27 June, 2018

Connecting to the Water- According to LiLu

LiLu Interiors Waterside Design
Some of the best built environments are better because they connect with nature. Some people are desert people, some are mountain people and some are water people. The list is as endless and varied as the beauty in nature. This week LuAnne and I are privileged to be on the Big Island of Hawaii doing a final install on a home that has been 3 years in the making. This home is a prime example of being connected with nature. The home’s siting and windows allow you to feel connected to the ocean from every room.
Water holds a very special place in the human experience. Our planet is 70 % covered by water. People since the dawn of history have assigned healing and transformational properties to water. From Ancient Greece to our modern culture, people have sought out spas and baths as places of relaxation and healing. We seek out oceanside and lakeside vacations as places in our modern busy lives to relax and restore our sense of calm and creativity.
A home on the water is a special place and living beside a lake, river or ocean holds a universal value. From the Mighty Mississippi and our beautiful Minnesota lakes to the Atlantic Ocean (see Monday’s blog post) to the gorgeous Pacific, LiLu has been privileged to work on many homes with a water connection. Over time we have learned some key things that you should consider when designing a waterside home.
The view’s the thing
When planning a room waterside, remember the view is the thing. While we still want to converse with loved ones, watch a movie and entertain, the view is why your home is on the water. Include plenty of spots to sit and reflect while looking at the ocean or the lake. Swivel chairs, day beds and recamiers are perfect pieces to work into a conversation area. They allow you to be part of the conversation and enjoy the view.
Create secondary focal points
When you are selecting art, designing built-ins and composing the interior space of a home on the water, the interior focal points will be secondary to the view. Carefully consider how they support the enjoyment of the view and frame it well. When darkness falls these supporting players become the star of the interior space so each must be selected and considered for both what it does in the day and at night.
Design a complementary color scheme
Since the raw beauty of nature is nothing to compete with, consider using the view to inform your color palette. Neutrals with blues and soft greens work well in a home that is beside the water. If your landscape is punctuated by bright pops of flowers, these colors will also work well as accent colors in your interiors.
 
 
 
LiLu Interiors Waterside Design
 
LiLu Interiors Waterside Design
 
LiLu Interiors Waterside Design
 
LiLu Interiors Waterside Design
LiLu Interiors Waterside Design
LiLu Interiors Waterside Design
LiLu Interiors Waterside Design