a warm welcome
Posted On November 15, 2017
Design Challenge: Cozy + Rustic = Sophisticated
How do you balance cozy, rustic, and neutral—while still keeping your look sophisticated and fresh?
This was the design challenge posed by a recent customer from Norfolk, Mass. The family of three had just moved into a spacious, open concept home, complete with gleaming wood floors and smooth finishes on the walls.
From Concept to Creation - Design Services to the Rescue!
"My goal was to make this space warm and welcoming," said
Design Associate Loretta, whom they tapped as their in-home consultant (for the third time!). "I wanted to create a look that was comfortable for the whole family."
It began with an idea board that outlined her vision and included graphical renderings of the space along with floor plans.
Ultimately, the design plan centered around four key components:
1. Rustic elements
The
Rustic Clifton accent chest topped by a
round wood tray and
grooved ceramic table lamp.
Rustic furnishings can be seen in heavily distressed pieces like the
Clifton accent chest, topped with neutral accessories like a wood tray, an off-white ceramic lamp, and wood framed wall decor. Tiny pops of color from pink flowers complement the blue/gray matte of the Clifton.
These rustic pieces worked well in creating a contrasting effect against a neutral color palette, which we'll explore next.
2. Neutrals
The family loved the existing wall colors of their new home, as they were freshly painted and fit their style perfectly. Here, the two-tone of the
Felicity Wine Cabinet is topped with a galvanized metal tray. Hanging above in perfect symmetry is a quartet of soft green fern prints, the ultimate in maximizing neutrals.
left: The
Felicity Wine Cabinet works well as a neutral element as well as being rustic in style. It is constructed of reclaimed wood from old shipping pallets and crates. The Fern Prints (
A,
B,
D,
F) round out the look as a symmetrical and colorful accent. right: the neutral custom fabric
Oscar chair adds a subtle dash of color while the nailheads bring a touch of sophistication.
3. Open Concept
Since the goal was to make this house as warm and welcoming as possible, it made sense to take advantage of the natural flow of the home. The circular Normandy Dining Table adds a welcoming, casual vibe in the area extended from the kitchen. Plus, check out the neutral fabric of the diamond-back Regent chairs, and the distressing of the Medallion wall decor, which also added texture to the smooth backdrop.
Normandy Dining Table and Regency Side Chairs
4. Texture
Last but not least, texture! The Catalina collection, made of a handwoven abaca, can be seen from the dining room to the kitchen stools. These backless, light gray counter stools are set against the dark wood of the island. In the dining room, gray side chairs feature cream colored chair cushions.
Texture from the the
Catalina collection, which features handwoven abaca over a solid mahogany and mango wood frame, offset the smooth wall finishes and polished floors.
The combination of cozy, rustic, and sophisticated ended up working for the whole family (and pets!)
For similar looks, check out
bostoninteriors.com, where we're having a major
Grand Opening sale in all stores and online, with coupon code
GR.
And don't forget, our
Design Services staff are always here to help!