Coming home a sigh is released, a bag is set down, and shoes are kicked off. Who doesn't feel a sense of relief upon coming home? Yet that sense of calm can be further enhanced in a home that is artfully designed, blending elements of contemporary style that is also tailored to your lifestyle . Alyssa Warring, owner of Wren House Design, understands this response, the sacred space of home. So much goes on in the planning, the careful calculations of light, the psychological effects of color, even the height of a shelf . A designer, like Alyssa, takes no detail for granted.
For the home we toured, nicknamed the James Bond Build, the brief was to build around family and fun. While the clients were already working with an architect on their new build, they brought in Alyssa to tweak the design as needed and bring a cohesive vision to the interior. The one story home with high ceilings and big windows that let in plenty of light, also needed touches of warmth and functionality that did not sacrifice style.
Alyssa therefore put together white oak cabinets with satin brass fixtures and a quartzite countertop with streaks of warmer tones that tied in with the cabinetry. She also created more interest by using coffered or tray ceilings and even wood beams in certain rooms. The open plan kitchen with a butler's pantry and prep kitchen is ideal for big family feasts. The kitchen flows to the living room and large dining room for big gatherings, a true central hub of the house.
A native of Arizona, Alyssa marries the current trends with desert living. She always takes in what the client wants, but brings her knowledge and experience of design and construction to make their dreams reality. Alyssa considers everything from the position and flow of the rooms to something as small as where to place the outlets. After nine years of working in interior design in both commercial and residential buildings, Alyssa has seen pretty much everything. Her job requires not only selecting paints and light fixtures, but also people skills, moving projects along, and staying on schedule.
Her job is quite the juggling act and can definitely hit speed bumps and challenges along the way. Nevertheless, Alyssa says her favorite part is 'seeing it come together and getting to walk the space.' Moving through the house she helped design, it is easy to feel homey and at ease despite the large rooms. The natural wood tones are balanced with simple white, along with eye catching chandeliers, and backsplashes that add a touch of sparkle and luxury. Yet without Alyssa's expert eye, the space could have easily felt empty and cold.
A project like this one is why a designer like Alyssa cuts through the dizzying amount of choice in showrooms and design magazines. In fact, what might seem overwhelming to some, Alyssa says is 'fun deciding the shape and flow of the house and giving the client what they want is like a puzzle.' At the same time she says it is important for the client to stay 'connected to the project'. She provides a portal system to help her clients stay on track. Therefore, the planning process can be as organized as possible, resulting in a home you can truly love.
www.wrenhousedesigns.com
Alyssa says her favorite part is 'seeing it come together and getting to walk the space.'