I’ve Decided I Need a Home by the Water Surrounded by Evergreens
Recently, my family took a trip to the Pacific Northwest to hike three National Parks and visit Seattle. Our first stay was in a funny little house with too many doors in Port Angeles near Olympic National Park. It was tucked away in a corner of a tidy community with homemade signs that asked us to watch out for the family of roughly eight deer who made their home there. Surrounded by evergreens, the house was on the edge of a bluff high above the Straight of Juan de Fuca. Every morning, we would wake up, step outside and say hello to Canada as the border between our two countries runs right through the Straight.
There is no air conditioning in Washington – my only big grievance with the state – so we left the windows open in the evening. The temperatures were perfect, so AC wasn’t needed. (I mean I get why they don’t have it, but still…) We were lulled to sleep by the sound of gently crashing waves down below and awakened with an additional chorus from sea birds. It was pure delight.
Long have I wanted a second home – first world problems and privilege duly noted – but haven’t had the means or the notion of what I want. While our means haven’t changed, I at least know what I want – a home by the water surrounded by evergreens. We all know that “taking to the waters” as they used to say, has mental health benefits. It reduces stress and anxiety the likes that come with owning a small business and having children. The question for me was which type of water. This might come as a surprise to some – or maybe not depending on how long you’ve been reading Stylebook – but I don’t like the water. Actually, I take that back. I like looking at the water and being near it, I just don’t want to swim in it or ride in a boat on it. Feet firmly on land staring out at it is key to my happiness:
Our little house near Olympic National Park has inspired me to start my search for a dream second home that might just become my only home one day. It should have four bedrooms, three baths, with an open floor plan and lots of big windows. The living room, dining room, kitchen and primary bedroom should face the water and it should be tucked away surrounded by trees on the other sides. My criteria for where to put it are this – water, evergreens, less than five hours of travel time (planes, trains, and automobiles are okay), REALLY good wifi, groceries no more than 15 minutes away, quaint town with good restaurants that is a hidden gem instead of a tourist trap, and virtually natural disaster-free. If you know of something like this, please let me know ASAP!
I thought it would be fun to share how I would decorate such a house. As always, I would start with Cisco furniture (don’t forget our Upholstery sale at Red Barn Mercantile this month!) and a Dash & Albert rug (also on sale this Labor Day weekend!). Then fill in with antiques and found items galore. But for the sake of this post, I’ll fill in with some favorite pieces I have scouted.
I make no apologies for my neutrals. I love them. They are calming and peaceful. For this house the views do all the work, so I wanted to stick to my personal favorite palette of navy, black, ivory, gray and flax linen. Texture and natural materials are key here. The linen sofa, wool rugs (with a fairly bold pattern), boucle fabric for the two side chairs, lots of wood, and the ceramic table lamps all add subtlety to the space. Though the coffee table is not so subtle. In the living room, we would have two slipcovered Dahlia sofas (like the one I have at home and LOVE) instead of a sectional because we want to keep the space airy, two Griffin chairs upholstered in a sherpa-like boucle would be opposite one of the sofas. A Field Bench in washed navy linen (we have one of these in the store right now and it’s on sale!) would be across from the sofa that looks out the wall of windows. That way there is seating, but it doesn’t block the view.
Tucked in the corner would be a gorgeous deep-seated leather Acacia chair with a side table and simple apothecary task lamp in bronze. A perfect spot for reading a book or contemplating life. I love a good reading nook and absolutely insist on one.
The dining room would seat eight, for sure. I like a clean table paired with spindly chairs. It’s a good balance. The rug is almost solid, but it is laden with texture and threaded with grey, brown, and blue to speak to what is happening in the living room. Both rugs are Dash & Albert and can be bought at a standard size or custom-sized. (And both are on sale this Labor Day weekend so come in and we can help you find what you need!) I would top it off with this amazing chandelier. I like for my lighting to take up space over a table. This one does, but leaves enough negative space that it’s not overpowering. The black ceramic lights are just so cool.
Finally, just give me this kitchen by DeVol (but without the copper sink) and color me done. Black and wood with lots of texture, but clean lines. And the texture of the bricks! That would be ideal.
Again, if you know of my perfect place, please share. I’d trade a week's stay if you find me my little piece of paradise! And join us at Red Barn Mercantile for our Dash & Albert Rug Sale: August 28 - September 3. Hope to see you soon.
