decorating according to home style - a home done right

In yesterday's post I wrote about my affinity for homes that in some way reflect the geographical area that they are in. Continuing with that thinking, I also believe that the interiors of homes should reflect the style of the outside of the home. It is always best to work with, not against, the architecture of your space. For example, if a house has modern architectural lines, decorating the inside with ornate and very traditional furnishings will make the home feel "off", no matter how well done. The flip side is tougher- many of us have older, traditional style homes but want to live in contemporary fashion. Updating to all the modern conveniences that we want can be done while still staying true to a home's architectural style - it just takes a little creativity. Use the architecture as a jumping off point, add in the modern and comfortable elements you want, and accent in a fashion suiting the house style.

A great example of this is the vacation home of my uncle and aunt in Eastern Canada.

They have a rustic log home, and though they live a modern and contemporary lifestyle, they renovated and decorated the interior in a way that stays true to a country log cabin aesthetic.

Red is an unexpected punch of colour and works well with the modern black appliances and the newly painted black hutch. The ceiling is clad with plank boards to keep the country-cozy feel, also accomplished by displaying antiques and collectibles on open shelving. Today's everyday kitchen things are out on display and easily accessible, but the old jars and baskets are mixed in with them to add charm.

Natural materials throughout are consistent with the logs used for the home's frame. Family items found in the house were brought out and used for decoration instead of buying new artwork or decorative items.

Trim around windows and floors needed replacing, and the new ones were square-cut and stained to keep the wood look. Even needed new furniture like this side table keeps the look of the rest of the home. 

The bathroom counter was made by hand from wood. The rich dark colour is amazing and complements the modern nickel accents. Check back tomorrow to see how it was done!

Isn't this a fabulous reno? Do you agree that a home's decor should stay true to its roots?

Thanks Larry and Jill for giving us a glimpse into your wonderful home!

hometown style influences

It's always interesting to see homes and interiors around the world that are influenced by the geography and history of the area. Even within North America there are subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) differences in home and decorating styles according to the city or region. Everyone, of course, has their own favourite style - modern, traditional, rustic, retro, etc. - but within those styles it's nice to try to give a nod to the town in which you live.

My hometown at the moment is Calgary, Alberta, Canada, one of the most energetic and fastest-growing cities in North America.

Calgary is situated in the heart of the western prairies at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and it is also now one of the biggest oil and gas centers in the world. The history of ranchers, farmers and cowboys mixed with the new world of energy entrepreneurs makes for a really exciting and interesting city.

I love the fast-paced downtown with its trendy urban restaurants and shops, but also enjoy the relaxed weekend vibe, when everyone day-trips to hike or ski in the mountains or explore the wide-open spaces that surround the city on all sides. Despite its exponential growth over the last couple of decades, Calgary retains a warm, small-town feel that pays homage to its wild west roots.

Home and building design in Calgary reflects all of its history, old and new. There are modern skyscrapers with minimalist urban condos, as well as very large ranch-style homes set on acreages that overlook the fields and mountains. And there are also cozy ski lodges and homes in the mountains that reflect the beauty that sits at their doorsteps.

Calgarians lead a  "work hard, play hard" kind of lifestyle, and most homes in this area reflect that. Modern conveniences and simple, clean-lined styles are the norm, but always with a reflection of nature that adds a comfortable and welcoming vibe.

Wooden elements, including floors, exposed beams, doors and walls are a common design element.

Open-plan living is popular, reflecting the wide-open spaces of the prairies.

High ceilings and lots of windows let in natural light and views of the mountains.

Don't you love Calgary now? If you ever visit, give me a shout!

I hope you will also jump over to Centsational Girl, where you will find a bunch of other hometown stories like mine.

friday favourites!

Two great kitchens that use wood in very different ways. I love them both! Which do you prefer?

modern kitchen design by atlanta interior designer Niki Papadopoulos

Source: yossawat.com via refresheddesigns on Pinterest

a showhouse-inspired slow home

The real life Houston home featured in the latest issue of Traditional Home is based on ideas gleaned from show homes, but it also stands out as a great example of what I consider a slow home. Virginia Mary Brown carefully considered the design of her home to suit her family's needs, to preserve history, and to responsibly re-purpose materials salvaged from her grandmother's home that used to sit on the property.

For example, look at all of the light coming through the windows that were put on three sides of the house for maximum ventilation. The sofa is handed down from grandma and recovered in white cotton duck.

The wonderful brick pavers that run from inside to outside are from her grandmother's home. The downstairs is open concept in order to keep the family close together, but the big sliding barn doors can be closed to separate the family room from the kitchen when needed.

The reclaimed pine floors are warm and stand up to kid traffic.

The kitchen is deliberately placed so that everyone goes through it to go in and out of the house. It is therefore a gathering spot, and has a big table in the middle to accommodate all kinds of activity.

All of the bedrooms were placed upstairs, bucking the trend for a downstairs master.

The fantastic marble mosaic tiles in the bath were purchased at a hotel salvage sale.

This home was obviously well thought-out and its contents were found and purchased with deliberation and patience. Finding the right pieces can take time, but it is worth it in order to end up with a home that is highly functional and durable, will grow with your needs, and will last for generations. All that and high style as well! Not bad.