project: modern woods house
This project was a light renovation of a 1970’s built rambler. When we worked on the project our design ethos focused on:
fewer better things
From Marie Kondo to religious traditions there has always been a spiritual and visual value to possessing fewer things. The items we do choose to purchase and interact with in our daily lives should offer utility or beauty, but ideally both. I strive to collect things that work together in harmony focusing on high quality materials, natural elements and simple clean lines.
mix metals
I lean towards muted metals. I often choose a tarnished, muddled, worn- in or iron-casted look as opposed to shiny metals which read cheaper to me. Mixing golds, silvers, copper and rose golds pairs well with neutrals, giving them both interest and life.
mix woods
Wood flooring creates a cohesion and permanence to any room. It is easy to clean, makes furniture pop and look more grand, and it feels cleaner to me. Wood flooring creates a warmth and grounding, especially when you are using white paint. The walls are painted Sherman Williams Alabaster, one of my favorite white paints. It does not draw in other colors and is a creamy, clay-like white. I loved how natural looking this white appears without being sterile. This was especially important in this house because it is surrounded by trees and I didn’t want to pull green onto the walls. Do not be afraid to use different types and colors of wood, especially if you have neutral walls to align them.
neutral(ish) color base, pops of accent color and always add black
I will never stray too far from neutral white, black, grey, khaki (I would also include navy and stripes as neutralish(?) for the core pieces in the room. They just work well together, reduce on overall budget cost, and you will never regret the purchase. If you buy high or low end you can mix it all together seamlessly. Color pops add needed life, depth and soul to spaces. We used Sherwin Williams Iron Ore in on the door and the back deck. It is a modern, sexy black, with hints of brown and blue that make it look more regal than stark. Iron Ore can even be used as an exterior color that is especially stunning in modern cabins or coastal homes. A little black goes a long. way though, use it sparingly to get the best effect.
add high end upgrades to elevate the customer experience
This is a rental, so comfort was prioritized and we did invest in good couches and quality mattresses. People want to sit and sleep and BE in comfort when they are on vacation. Splurge high end on the largest pieces you use in your room (one couch, one great large print). These statement pieces can carry the whole room and you can furnish the rest with vintage, repurposed, borrowed etc. Bigger, better pieces remove the need to clutter up the room with multiple objects to create a ‘wow’ factor. They also can be resold and repurposed which is good for you and the environment.
add low end upgrades for utility and fun
All that said….. I love, love, love IKEA and Target. Minimalism is not only about beauty and spirituality, but also a nod to thrift. Items can be affordable and beautiful. Target in particular has many new lines (Project 62, Opal house, Hearth and Home) that are creating easy, clean lined options that are useful when you don’t want to spend a lot on furnishing but you want to update your space. Don’t be a design snob, it limits your creativity and budget that you will need for a few well appointed pieces. If it has beauty and utility and you love it, it does not matter where you purchased it.
use art you love
Add some element of you. I love Moroccan tables (a good way to add bone inlay or metal) and the shine on seashells and crystals to add natural sparkle to a room. Stripes are a great addition to any neutral scheme that gives the eye something to play with. Add elements from your travels. I love copper figurines I bought in Africa in my twenties and a seashell chandelier I bought at the San Juan Islands last summer. Use these items to create dimension to the room that is uniquely you; which is what design is essentially about.
use sculptural objects and natural materials
Too often designers rely on crazy patterns or bold color. I get it, they draw you in and create immediate interest. I love this initially or in a magazine. But every day I don’t want to look or live in rooms saturated in colors and patterns. For me it overwhelms my brain: which doesn’t need any more overwhelming! However, sculptural accents, clay pots, statues, curves in tables and chairs can give a room the same interest in a more subtle way. They make a room feel aged and interesting. Nature is the world’s greatest artist and using elements that came from the earth in your home settles the mood of a home. I love linen, bone inlay, wood, metals, agate crystal, clay pots, leather rugs (unless you ethically oppose). I try to use linens and natural fibers. I just recently used bamboo sheets in my home and LOVED them. I love crystals and metal and clay. I think these things hold an energy and draw an energy into a home that man-made materials cannot bring. Pick them with intention and see how they make your home happy.
