Design by Benjamin Dhong, Photography by David Duncan Livingston

A while back I posted some pictures from the gorgeous portfolio of designer Benjamin Dhong.  There was one photo in particular that made me pause to study it (the one above.)  Something about it made me say, “Yes.  That’s it.”

It wasn’t necessarily the decorating - not a fan of the coffee table, or the bowl on it, or the arms on the chair.  So I had to sit back and think about what it was.  The pale watery paint colour.  The crisp white trim.  The mix of textures - linen, velvet, silk, wood, concrete.  And of course the gorgeous natural light pouring in the windows.  This is the feel I want in our house when we build it.

Which I think might be hard.  For someone who loves interior design and fabric and colour and pattern as much as me it may take an awful lot of restraint to keep things simple and light.  I still want things layered and interesting, but subtle and sophisticated.

It made me think of a post I really like from Erin at Design for Mankind called “House Rules” that she wrote before they embarked on their huge home renovation.  I decided I want to create my own “House Rules” - not necessarily a specific design plan, but rather an overall vision to keep in mind when it comes to planning, designing and decorating.

I’ll elaborate a bit more on these later.  And I may add to the list.

What would your “House Rules” be?