We are back after a bit of a blog hiatus. We were saving this project reveal to coincide with the launch of the new Mackenzie & Co. website. How do you like the new look and feel? We’re so excited about it, so explore and click around a bit. You’ll see a fun new shop feature, perfect if you’re looking for new home décor pieces on your own, plus more comprehensive looks into our most recent projects in our portfolio section.
But let’s talk about this beautiful space we recently finished on Cape Cod. The house started out the way many homes do—with new construction and builder-grade spec finishes. Our client needed help putting her own personal stamp on each room and giving it a more custom feel. An open floor plan including the entryway, living room, dining room, and kitchen, made finding a cohesive look and feel for the space even more paramount.
We started by changing the wall color, one of the easiest swaps to make in any space, but here the color had to work even harder because it needed to complement so many different areas. We chose one of our favorites, Calm by Benjamin Moore, a sophisticated off-white. It's a versatile white paint, which plays well with any color you want to add into the décor.
The inspiration for the design was less bright coastal and beachy, so we took our inspiration from the surrounding marshes and ponds instead which resulted in a moodier palette. We embraced an organic, earthy feel with bold black accents and lots of clean lines. The light fixtures in the kitchen got an upgrade, adding drama and pairing better with the existing dining room chandelier that the homeowner wanted integrated into the design plans.
Since the dining room offered minimal space for furniture, we made the most of the space we did have. We chose modern, uniform wishbone-style dining chairs that helped triangulate the black accent color throughout the room. Paired with the wood tone dining table, it feels relaxed enough for nightly dinners but fancy enough to entertain. The oversized black and white coastal photography provided a nice focal point, a nod to the area without feeling too on the nose.
The main living room area needed enough furniture for large gatherings without feeling cramped once company left. Keeping the upholstered sofa and chairs light and bright helped the room feel airy and open. We focused on using natural materials in muted tones but incorporated lots of texture, blending wools, linen velvet, and even a bit of leather to create a layered and visually interesting space. An extra bench is an additional décor detail, but can be pulled closer to the coffee table to act as extra seating when needed.
With a little thought, a more cohesive color scheme, and lots of added texture, this new home now has a sense of place, history, and comfort.