When I was a child, I thought that I would live in a home that looked the same for my entire life. As an Interior Designer I have realized that my design style is ever evolving.
Our first home looked like this...
Steve and I opened up all of the walls of a 2 bedroom 1 bath home to create an open space that included a dining room/family room.
Even with the addition of a second floor, our first home maintained a cottage feel.
The landscaping created a private area in the front of our home.
Our next home looked like this...
This image was taken seven years ago when we first moved in. Certain aspects of our new home were similar to our past home. We still loved the open floor plan, Steve still used the proportions of classical architecture to design this home. You can tour our home here.
But now Steve and I find that our design aesthetic is evolving again.
Our home in Channel Islands Harbor shows our design evolution. You can see it here and here. Steve and I have started to incorporate a cleaner look to our designs while keeping the charm, even in our 1970's home.
This picture of our master bathroom is better at showing what I mean. The materials are simple. We used limestone slabs and glass for our shower, a pewter tub, plaster walls with no trim, and a Swedish table for storage. We just got rid of all of the fussiness.
Steve's recent projects also reflect our new direction. Steve describes this home as industrial warehouse meets Italian villa. The Old tile roof is just like something you would see in a home that was 100 years old, but many of the other details are much more contemporary.
Even though this home is not quite complete, I thought you would enjoy a tour...
This image shows the fantastic details of the windows.
Kynar coated aluminum windows were used instead of steel to hold up against the harsh beach elements. A simple glass railing was used to compliment the white oak stairs.
A simple steel handrail is attached to the white oak wall.
Okay, Joni, I know this is a lousy picture! but what a view!!!
You can also see the gorgeous texture of the plaster on the walls and ceiling.
Steve created a home with a very open floor plan. The two story doors pocket and open the entire room to the outside.
The view of the kitchen. A beautiful plaster hood, wood finished cabinets, and a grey granite counter.
A closer look...
Interior Designer Kathryn Queen selected all of the beautiful pieces that are just getting set up.
Love the dining table and pendants that Kathryn selected.
This is one of my favorite images. The simple lantern, that amazing window that opens in the middle. Simple and elegant.
Who wouldn't be relaxed in this serene Master Bedroom....
With a view of this!
The steel windows were incorporated into the bathroom. Steve designed mirrors to hang off of the shower and commode (I have been told that sounds better than potty!) enclosures. Love the sinks that Steve designed. Perfect for baskets with fluffy white towels. The Swedish style chest of drawers that Kathryn selected is a perfect foil in this contemporary setting.
I find it interesting how design is not stagnant but ever evolving, don't you?
Is the desire to simplify a reflection of maturity?
I'd love to hear about your own design evolution. Do you find a need to change?
xo
Brooke
