Repeat clients are the best! For me it is a bit of validation on the work I do. Last year I worked on the first half of this client’s home (Town and Country Manor), check it out! When asked if I could do the other half of their home I jumped at the chance. Last years project included entryway, formal dining room and formal living room. This years project includes their hearth room, breakfast area, lanai and kitchen. My clients did have one request when working on their kitchen. They wanted to keep all the kitchen cabinets and wet bar. The kitchen hood and island were fair game while keeping the same footprint of their kitchen. I knew how I would update this kitchen with only a new hood, island and switch out the hardware on the cabinets. We wanted to keep the color palettes from the original project but chose to go with a more casual, tranquil and coastline feel. It was important to incorporate all the attractive and lush plants the homeowners own. There is something about a beautiful macrame basket holding natural green foliage. The particular coastline I had in mind was Tulum. It is all about neutral hues with pops of color to tie nature with interior design for this midwest home. I wanted to arrange in a simple symmetrical manner, keeping the style fresh and carefree. With one goal in mind, to create a dreamy c’est magnifique space where every detail is all about relaxation, warmth and beauty: LIVE YOUR VACATION EVERY DAY.
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My first order of business was to completely lighten up all the walls and darken the ceiling beams and moldings for a more updated contrast. I also wanted to take into consideration the view my clients have into their beautiful and breathtaking oasis they have in their very own backyard to tie into their new great room. After we decided on paint colors I started the hunt for three different tile patterns. One for the flooring, fireplace and kitchen backsplash. When looking for the perfect tile I kept in mind that I wanted playful textures and tile work techniques to create a sexy, quiet but yet dramatic vibe. When I was driving to The Tile Shop I made a stop at a stop sign and the idea of a hexagonal shape definitely appealed to me for the flooring. I also knew I wanted the appearance of wood and needed to find flooring that I could carry into the lanai which is not temperature controlled. It is very important for me to design for an emotional reaction.
Due to the abundance of natural light in this beautiful home I could not wait to start picking it out every single piece of furniture and accessories. Everything from the sun-bleached white sofas, natural teak and carved detailed tables, terra cotta planters, billowy pillows and jute rugs. Coastal furniture is meant to feel casual, comfortable and easy. Natural furniture like the rattan dining chairs and live-edged dining table in the breakfast area common but not matchy-matchy. I believe I evoked the breeziness of the coast and made this home feel like a year-round summer vacation.
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Sofas- Nell Hill’s, Leather Chairs- Roger+Chris, Coffee Tables- Golden & Pine, Natural Jute Rug- Golden & Pine, Cowhide Rugs- Nebraska Furniture Mart, Powered Blinds- Hunter Douglas via One Stop Decorating, Poufs, Throw Pillows and Half Round Black Granite/Gold End Tables- Cost Plus World Market, Candle Holders- West Elm, Terra Cotta Planters- Paradise Garden Club, Tremont Console Table- Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Flooring/Backsplash/Fireplace Tile- The Tile Shop, All Countertops & Kitchen Island- RockTops Granite & Stone Fabrication, Leather Counter Stools- West Elm, Light Fixtures & Ceiling Fans- Wilson Lighting, Custom Range Hood- Kansas City Metalworks, Custom Dining Table- KC Furnishing Co., Rattan Dining Chairs- Jorjy, Marble Bowls- Golden & Pine, Driftwood Accessories- Nebraska Furniture Mart, Swing- SwingLab via MaRKET ASSEMBLY, Wood Slice Coffee Tables/Tribal Carved End Tables/Multi-colored Rug/Faux Fur Rug/Pillows- Cost Plus World Market, Armless Casual Chairs- Nebraska Furniture Mart
All After photography by: Austin Grate
