Life can be awfully lifey, yes? When there is excess overwhelm from various realms of my modern life, it always feels comforting to return to simplicity. I think it’s a quality I qppreciate in the design work of Shannon Bowers. Sophisticated and set apart, the work is timeless-oriented and tailored to suit. So much to learn from her selections, process, and color stories. Let’s peek at Shannon Bowers’ MILIEU.
Shannon Bowers’ MILIEU: Elegant Simplicity
Here’s another recent post highlighting the MILIEU editor and interior designer’s work, and there simply wasn’t enough room there to contain the loveliness.
I love the intimacy of arrangements such as the conversational one above.
Isn’t this a rather unexpected place for a gallery wall of beloved art? Why do we so often overlook utility spaces and humble areas of the home used everyday as places to enjoy art?
The living room above is such a shining example of bringing happy pretty things together for mood lifting effects!
Rustic Elegance & Easy Living
I love how livably luxurious the spaces feel as designed by Shannon Bowers.
The rusticity does more than create a pleasing tension with more elegant choices.
It also creates ease. Approachability. Access. Tactile beauty that invites touch rather than discourages it.
Sophisticated Color Stories
Who can forget that kitchen Bowers designed for MILIEU’s 2020 Showhouse? Remember that unusual color that played a starring role? She actually revealed it!
For me, it is one of those muddier atmospheric choices which is not easily identifiable as a green or gray, dark or mid-tone. These are always my favorite choices.
I also love the repetition in these designs which is subtle and gentle on the senses. Notice all of the softly curved shapes in this single moment above.
In a kitchen where there are so many linear relationships (mostly out of necessity), there are opportunities for curves with baskets, scallops, and round counterstools. Even the choice for the lanterns is softer and not angular.
Raise your hand if you suddenly want a plate rack for a kitchen or dining room wall!
Embracing & Elevating the Architecture
Who can forget this charming space?
Ahhhhhhh! I would never leave this room above. It has all things working for it, yes? I just know I could decompress there, reclaim creativity, solve world problems, and nap.
Always the unexpected! Those curtains!
I had to include a blast from the past with those amazing collected antiques and the pale color story which will never grow old for me.
For me, this airy vibe is set apart space where I can breathe and imagine.
Not that getting out in the garden isn’t inspiring too!
From what I gather, Millennials are still NOT quite over their sage greens like the kitchen above.
And why should they ever need to move on from it? Who has time for keeping track of trending anything in design?
Incorporating Antiques & Soul
You can’t miss how the designs rely on fine old things.
It is one way to be sure every design is completely unique and impossible to duplicate.
It’s how the old is mixed with the new and brought into service for use everyday that is worth noting here.
Many of us grew up with rooms that were simply off limits because they contained fine pieces which were hands off.
What joy and freedom come when we are invited to enjoy them.
If this flavor of timeless design inspires you, perhaps you are already a subscriber to MILIEU.
There is nothing like this shelter magazine! The ads on the beautiful pages are as stunning as the articles!
Is there another design source which can boast such a thing?
So do become a subscriber to see what I mean. I save every issue, knowing the content will not seem tired or dated years from now.
With Shannon Bowers and Pam Pierce curating…
there will always be fresh sources of timelessness to greet with
wonder,
awe,
and a joyful HELLO, LOVELY.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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