In our book, nature-inspired design is always a good idea. But our clients’ newly constructed modern farmhouse in Arlington, which backs onto woods, practically mandated an organic approach. The casual-dining area off the kitchen and the family room, in particular, pay homage to the home’s parkland setting.
Celebrating the Natural World
Our repeat clients purchased the house while it was under construction and enlisted A. Houck Designs to help with selections and then outfit the spaces. We revealed the living-room and dining-room design for our repeat clients a while ago. Now we’re turning to the family room, kitchen and casual-dining zone that form an L shape in the rear of the house — and boast the best woodsy views. This will give you the lay of the land (the breakfast area extends off the kitchen but is not shown here):
Right from the get-go, we envisioned a Natural World theme for these spaces and sought to celebrate the home’s surroundings through our material, furniture and art selections. The homeowners were on board! Here’s a peek at our initial presentation for the family room:
Organic Family Room Design
Our clients, who have one teenager still at home, enjoy hosting family and friends. They wanted comfortable yet polished spaces for frequent entertaining. The centerpiece of the transitional-style family room is a sectional sofa from Hickory Chair, which we covered in durable, marine-colored velvet from Fabricut.
The bespoke live-edge console behind the sofa and spalted-maple cocktail table, both the handiwork of Michael James Furniture, bring the outdoors in. Geode drink tables, placed at both ends, enhance the organic vibe.
Given the family room’s generous stretches of glass, the ability to control sunlight was key. The window treatments combine motorized Roman shades with stationary panels, both crafted in Romo fabrics. Don’t miss the cork wallcovering, also from Romo, that lends natural texture to the space’s tray ceiling.
The family’s cat enjoys some sun atop one of two swivel chairs from Hickory Chair; a performance fabric from Link dresses the chairs.
Even the artwork throughout the home supports the Natural World theme. In the transition space between the open family room and kitchen hangs a beautiful landscape that finishes the look.
The double-island kitchen is a chef’s delight. Four hand-crafted glass pendants from Hammerton Forge hover over each island. Swivel stools from Hickory Chair, clad in a performance fabric from Cowtan & Tout, line one island.
The casual-dining area flows off the kitchen to the right. Tall windows and glass doors usher in the outdoor splendor. A wallcovering and matching window panels in Romo’s Inaya pattern mirror the natural scenery outside. The space feels like a treehouse!
In the breakfast nook, two armchairs from Decca Home’s Bolier Collection and six fan-back chairs from Century Furniture encircle a mocha-stained table, also from Decca Home. Roman shades from Presidio Classics further control sunlight.
Nature-Inspired Powder Room
We even carried the Natural World theme into the main-floor powder room and wrapped the walls in a textured abaca paper from Omexco’s Borneo Collection.
We found the cherry-blossom print among the owners’ collection and knew it would be perfect on the powder-room wall. We love finding just the right spots for our clients’ favorite pieces.
As Seen in Home & Design!
Designing these spaces for our treasured, long-time clients was an honor. So we are thrilled to see them, as well as other spaces in the home, beautifully featured in the Late Spring 2024 issue of Home & Design. Follow the link to learn more about this nature-inspired design.
We hope you can take time to enjoy the great outdoors during this balmy season.
Inspired by the natural beauty of this Arlington home? Let us help you create a nature-inspired sanctuary of your own. Explore our interior design services and discover how we can seamlessly blend the outdoors with your indoor living spaces.
Before and After: Transitional Kitchen Transformation
