This sustainably designed home and our new arrivals both take a cue from nature
The interiors of this eco-conscious home, designed by architecture firm Lake Flato, provide a modern-meets-rustic backdrop for our latest collection.
“When you connect with the environment, and the outdoors are a part of your indoor experience, it makes for better design,” says architect Ted Flato, co-founder of the firm Lake Flato, which is known for sustainable properties. When he constructed this home on a slope in Texas Hill Country, he used the surroundings to inform its rugged-yet-relaxed look. West Elm furnished the property with our latest collection, which also looks to the landscape for inspiration.
Let the outdoors in
“When we were thinking about the environment, we were also thinking about how light would come into the home,” Flato says. “It’s built as a series of narrow terraces that slope down the hill with windows on either side, which also makes for natural ventilation that can be opened up for the breeze.” Here, clean-lined furnishings with soft curves are a welcome contrast to the rougher edges of nature, particularly when they’re cast in neutral, calming tones.
A combination of black and gray is offset by warming brown, red and ocher hues.
Cheers! Raise a glass with our in-house designed West Elm bar accessories and tools.
Work with what you’ve got
“One of the materials that’s most available to us in Texas Hill Country is limestone,” Flato says. “Having the same material run from the interior through to the exterior blurs the line between each space, and suddenly, it’s possible to wander into the landscape.” Black finishes lend warm sophistication to natural stone, while wood accents act as a middle ground.
Made in the shade
“The deep overhangs surrounding the house make a lot of sense in Texas,” Flato says. “They keep the direct sun out of the interiors, protect from the rain and allow for lots of windows.”
Inspired by nature
Flato explains, “When I was first looking at this property, I wanted to make sure that the interiors did justice to the beauty of the surrounding area.” As it turns out, when nature is the star attraction, all that’s needed are complementary wood tones, inviting textures and a palette pulled from the views.
Simple pleasures
“When a home has a limited palette, the interiors can add interest,” Flato says. “It’s as if the interiors become part of the outdoors, so it’s possible to choose items that would work in either environment.” An outdoor living room can be just as inviting as its indoor counterpart with layers of cushions, a soft area rug and a coffee table big enough for a buffet.
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