Houses often say just what they need; we have to listen carefully and not rush in with preconceived ideas.

The best interiors in my opinion relate to the house without being obvious or expected. To walk into a certain style of house and have the interior be just as one would imagine, is a bit boring. Seeing a little surprise inside or a fresh interpretation of a style is my favorite interior to see.

Sometimes it takes a while to figure out the best approach to a house. That is the case for me in deciding how best to design my new house. Below are some examples of interiors that accomplished what I described above.

Flamingo Estate

Studio KO designed this 1940’s California estate owned by Richard Christiansens. If you are familiar with their work, their touch is recognizable. They used some of their trademarks while retaining a California feel overall.

Moroccan tile is laid in a unique pattern for this US location.

The kitchen feels old school and functional but with a twist. A jazzy terrazzo-like floor meets a zippy wall tile. The buffet and vintage-looking fridge feel like old California. The ceiling treatment looks as if it could have been original but likely isn’t.

The bar is cool and casual like the state itself.

The wall stripes reference Yves Saint Laurent’s Villa Oasis. Studio KO designed the YSL museum in Marrakesh.

Château Voltaire

The new Parisian hotel was designed by Desselle Partners. I think they did a marvelous job of making the hotel feel French yet unexpected. Parts of it have an arts and crafts feel as if it were in California.

The dining room retains a classic French bistro feel but different.

The linen at the door, the chairs, and the silver champagne stands identify as French. The floor lamp and white painted ceiling have an American feel.

The furniture feels like a French interpretation of arts and crafts.

Without the window shutters, French doors, and plaster sconces this reception would not be obvious to Paris.

Classic French dining.

Just what does my house need.

My new house seems to be needing texture. The house was built in 1938. The walls are brick and ceilings are wooden. There is a wonderful handmade feel about the house which needs to continue with the furnishings.

As this is my last house, I am taking my time to figure out what suits it best. So far, I have changed course a few times on the inspiration board. Little has been decided so far. Many of my initial ideas have gone into the trash bin being too predicable. I dislike going into an old house to find a trendy interior. Seeing a time capsule doesn’t appeal either. I want to see an interior that is unique and specific to the house. What would be designed today if the house were newly constructed? I want to see something not seen before. The trick is using materials that don’t point to a particular time or place.

Deciding what tile to use has been stupifying. Mexican is obvious and difficult to look anything but. Moroccan is all the rage now so that is trendy and recognizable. Possibly Moroccan in an unusual size. Prior to selling my house, we had renovated a bathroom using 8″ square tiles. They were beautiful. Thick and shiny. Maybe we will use those again.

Some interesting accessories are catching my eye for continuing the handmade feel.

Not sure that my house is calling for bright pink, but these woven shades are so wonderful from Mestiz.mx.

Rrres makes these singular palm sculptures.

Interesting pots are available at Mestiz.mx as well.

And lastly these ultra-unique dishes are also from Mestiz.mx. Love the Mexican color palate.

Stay tuned to see what makes it into the new Casa V.

Casa V loves handmade items to bring warmth and uniqueness to a home.