For today’s home tour, I’m heading across the Atlantic to the US state of Idaho and the beautiful house of stylist and photographer Willow Maurice.
I’ve been following Willow on Instagram for a couple of years now and I’ve always been inspired by the airy, minimalist style of her home, which she shares with her husband and four children. I was even more impressed once I discovered that it’s a rental, and that she’s managed to create a space that showcases her tastes and personality despite the constraints imposed. She also shares my love of timeless Scandinavian design, and my belief that considered interiors can have a hugely positive impact on our wellbeing and lifestyle. Keen to find out more, I chatted to her about her approach to design and her top tips, plus her plans to self-build a dream family home…
Hi Willow! Please could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and what you do?
“I’m a 42-year-old stay-at-home mom of four amazing kids. We have two boys and two girls, whose ages range from two to nine. I know it’s a cliché, but it truly is the most rewarding and difficult job in the world – I wouldn’t change it for a thing!”
Where’s home, and how long have you lived there?
“We currently rent a four-bedroom home outside of the city of Boise, Idaho. We’re originally from Seattle, Washington, and moved to Boise approximately six years ago. Our Idaho community is small, and the surrounding homes are built on farmland, which I love. There’s plenty of space around us, and we’re able to experience the four seasons with our lovely friends and family.”
Have you made any changes to the house?
“Because we rent, opportunities for renovations are limited. That said, I have ALWAYS made changes to our homes – I somehow can’t help myself! In the past, I’ve painted walls, put up wallpaper and replaced every single ceiling pendant – very easy changes, yet they make a dramatic impact. In particular, I can’t have bad lighting. Even if I know that I will only be living in a space for a short period of time, any poor lighting has to be replaced. My husband is quite used to it by now!
“In our current home, we’ve built a floating desk/table against one wall and continued it along the adjoining wall. It’s quite long and amazing, if I do say so myself! The aim was to find a way for three people to do their work/homework without crowding each other or taking over the floor. Building the desk means we each have our own area and there’s still plenty of space to walk around the room.
“We’re now about to start our biggest project to date – building our own modern home. We hope to break ground in two months, and I literally can’t wait. I’ve already designed everything in my head, and our family is thrilled to have this amazing opportunity.”
Willow built the floating desk in her current home, creating space for several members of the family to work at the same time.
How would you describe your interiors style?
“I have a very European style. More specifically, my style is modern Scandinavian, with clean, open spaces and beautiful architectural lines. Natural light is extremely important to me. I can usually change anything else in a home – painting walls, changing fixtures, even remodelling kitchens – but if the natural light isn’t there, then nothing will replicate it.
“My aesthetic and general belief when it comes to interior design is that less is ALWAYS more. I love colour, but always in a muted and calming tone. As a busy mom, I’m constantly on the go, so being able to come home to a welcoming and minimal space is really important to me.”
Where do you find inspiration for your home?
“I’m astounded by the talent of the interior stylists, designers and photographers that I can access with the click of a button. It’s amazing that I can (indirectly) be a part of their lives and incredible work through social media, and I’m inspired every day by the gorgeous pictures I see on Pinterest, Instagram and design blogs. I adore the work of Elisabeth Heier, Katerina Dima and of course Abi Dare [Awww, thanks Willow!].
“I’m also inspired by nature. The colours, shapes and overall beauty give me ideas, and even translate to the creative process of styling indoors, if that makes sense. When I drive my kids to school, I always want to stop and take a picture of something I see along the way. It usually doesn’t happen due to time constraints, but I’m constantly inspired by the outdoors.”
Willow takes a lot of inspiration from the great outdoors, and the colours, textures and shapes found in nature feature throughout her home.
What’s your favourite part of your home and why?
“The master bedroom. I find it interesting that for many people it’s the last place in the home to be designed, and it often becomes the catch-all for leftover household items… Like a garage, perhaps. But I always style my bedroom right away. It’s my oasis, and I love the calm, open and airy feel of the bedroom in our current house. I keep it painted in neutral tones, with white crinkly linens on the bed (although I might go darker during the winter months). There’s also a window near the bed, which lets in such amazing natural light. I open the shades in the summer and let the morning breeze blow in – it’s wonderful! What’s more, my kids love to sit on the bed to watch movies or read books, and my husband and I truly appreciate watching their little faces and having conversations with them. It’s a blessing. It’s the important things in life. And the bedroom seems to be where it all transpires.”
What’s your favourite piece of furniture and why?
“I vacillate between so many things. One day, my favourite piece might be my &Tradition marble table lamp; the next day, it’s perhaps my Fredericia ‘Acme’ chairs. I love so many things! If I’m truly honest, though, the item I use the most in my stylings is my pedestal stand from Pedestal Source. It’s so functional and effortlessly chic. I’ve used it to display my favourite pottery, to hold a vase of spring blooms and as a side table for my sofa. It’s so versatile.
“What matters to me most, perhaps, is the sustainability of my pieces. I want them to be well made and timeless. Just as in fashion, trends come and go, but if I own a piece that will withstand the test of time, then I feel as if I’ve struck gold in the interior-design world.”
Willow’s favourite space is the master bedroom – a soothing sanctuary in breezy white. Among her favourite items are her &Tradition lamp, ‘Acme’ chairs and pedestal stand, which she moves around the house to showcase pottery, sculptures and vases.
Where do you like to source items for your home – any favourite brands or shops?
“Most of my items come from European shops that deliver to the USA. I can’t get my hands on everything, because lots of companies are still working on shipping to America. Currently, most of my items come from Danish Design Store, Finnish Design Shop and Royal Design. I also love the timeless pieces of Fritz Hansen and Fredericia, the warm minimalism of Menu and Ferm Living, and the lighting of Gubi, Pholc and Louis Paulsen.
“I truly love finding small business owners too, and the hard work and energy that they put into their products make them all the more special. Ceramics from artists such as Tracy Dixon and Yoon Young Hur, furniture from Kristina Dam, sculptures from incredible artist Kristiina Haataja… I could go on and on! There’s so much talent out there. It’s mind-boggling!”
Can you tell us more about the plans for your new home…?
“It’s our dream home. It will sit on 25 acres of farmland and has already been completely designed (down to the nails) by our incredible architect. We were fortunate to find an architect who understood our vision and was able to put it all together. Think expansive windows, 25-foot ceilings, clean lines, wide-plank Douglas fir floors, muted tones, minimalist and functional furniture and so forth… It’s been a long time in the making, and I can’t wait to be able to share it with my lovely readers!”
Willow’s understated, calming style is carried across her home – even in the children’s spaces, which are minimalist yet playful. She’s also applied her ‘less-is-more’ approach to a beautiful grey guest bedroom, designed for her mother.
Finally, what’s your top interior-design tip?
“Don’t feel as if you have to fill every blank space with something. I usually style a space, step back from it, look at it and then remove a few items. That simple gesture speaks volumes, and it makes a tremendous impact on the overall look and feel of your home. It also helps you highlight what you want to highlight, whether it be a beautiful print or a sculpture or something else. If there’s too much around it then the item in question won’t pop, so keep it simple. I also want to add how important it is to practice, practice, practice. It’s SO much fun to see the progress of my work over the years. And it’s the same for everyone – you aren’t going to get better unless you try and try again. I hope I’m ‘practicing’ my craft forever.”
Thanks Willow!
See more of Willow’s beautiful home – and follow the progress of her new build – on her Instagram feed and website.
All photography by Willow Maurice
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