MAS Interior Design focuses on creating sophisticated spaces that are eclectic expressions of their clients. Coming from the perspective that tasteful design doesn’t haven’t to be boring, their work is design-forward and they bring a unique blend of space and style to every project they undertake. MAS shares one of their projects, a modern retreat in Sonoma, California with The LuxPad below…
Photography courtesy of MAS Interior Design and Helynn Ospina Photography
Project name: Organic Modern, Sonoma Wine Country, California
Floor Area: 3,500 square feet (325 square meters); four bedrooms, 4½ bathrooms
Project time taken: 18 months (includes construction)
Completion of Project: March 2015
Photography courtesy of MAS Interior Design and Helynn Ospina Photography
The brief
The clients are extremely busy professionals in their 40s. One is an executive and one a journalist, and they have primary homes in San Francisco and Tokyo. This wine country home is a weekend escape from their busy lives. They typically have an uber-modern perspective, but wanted to warm it up in order to make sense in the context of the wine-country setting, and to focus on the stunning views.
Photography courtesy of MAS Interior Design and Helynn Ospina Photography
What was the creation / planning process?
The client wanted their materials and specifications to be thoughtful and to have a story. This gave us a lot of inspiration, and the modern mixed with organic/natural concept was born. We were able to utilize vast artisan resources in the San Francisco area to build a thoughtful concept. From there we supplemented a lot of natural but also minimal details. The idea was to plan for drama and interest while allowing nature to be showcased first and foremost. We collaborated a lot with the builder to ensure that even the smallest of details were considered to complete the vision. It was really about letting the beauty of the materials speak for themselves.
Photography courtesy of MAS Interior Design and Helynn Ospina Photography
What was your favorite part of the project and why?
The desire for very intentional or conversational pieces made sourcing particularly inspired.
In the master, rattan basket lights, clustered in threes, are made from repurposed Indonesian fishing nets. The lighting fixtures made by Sulawesi women to catch fish, are lined with rice paper and exemplify the wabi-sabi,or perfect imperfection concept that runs throughout.
One of the clients is Japanese, and expressed a desire for some Asian-inspired moments. The bed, (built locally by Hammers and Heels, a woman-owned and operated company), offers a Japanese-style platform aesthetic, and is made with sustainability in mind. We were going for minimal serenity, with an artisan quality. The subtle patterns and textures offer a focus on the material itself and the beautiful hand made quality of the bed, which features night-table wings that appear to be floating, as well as a hand-sewn, linen-upholstered headboard.
Also in the master is a hand-woven cloth by a Senegalese artist, mounted in reverse to highlight the craftsmanship. The lucite frame was a conscious marriage of the modern with the organic, or imperfect. This piece offers a touch of energy in the otherwise serene environment, but doesn’t distract one from connecting to the views. (“Biddew Noir” by Johanna Bramble, through St. Frank)
Photography courtesy of MAS Interior Design and Helynn Ospina Photography
In the kitchen, the lighting pendants are repurposed Tibetan water backpacks. They are quite a statement, and were one of our first items we presented to the client. They are a departure from their previously strictly modern aesthetic, and the clients were initially resistant. We encouraged them to consider the uniqueness of the pendants, and to imagine them in an otherwise very modern kitchen. The clients trusted our instincts and now say that they are the favorite “conversation pieces” in the home.
In the end, any drama in the space is really about letting the materials speak for themselves. A sharp juxtaposition (between modern and organic, hand rendered and minimal) allows the eye to appreciate both fully.
Photography courtesy of MAS Interior Design and Helynn Ospina Photography
Were there any issues or problems you encountered during the project?
It was a project we worked on since early construction, so there are always obstacles to overcome. But the architect, builders, and designers all shared the sincere desire to create a stunning weekend getaway for the deserving clients. The collaboration highlighted the skill set of all involved, and some really special moments were created in collaboration. It is a space rich with subtle architectural achievements and details that allow for the effortless experience of real, indoor-outdoor California living.
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