I recently had the pleasure of doing a residential project that completely transformed a home in Rio Verde.

Doing a residential space is always such a joy. To see how happy the owners are after a project is a reward in and of itself.

The owner of this home in Rio Verde, Arizona is a long-time client of mine. I worked with Jenny Slingerland, of Black Ink Interiors to help transform and achieve the owners’ goal of the ‘dichotomy between light and dark, rustic and modern, past and present, old and new’.* We worked together to incorporate ‘subtle nods to the owner’s horseback riding lifestyle—and be comfortable for hosting grandchildren and guests’. *

Phoenix Home & Garden did a beautiful article about the project titled “An Interior Designer and Feng Shui Expert Bring Good Energy to a Rio Verde Home“. It was truly an honor (and a lot of fun), to work with Jenny on the project.

Feng shui is about achieving harmony between the five elements—water, metal, wood, earth, and fire.

The Dining Room

Kitchen and Great Room Photos by Phoenix Home & Garden

‘In the dining room, Slingerland decided to offset the robust shades in the dining room with metallic elements. We ‘commissioned an artist to create a textured, gold- and brass-colored ceiling using layers of paint. The home needed metal to balance the energy.

Slingerland incorporated striped curtains with metallic fibers and a dark brown, espresso table with a gold base. Custom leather captain’s chairs impart a masculine vibe, while lighter-hued dining seats add a bright note to the space. “I really love mixing wood tones,” Slingerland explains. “It changes it up a little.” ‘*

The Kitchen and Great Room

Kitchen and Great Room Photos by Phoenix Home & Garden

“In keeping with the resident’s wish to employ low-maintenance materials, Slingerland chose durable quartz countertops for the island, paired with easy-to-clean faux leather chairs. Dusky-hued cabinets complement Arizona’s bright sunshine without making the kitchen appear too dark.

“The beauty is you’re able to play with deeper, richer tones here because we have our beautiful sunlight year-round,” Slingerland explains. The adjoining great room also features bolder tones in the wood trim and ceiling beams. The designer brought lightness by adding an off-white sectional made with performance fabric outfitted in 4-inch-wide cowhide trim along the base. “Balancing the light and dark gives it a visual interest,” Slingerland says. Custom-made glass shelves let the natural light shine on cherished personal objects—including a photo of the owner with her late husband and a basket given to her by a tribal leader in Africa. “It was really important to us to make sure that the artwork and the artifacts and mementos that she had gotten from her travels around the world took center stage,” the designer recalls.”*

The Office

Photo by Phoenix Home & Garden

“The designer chose a narrow desk to maximize space in the already small office. Wall cabinets give ample storage, and French doors invite fresh air in while showcasing the courtyard and neighboring golf course. “We wanted to keep the room very simple,” Slingerland states. To bring a contemporary element in, the designer added a chandelier made of tiny pieces of cut antique mirror with a brass chain and canopy. The leather-upholstered office chair with nail-head trim incorporates the modern yet down-to-earth vibe reflected throughout the house.’*

The Master Suite

Photo by Phoenix Home & Garden

‘Slingerland describes the master suite as rustic and elegant. The custom headboard was made with faux snakeskin and textured linen so that “when you walk into the room, you see this really beautiful pattern,” Slingerland notes. “Because the ceilings are so high, we wanted to bridge that gap.”

Bedside table lamps echo the gray-blue hue found in the headboard. Star-shaped lanterns over chaise lounges by the windows create a cozy reading area and help fill the spacious bedroom. Cool colors add continuity from the bedroom to the bathroom. The gray, metallic shades in the wool silk-blend rug are also reflected in the white marble with gray veining found throughout the master bathroom. Smoky gray cabinets with brown undertones and brass fixtures warm up the bathroom and balance out the cooler notes.

The client loves the new home that incorporated Feng Shui and professional interior design.

Working with a professional designer on a residential project can be a wonderful experience. I really appreciated working with Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors.

“Overall, it’s a very elegant space,” says Slingerland, of the entire abode. “But not too serious and not too refined.”’*

I echo the sentiment: Everybody who comes into this home, within a few minutes, says, “Oh my gosh. I just love it here.” They’re so comfortable.

If you are interested in finding more about incorporating Feng Shui into a residential project for a client or your own home, contact me for more information.

May you be exceedingly, generously, and joyfully blessed,©

~Diana Garber, Feng Shui Master

*(source, Phoenix Home & Garden)

Phoenix Home and Garden