micheleplachterdesign

I’m an East Coast gal through and through, but I must say that something about California design (and the gorgeous weather) really speaks to me. I’ve always loved the mix of a clean modern look with some rustic elements to keep a room warm and grounded. It’s a look that can be referred to as Modern Farmhouse or even Urban Farmhouse. I don’t like going too country per se, but I love a look of a lived in and warm space. Here’s some great examples:

This was one of the inspiring spaces I saw on my recent trip to Napa and Sonoma. It’s the tasting room at Ramsgate winery. Fantabulous! Not only is the juxtaposition between the modern chandelier and the hanging tapestry perfect, but the wine was delicious too! Remember, lighting is the jewelry in the room.  I like to remind my clients that lighting is one of the first things people notice when they walk into a space. Try not to skimp on this aspect of a room.

Rustic meets contemporary. Hello gorgeous! Notice how the large mirror expands the entire space.  This is a great trick to use in a smaller bathroom too.

This is a picture of a room with farmhouse modern decor using color. Unlike the more muted approach to this look, a splash of turquoise really adds vitality to the room. It’s important to mix textures and colors in a room to avoid a matchy-matchy look.  Drape a throw on a chair that doesn’t necessarily match – Note the plaid on the turquoise chair.  It’s a smart but lived in room.

Finally, I’m a sucker for vintage looking light fixtures. I love mid-century and rustic lighting in a modern space. How cool is this chandelier? Picture this over a contemporary dining table or in a room with gobs of modern art. I think it’s fantastic! Pssst…and it’s available for purchase through Michele Plachter Design.

I envisioned a very fun, fresh and airy working space that inspires creativity, productivity and a sense of comfort. We used earth tones to bring an element of the beautiful landscape indoors, and combined them with pops of color and modern design.

I love to combine antique, one-of-a-kind pieces with a modern touch using this Lamb Mongolian pillow. Layering neutral tones and textures can create the same pop without the use of color.

Organization need not be drab! We made this office totally fun and functional by using boxes covered in vintage fabrics, courtesy of Boxy Boxes.

These Dunes and Duchess sconces were my inspiration for the entire project. I discovered them at the New York Gift Show and the company was generous enough to consign them to me for the Show house. Its a pop of the unexpected – just my style.

I also want to send out a huge thank you to Andrea Cipriani Mecchi (www.ciprianiphoto.com) who took all of the photographs for my show house and my portfolio, as well as the beautiful botanical photographs on canvas featured here.  Andrea see’s my work and takes it to a new level with her keen eye.  Thanks, Andrea!