Stairway to Heaven

Strong colors paired with historic woodwork take this Pittsburgh home to new heights.

- Kate McGregor

ENTRYWAY

The foyer is “where the experience of the house starts,” says Betsy Wentz, who installed a custom ombré stair runner from Stark to unite all the hues in the home. Armchair: Century, in Romo fabric.

TEA ROOM

Wentz designed the space based on the Osborne & Little ceiling wallpaper, the first thing the homeowners selected. Wallcovering: Élitis.

LIVING ROOM

Seeking "something light in color with a graphic pattern to complement the wood paneling," Wentz designed the carpet with Rug & Kilim. Wallpaper and draperies: Romo. Ottoman and dining chairs: Andreu World. Armchairs: Keilhauer. Chandelier: Arteriors.

“NO ROUND, OPAQUE lighting and no powder blue,” were the only guardrails Betsy Wentz was given when renovating this Pittsburgh-area house for a family of three. She took that freedom and ran with it, pushing the boundaries of her clients’ style while preserving the home’s old-world sophistication.