We've all heard of the five Rs of sustainability: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle; and that we should shop local. But have you thought about it in terms of architecture? Here is an example of a couple who instead of constructing new (Refuse) bought a pre-used Mid-Century style home (Reuse), and reused, repurposed, recycled, and bought local a lot of their found decorative objects.
The pops of color juxtaposing the warm dark wood tones of the interior decor of this 2,600 square feet Mid-Century home in the Berkeley Hills of California are so fun.
The combination of Mid-Century Modern and Arts & Crafts with contemporary accents, gives the home a warm yet modern playful feel. It took the owners seven years of living in the 1947-built northern California modernist house to get a feel for the awkwardly divided spaces. But after a few attempts, an interior design as intimate and progressive as the architecture of the house itself emerged.
Their strategy was for the house to be the art, and the things inside to be the home that reflects their style within that of the structure. The couple made this happen by mixing vintage pieces with modern basics and local wares.
The house exhibits a collection of designer furniture, mostly from estate sales in the Bay Area, as well as one-of-a-kind local hand-made details.
The owners share with me a spirit of discovery. Creating the look, not buying it ready-made from an interior designer, catalog, or showroom. Through the process, they have created a unique playful vibe that enhances and respects the craftsmanship and design of their home.
