Modern and White.

Clients are building homes with a Mid-Century vibe and taking the 70s ranch to a whole new level of sleek and cool. I just knocked down some walls in my 1921 bungalow and made it wide open. The “open concept” kitchen, living and dining area creates great flow and ample, uncluttered spaces. More people are going with all-white walls, and while color, color, color has been kind of my trademark, I am hugely drawn to that clean white “gallery” look as of late. It evokes a feeling of simplicity and calm, allowing special furniture pieces, rugs and art to really shine.

A recent client was looking for just that aesthetic. It is a new, very modern build and I was hired to help fill the spaces with special pieces and pull it all together. I chose the perfect rug – a custom by Stark – and I designed around that. The rug was large and pattern-filled, but it was created in all neutral tones, making it the perfect grounding piece for a large white sectional and two pale grey and chrome chairs. 

With the foyer being part of this open plan, this unique built-in was designed to visually separate the entry from the main area. Accessorizing it was causing my client a little stress (as accessorizing tends to do for many). I chose large, color complimenting pieces, all with form and texture, to give it interest but very little clutter. I maximized every space, even taking advantage of the open area under the stairwell as a little sitting area to fill the void.

From main living space you also look into the dining room; a very modern space, with just a light pattern on the floor to let the gorgeous view outside stand out. I wanted to highlight all the amazing architectural features like the large windows and high ceilings, a sleek fireplace and a modern stairwell, so I chose simple pieces, a clean color palette and interesting lighting.

Tricks to keeping a modern style from looking too cold and stark

• Layer your accessories in like-colors and on a large scale; but be sure to edit!

• Tall indoor trees are nature’s art and can really bring the outdoors inside.

• Add plenty of big art.

• Most importantly, make sure you purchase the right size rug; always go bigger than you think to anchor all those floating pieces of furniture.

Beth Keim is the owner of Lucy and Company, a full-service interior design firm located at 1009 East Boulevard. For more information visit www.lucyandcompany.com or call 704-342-6655.