A Fresh Take on Nature
There is an airy, crisp energy infusing this Contemporary California Cottage style home with Craftsman overtones. The home is snuggled into the deeply forested Woodside neighborhood in the bay area of northern California. There is a confident and balanced use of vibrant tones of primary colors from the clients' preferred palette that evoke the natural setting. Blues summon the sky and water. Greens of the trees hug each room through the windows - it almost feels as though the leaves are stirring. The rug in the living room is a deep green "eyelash" weave from Marc Phillips Rugs. The fabrics used in this home are all very textured and lush.
Thoughtful moments of berry toned red and sunny ochre lend spirit. The modern and liberal use of whites on the walls, the chenille on the sofa (don't worry, it is stain resistant fabric) and the soothing linen draperies call up the air and clouds, and amplify the bright light streaming in through plentiful windows.
Warm wood tones of cabinetry, millwork, classic furniture pieces, floors, ceilings, and use of saddle leather for the kitchen barstools, living room bench and dining room chairs anchor the rooms to the earth, and, importantly, keep the colors from overpowering the spaces. The art over the fireplace is a grand specimen of petrified wood. Finally, touches of black in the custom steel fireplace surround (designed by Corinne and her steel craftsman Henry Means), the architectural, orderly steel railings, the strong charcoal stove vent hood, lighting fixtures and hardware perfectly punctuate this fresh home.
The clients love to hike and ski and mountain bike. All the artwork was chosen to remind them of the activities and places they love. Peter Loftus, Seaworld Art: 40" x 60"Oil on Canvas (dining room). The leather dining chairs are from Sloan Miyasoto and the incredible lush and watery rug is from Tufenkian. Note that the lighting fixtures (chandelier, kitchen pendants) do not demand attention, instead they allow light to pass through and gently flatter the spaces. This wonderful home feels cool in spring and summer, yet warm and cozy in the fall and winter; and it is neither too formal nor is it too casual or in any way sloppy. It is perfectly livable.
The area rugs in the study and loft media room are also from Tufenkian. The vibrancy of the rug keeps the study lively, along with the fun starburst light fixture. The Eames lounge chair is very happy to be with the light fixture and while both are very mid-century, they are classic and completely at home in this cozy enclave.
All of the outdoor furniture was upholstered in the same blue as the pool's water. The home was built by Peninsula Architecture in Menlo Park, California. It has a guest house, a gym, a wonderful garden and the relaxing pool area. Corinne's take: "It feels as though it could have been built in the forties, but so much better with the best of this time period, too. It is rich and dynamic, yet fresh and fun." Corinne and her associates at Brown Design Group were happy to be able to complete this home through Covid times, and finished just as restrictions were being lifted this past summer.