A Clean Slate

Written by Brenda Thompson | Design by HouseLift Design | photography by The Heims

Whether found in a home or workspace, calming neutral colors create a place of peace where creativity can flow, which is especially crucial for creatives like artists and designers. Often, an artist tends to create spaces that are busy and colorful, much like their active, bright mind. However, creatives may find themselves better served by natural, neutral elements that inspire abstract thinking by removing visual boundaries and distractions. White walls and light-colored furnishings expand the perceived space, in turn stimulating creative thinking.

When we first entered this artist’s home, we were struck by the use of color. Although playful, the scheme was outdated. Our client knew she needed something fresh and was ready for a change. When we suggested going neutral, she readily accepted the change and was prepared to see her home transformed.

KITCHEN

This artist’s colorful kitchen got a fresh new look with just a few coats of paint. We painted the cabinets in Sherwin-Williams Anew Gray and the walls in Benjamin Moore Mayonnaise. We stained the island butcher block countertops in a dark color to contrast with the wood floors, also restained in a more neutral wood tone. The island cabinet color flowed well with the neutral color scheme, so we chose to keep the pop of blue. The light, neutral colors of the cabinets and walls contrast beautifully with the dark wood tones. Now the light flows in through the kitchen window and illuminates the cabinetry with a soft glow. The kitchen is an inspiring space that feels bright, peaceful, and relaxing.

BEFORE

AFTER

FAMILY ROOM

The family room was beyond colorful, sporting yellow walls and busy fabrics. We painted the walls in Benjamin Moore Mayonnaise and the trim and built-ins in Sherwin-Williams Anew Gray. We incorporated light, neutral fabrics and contrasting wood and iron accents. The cool blues flow throughout the room from the custom rug to the small details in the accessories. The white walls and fabrics reflect the limited natural light available in this room which also recedes into the background, eliminating visual boundaries. This newly refined palette allows for more mental space for abstract thinking: perfect for the creative mind.

BEFORE

AFTER

MASTER BEDROOM

Before, the master bedroom felt outdated with green grasscloth wallpaper, floral window treatments, and old carpet. We painted the walls and trim in Benjamin Moore White Dove and installed a new, lighter carpet. But the showstopper in this room is the wood ceiling. The pine wood in a dark stain creates a gorgeous focal piece that draws the eye immediately upon entering the room. The white walls and lightcolored carpet contrast dramatically with the rustic ceiling, which creates a cozy, encapsulating effect. We installed a new, modern fan to blend in with the ceiling. The custom bed with custom grand sham creates a statement that’s simple, yet beautiful. We also created a relaxing sitting area with custom leather recliners that face a dresser finished in the same wood tone as the ceiling. All of the neutrals and wood tones in this bedroom make the room feel cozy and fresh. Simple accessories keep the room feeling uncluttered. It’s the perfect retreat for a creative mind that needs to wind down.

BEFORE

AFTER

GUEST BEDROOM

My artsy client decided to transform her kid’s former bedroom into a guest room. So, the mustard yellow walls got a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore White Dove to flow with the rest of the upstairs. An old wooden bed received new life with a few coats of Benjamin Moore Navy Masterpiece, also painted on the walls in the adjoining bathroom. The bed’s custom bedding adds dimension and texture with a warm, welcoming feel. Floating walnut wood shelves were installed to allow use of the unique wall inset. The area rug, with its thick, luxurious pile, visually grounds the bed in the center of the room. We accessorized the nightstands and shelves with unique pieces that add character. Every detail was planned out to tie the space together with color, texture, and personality.

BEFORE

AFTER

These spaces were so much fun to do. My client was easy to work with and also open-minded. As a designer, clients like that make life so much easier! Now the artist has space to breathe, dream, and create.