We work closely with Brian Paquette of Brian Paquette Interiors in Seattle on our projects, but we understand there may be some of you that would like some ideas of your own to work with. Therefore we have compiled a list of "design considerations" when working with an "west coast" theme - since this is where we live so why not bring the outside in. Be inspired by the beautiful ocean that surrounds us, the expansive skies above us and the abundance of nature that envelopes us
1. Celebrate your view: Perhaps start by finding the common seating area in your home that offers a space to relax and enjoy the house's spectacular surroundings. Low furnishings in colours that suggest stones, sky and seashells allow unobstructed views to the outside. A fireplace with a modern concrete surround, can serve as a focal point. ( see below :one of our projects - A polished concrete fireplace is ideal ) Throughout the room, a variety of textural elements in natural tones can be used: We are partial to cedar paneling to add an element of "rusticity" You can accessorize with a wool rug perhaps, fur throws and a shimmery velvet ottoman in a nice natural hue. Find some end tables in slate grey to ground the space and are more true to the Pacific Northwest's hazy skies.
Custom polished concrete fireplace built for our Madrona Drive Project
2. Accessorize to add warmth : It's easy for a big house, especially a modern one, to look unwelcoming. Add warmth to the rooms via three-dimensional art, a large area rug and built-in shelving units, which display personal collections.
3. Incorporate collections Dark wood shelves allow light-coloured objects to pop. Allow your displays to celebrate your life, and remember, books are your friends. Lean them, stack them, pile them up
4. Go big in the bedrooms : Embrace the large scale of your bedrooms ( if they are large ) and define and cosy up the space by perhaps incorporating an 18-foot-wide linen-upholstered headboard. Twin side tables, lamps and bolsters create a pleasing symmetry. Lay out a fluffy throw at the foot of the bed to add some contrast and texture.
5.Don't be afraid of the dark. Dark elements in perhaps a study/office, such as the stone-grey walls, heavy drapes, bold patterned wing chairs and possibly a wooden trestle desk, give your space a moody masculine look. Pot lights can draw attention to your unique collection of framed Photographs or Art.
6. Include plenty of seating If your living room, has panoramic views of the ocean, you can organize several seating areas that offer places to read and relax, entertain, have dinner while watching a movie, or just gaze outside at your gorgeous view. You can create a dramatic feature wall with a gorgeous concrete fireplace or a floor to ceiling set of build in shelves that work well with the cabinetry of your kitchen. Perhaps you can utilize some dark stain on the shelves and cabinets and accent these with Ivory and heather - grey upholstered pieces balancing the rooms dark furnishings and carpentry.
7. Add glass We custom build staircases all the time as you can see below, we built ( below ) a beautiful wood, metal and glass stairwell for our Madrona Drive home, which offers an airy, modern look and allows for unobstructed sight lines. This is really a great design element that is also functional and support the west coast rusticity theme. Large-scale art in cool palettes is always a great idea for west coast homes and if you can find light fixtures with glass, nature- inspired pendants, they tend to lighten things up and bring in the outside/nature.
Glass, metal and wood stairwell custom made by us
Lotus flowers in glass for lighting ( example of nature inspired glass pendant lighting )
8. Sparkle: Embrace sparkle throughout, shimmer can come in the form of silvery drum lamp shades, a textured glass partition and perhaps some light shimmery silk drapes. The shimmers are trending right now
9. Use a warm palette In the main room, gentle shades of silver and gold provide warmth to the neutral soft nature palette. An over sized sofa ( such as below ) perhaps, with plenty of toss cushions offers pure comfort, while you could bring in stone colors/textures into table lamps to add a formal grounding note.
Think form & function : Sometimes we can come across large marble slabs that can be turned into a kitchen island perhaps and inspire the rest of the kitchen. This can give you even more room in your kitchen. Kitchens are such a great value to a home, its important to make great use of what space you have. IF we do find a large slab of marble to work with, we can then create a breakfast bar area surrounded by cabinetry to add extra work space and ample storage. Some nice simple pendant lights with drum shades over the island will finish it off and compliment the decor in the main room. ( main rooms and kitchens are usually open to each other now ) In fact most of us gather in the kitchen to socialize so its fantastic to open this space up to the living areas.
Well, I hope we have inspired you and please do not hesitate to call us for a free consultation and estimate! conradcontracting.ca ( 250 ) 508 - 6601