True Colors

A Seattle renovation adds color and modern overtones to this transitional farmhouse.

The addition flows into the original home with flooring that matches the existing wood and furniture that brings the rooms together.

"We were towing the line between something that was more traditional and something that felt a little more contemporary.”

Color can do so much to add personality to a home. For this Seattle renovation, the main goal was to open the layout of the family spaces, but then it became more dynamic with splashes of bold color. “We knew from the beginning that color would play a big part in the project,” says Kimberlee Gorsline, founder and lead designer of Kimberlee Marie Interiors. In this project, she found the ideal balance of color and light in the home.

COLORFUL FOUNDATIONS

“Something that our firm is known for is our love and use of color,” Kimberlee says. She chose to paint the cabinets in blues and greens, giving this traditional farmhouse modern overtones. The resulting transitional farmhouse style uses texture in wallpaper, rugs and chairs to balance with the stronger colors.

" We knew from the beginning that color would play a big part in the project.”

Brass accent lights above the sink are playful and fun, mixing metallics in the room. The family-friendly, durable barstools add texture and a modern flair, which work well with the modern farmhouse lighting. Designer Kimberlee Gorsline of Kimberlee Marie Interiors says this style is “a little unexpected, a little different.”

The home’s original elements combine with new features, further mixing traditional and modern farmhouse styles. The original mantel is flanked with existing built-in shelves, while the custom furnishings are all new. “It’s a fun mixing of old and new, keeping with the original charm and character of the home,” Kimberlee says.

(above, left) In the entryway, this mudroom bench, baskets and a double row of hooks make a perfect spot for the family to unload coats and shoes. (above, right) In the dining room, Kimberlee added a Mid Century Modern-inspired console, which balances the rustic and modern elements of the home’s farmhouse design, while adding extra storage to the dining room. Metallic legs bring an unexpected finish below the warm wood.