tone while maintaining the overall tranquility. Walls wrapped in textured black wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries lend richness and depth, creating what she calls a “whispered sense of drama.”

“Unlike flat paint, the wallpaper layers in dimension and sheen, making the walls feel alive without overwhelming the room,” says Pisano.

A circular dining table softens the geometry and encourages intimate, inclusive gatherings. Tailored chairs in subtly textured performance fabric strike a balance between comfort and polish.

An oversized, gold-framed mirror from Made Goods reflects light and visually expands the room, while Visual Comfort gold sconces act like jewelry on the walls. Their metallic warmth echoes the chandelier above, tying the space together with cohesive elegance.

White moldings offer crisp contrast against the dark wallpaper, highlighting the architecture and adding a layer of refinement. “It’s about softening bold design choices with thoughtful details,” Pisano says.

In the primary bedroom, geometric Victoria Larson wallpaper and Room & Board nightstands frame the upholstered bed while the Made Goods chandelier adds an eye-catching sculptural element.

The mood shifts again in the primary bedroom, where Pisano fostered a cocoon-like ambiance. Walls, trim and ceiling are enveloped in a single moody gray tone, a bold move over which the homeowners initially hesitated.

“They worried it might feel too dark,” Pisano explains. “But once we layered in soft textiles and strategic lighting, it transformed into this incredibly serene retreat.”

At the center stands an upholstered Verellen bed, its elegant curves and plush form presenting a focal point. Positioned to rest beneath the windows, it is dressed in layered bedding—shades of gray and ivory in velvet, cotton and linen—to create rich depth and dimension without flashy visual clatter.

Complementary area rugs unite the sleeping and seating areas. The cozy reading nook features a floor-to-ceiling mirror from Arhaus and a cushioned chaise accented with comfy pillows. A wooden side table introduces an earthy, grounded element.

A cozy bedroom corner invites quiet contemplation with a plush circular lounger, soft pillows and circular side table. The Arhaus mirror amplifies natural light and views.

Perhaps the most personal touch is a custom art piece Pisano helped the husband secretly commission as a surprise gift for his wife. “It symbolizes love and connection,” says Pisano of this graphic composition designed in the bedroom’s tonal hues. “And it brings emotional resonance to the room. It’s no longer just beautiful. It’s deeply theirs.”

“Sourcing pieces that were personal, understated and elevated took time,” Pisano says. “Because the house was a true blank slate, we were intentional about every choice. Nothing feels ‘extra,’ but everything feels considered.”

From the initial concept to final installation, the project took about six months. Pisano credits the success of the first-time collaboration to the clients’ clear vision and trust. “They came in wanting classic with a modern sensibility,” she says. “They gave me enough guidance to let me understand their style, then trusted me to interpret it in fresh, meaningful ways.”

In every room, Pisano’s design whispers rather than shouts. It speaks of life transitions not as endings, but as elegant new beginnings. And the clients couldn’t be happier. Says the wife: “Megan is amazing, and our house is a dream!”