Keeping it Light and Bright

Author:

Studio Munroe designs a delightful San Anselmo home for an art teacher and collector ready for a fresh canvas.

Bohemian prints reign in the new entrance with a rug from Anthropologie and textiles by No. 9 Thompson. Photos by Thomas Kuoh.
A pair of leather stools from Serena & Lily and a sofa from Restoration Hardware sit atop a colorful rug from Lulu and Georgia. Photos by Thomas Kuoh.

Nestled in the Marin hills amongst beautiful redwoods, this charming 2,000 square foot home was in need of a modern makeover. The client, an art teacher and avid collector desired a better flow and cleaner backdrop for her art. “The overall goal for this project was design a home that worked in harmony with the existing art throughout, both highlighting each piece and allowing them to serve as a backdrop,” says Studio Munroe founder Emilie Munroe.

A pop of yellow shines from stools by From the Source. Photos by Thomas Kuoh.
New white cabinets and subway tiles were installed in the open kitchen.
Photos by Thomas Kuoh.

The team began by creating a brand new entry with stylish storage built in then tackled overhauls of the kitchen and baths. Tile, vanities, custom shelving and appliances were installed, making it feel like a brand new home. “We enhanced the home with an open plan layout, layers of textiles in various patterns and weaves, and the use of wood accents in the architectural detailing,” Munroe notes.

A table from Anthropologie sits below a pendant from Stray Dog Designs.
Photos by Thomas Kuoh.

“Every space has a clean backdrop of white with a mix of materials, colors and patterns on top to create a modern bohemian feeling that embodies the warm, creative vibe of the family,” says Munroe. While the central palette is white, natural fiber rugs and pops of brightly colored, patterned textiles create an eclectic, well-traveled vibe in each room.

Drapes made of fabric from Elitis add bold color in the master bedroom.
Photos by Thomas Kuoh.
Even the guest bathroom serves as a gallery to the client’s art. Photos by Thomas Kuoh.

Like the art, Munroe used the client’s existing rugs to complement the vibrant art on the walls. “On installation day, it was incredible to see how the colors and textures of the art and rugs complemented and enhanced each other,” says Munroe. “It was so fun to see the clients’ faces when they discovered many of their existing items had a new life and visibility in the home.”