Traditional Scandinavia

The Scandinavia countries hold a very special place in my heart; after all, I spent a semester abroad in Sweden during college.  Much to my surprise I have been awarded a new job to work with a couple that is ready to make major renovations on their home in a historic Greensboro, NC neighborhood.

John and Susan Carlyle love Scandinavian design and aesthetic of the minimal elements.  The popularity of Scandinavian design roared in the 1930’s with the leading Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, & Sweden.

Oslo, Norway in 2010

The Carlyle’s are expecting their first child in the fall and have two canine dogs.  It is very important to them that their home is welcoming to children and animals.  The scope of this project is large to not only create their design aesthetic for a growing family, but also to accommodate and make the home accessible for “aging in place.”  The additions to the home will be a Bedroom, Garage, Laundry Room, & Master Bedroom Suite.  The main living areas (Kitchen, Dining, and Living Room) will need to be renovated to accommodate accessibility.

We are in the beginning stages of the design process and have prioritized their wish list for the home. The Carlyle’s would love to use clean and simplistic lines throughout the home.  We will incorporate several traditional pieces of family heirlooms into the design, the feeling of warmth using beams on the Family Room ceiling, light hardwood floors throughout the home, and white walls.  Natural materials and textiles will be used with shades of light blue and then pops of orange or yellow in the accents.  Below is a mood board that I have presented to The Carlyle’s as inspiration for their home.

I’ve already taken the plunge and I am so excited to go on this venture with this lovely couple. This will certainly be an exciting and busy summer, as we work on a tight timeline to complete all additions and renovations by the fall.

Hope you will join me on this project to enhance your design knowledge of the beautiful Scandinavia countries!