Since moving to the Pacific Northwest, I have fully embraced all the colors of my natural surroundings. Would you guess the color green has become my new favorite neutral? I use “neutral” to describe green, because it has a very strong presence when describing the environment in the PNW. From the moss covered rocks, to the hanging moss draped on the trees, to the enormous evergreen trees that make the most beautiful oceanic sounds even in a gentle breeze. There is not a shortage of the many shades of green; even when you look out most windows here you’ll see a sea of green.
Embracing the environment also means embracing the atmosphere. Between the snow capped mountains and chilly waters of the Puget Sound, there is nothing cozier than a warm fire on a winter’s night. Given that we live in a maritime climate, you also have those grey days just like any coastal town. That marine layer throughout a lot of the colder months lends itself to wanting to settle in for the night by flame.
Thanks to my handy husband, he helped bring my fireplace design to life. What once was a bare white bedroom, has now turned into a moody primary suite outfitted with an electric fireplace that does not have to put out heat if we do not want it to. Sometimes reading a book in bed, or catching up on emails can be accomplished with a little ambiance now. Dressed in a black marble porcelain tile, the fireplace showcases a batten design topped with an egg and dart moulding. The reclaimed beam mantle adds warmth and makes the new design feel more authentic and grounded.
The color washed walls from floor to ceiling are a moody green by Sherwin Williams: Rocky River. Painting the doors and moldings, and all the trim including the baseboards and the window sills we added elongates the walls and makes the ceiling appear higher. We may add beams to the ceiling in the future, but our next project will be to rip out the builder’s carpet and lay down a light toned wood flooring similar to our flooring throughout the main floor of the house.
The eclectic design in our primary suite reflects my love for colonial classics from block prints, brass fixtures and details, to natural linen textiles. Mixing these classical elements with modern touches gives the space design longevity. If you invest in a few antiques to really give your space some character, you’ve created heirloom pieces that could possibly be worth a lot more money someday than the big box store pieces.
