Step Inside This Family's North Carolina Cottage That Masters the Art of Color
This North Carolina mountain cottage is a testament to the power of color and whimsy in interior design. The Brooks family's home, affectionately dubbed 'silly goose style', showcases a unique color palette and a playful approach to decor. Elizabeth and Alex Brooks, along with their sons Felix and Ansel, have transformed their 1990s bungalow into a vibrant and cohesive space.
The couple's journey began with a simple request from Felix, who loved the poppy hues in his and his brother's bedrooms. Elizabeth and Alex started small, adding subtle, muddy colors and wood tones to create a balanced and fun atmosphere. They carefully curated a six-color paint palette, using Canva to experiment and order swatches until they found the perfect shades. This approach not only made the design process more manageable but also saved them money.
One of the key lessons from the Brooks family's home is the importance of starting small when adding color. Elizabeth and Alex suggest introducing playful accents, such as striped mustard yellow pillows or painted picture frames, as a low-barrier entry into the world of colorful interiors. They emphasize that layering colors gradually allows for a space to evolve and feel exactly right.
The dining room is a prime example of their approach. Wood elements, original beams, and a few pieces of furniture ground the space, while spirited colors and whimsical touches add personality. Elizabeth's repurposing and repainting skills are evident in the lightened walls and the use of Templeton Pink for details.
In the living room, Alex's creativity shines through with a custom TV frame and a lively gallery wall. The kitchen renovation, designed with the family's needs in mind, features a breakfast nook built by Alex himself. He and Elizabeth brought their vision to life with a clever color scheme using Farrow & Ball paints.
The upstairs of the house is a masterclass in color and pattern mixing, serving as the ultimate kid zone. A large landing acts as a playroom, connecting the boys' bedrooms and displaying expansive gallery walls. Elizabeth's thrift store finds and the boys' artwork add a personal touch. Felix's bedroom, in particular, showcases a checkered mural and kitschy decor, reflecting the family's signature palette with brighter versions of their go-to colors.
The attention to detail is remarkable, from the butler's pantry to the boys' bathrooms. Alex's engineering background and DIY skills are evident in the secret hideaway he created for Felix's closet, and the metal beds in Ansel's room are a stylish addition. The mix-and-match patterns, including gingham, stay within the cohesive palette, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
In conclusion, the Brooks family's North Carolina cottage is a testament to the power of color and whimsy in interior design. Their 'silly goose style' showcases a unique approach to decor, emphasizing the importance of starting small, layering colors gradually, and involving the whole family in the creative process. It's a home that truly reflects the family's personality and brings joy to all who enter.
