Robert Stilin – Kristen Laird Design

“There is a virtue in country houses, in gardens and orchards, in fields, streams, and groves, in rustic recreations and plain manners, that neither cities nor universities enjoy.” – Amos Bronson Alcott

I have always been drawn to the concept of laid back elegance in my designs. For me, the idea of a refined rustic interior begins with a neutral palette, a mix of metals and wood, industrial and ceramic lighting, and a pointed use of antiques. Rustic rooms gain their personality and refined aesthetic through a very delicate and selective mixture of preserved and exposed natural architectural elements; reclaimed wood beams and exposed stone walls or fireplaces. These natural elements in the architecture should then carry into the decor. Think of natural fibers and fabrics such as linen, leather and sisal. Everything should be about earthy texture and simplicity. Everything has its place and purpose. Mid-century pieces are also great for this style of home. My former boss Mark Cunningham is an expert at creating the refined rustic look as you will see in many of the inspiration pictures of his work that I included in this post. I love how he uses a Navajo rug or throw to add a little pattern into the room. Enjoy! xx K

Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres Elle Decor

Alfredo Paredes - Architectural Digest — Alfredo Paredes – Architectural Digest

Home of Patrick Dempsey - Estee Stanley Interior Design - Architectural Digest — Home of Patrick Dempsey – Estee Stanley Interior Design – Architectural Digest

Markham Roberts Inc. - Architectural Digest — Markham Roberts Inc. – Architectural Digest

Kathleen Walsh - Architectural Digest — Kathleen Walsh – Architectural Digest

Anouska Hempel Design - Architectural Digest — Anouska Hempel Design – Architectural Digest

Suzanne Kasler Interiors - Architectural Digest — Suzanne Kasler Interiors – Architectural Digest

“The reinvention of daily life means marching off the edge of our maps.” – Bob Black

Thomas O’brien

For thousands of years maps have helped people define, explain and navigate their way through the world and using them to decorate one’s home is hardly a novel idea. In fact, the tradition can be dated all the way back to the Ancient Romans who created mosaic tiles that displayed elaborate city plans and maps of their region. However, It wasn’t until a few hundred years later during the 17th Century that the Dutch put decorating with maps on the map…. During this “Golden Age” of the Netherlands, the wealthy dutch merchants commissioned large wall maps not only for planning their trading exploits, but as decorative symbols of their wealth and power. The impact of these maps was so great that many 17th Century Dutch painters such as Hals, Vermeer, Ter Borch, De Hooch and Steen began to depict these maps in the interior decoration of their paintings as a form symbolism and allegory.

Map makers during this time were referred to as world describers and I believe that is exactly why what they created still has so much appeal today. Maps are the perfect combination of science and art. They merge the observations, imagination and exaggerations of a people, revealing only fragments of history. Each one has its own unique voice and story that we can connect with on a personal level giving them an enduring beauty. They remind us of where we have been or where we want to go….Enjoy!

Bella Vici Interiors House Beautiful