Texture and Contrast
Designer Michael Lee is known for his use of neutral palettes and natural, textural elements in the homes he designs. The influence of sea and sandy coast are reflected in the interiors of the Malibu, California-based designer.
Neutral tones have been skillfully layered to create richness and variety in a light-filled bedroom composed of black, white, gray, and tan. A restrained smattering of pattern enlivens the room’s composition.
An antique rug is layered over a sea grass rug. Black and dark gray are sharply contrasted against an airy all white background.
Pillow possibilities:
For boldly patterned black and white accent pillows, I found these three:
Left to right: Fauna hand-embroidered pillow in cream/black, from Judy Ross. Moroccan Pillow – Black, from Wisteria. Bukhara Pillow – Black & Cream, from Z Gallerie.
Natural fiber rugs
Natural fiber rugs and texture and casualness to a room. They’re typically found in jute, sisal, seagrass and other grasses, and abaca. A variety of textures can be found. Georgia-based designer Nancy Braithwaite, known for her room designs in neutral palettes, prefers abaca and raffia for their heavier and coarser texture.
Here are a few sources for natural fiber rugs:
The Himalia Mountain Grass rug from Natural Area Rugs is shown below. The company has rugs in sisal, seagrass and mountain grass, jute, and bamboo.
Pottery Barn has rugs in jute, sisal, and seagrass. This is the Two Tone Large Diamond Jute Rug:
Williams-Sonoma has rugs in abaca, sisal, and seagrass. This is the Abaca Rug, Dark:
Merida is also a manufacturer of natural fiber rugs in abaca, grass, jute, and sisal. See site for stores that carry Merida.
Calm and Composed
Neutral palettes create calm room environments. Michael Lee has created a carefully composed room with a relaxed and inviting air.
The room image is from Coastal Living.
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