The design team at Light and Dwell prefaces every client presentation with the words: ‘There will be concepts and elements that make you feel uncomfortable, that you’ve never seen before, but trust in us – we have your best interests in mind and will design a timeless yet innovative home, tailored perfectly to you.’
This persuasive and confident approach has helped to put the Oregon-based studio on the receiving end of some enthusiastic accolades and design awards in recent years.
Jacquard tapestry and vintage circular table, both 1stDibs.
'We like to create one-of-a-kind homes that reflect not only the owners’ tastes but also the environments that surround them,’ says founder, Aymee Kuhlman. ‘Our initiative stems from localism, as we source materials and antiques in the homeland of each of our projects.’
This sort of thinking colors this recent project that Aymee calls the English Colonial House. A quintessential representation of Light and Dwell’s design philosophy, this property integrates the natural beauty of its location in Upstate New York with a soupçon of European style elegance.
White oak stools in Chocolate stain, Light and Dwell. Bespoke units in Drab, Farrow & Ball.
The palette used throughout this once-dark, disjointed, and old-fashioned country estate is entirely restful. ‘The moody shades we chose are used in different ways in different rooms and they naturally enhance each space’s furniture,’ explains Aymee. The overarching feeling here is one of warm minimalism and there is little to disturb the eye in this oasis of calm.
Rustic timber flooring, textured plaster walls, and reclaimed ceiling beams provide a simple, architectural backdrop that verges on monastic, while a smattering of vintage furnishings happily rub shoulders with pieces from Light and Dwell’s coffers. ‘Our pieces, which are handmade using harvested whole oak that’s been gathered from fallen trees, channel vintage European silhouettes, and scalloped finishes, lending a fresh perspective to classic designs,’ explains Aymee.
Contemporary brass pendant, Roman and Williams. Vase by Piet Hein. Still-life painting, 1stDibs.
An impressive dining room mural is one of the rare moments in the home where a decorative element is embraced; a pastoral European scene brings a softness to the space, which is otherwise dominated by a vast, dark, oval dining table, oversized to seat up to 12 guests comfortably – perfect for Christmas entertaining. ‘The mural needed mellowing, so we introduced floor-to-ceiling drapery to achieve this,’ says Aymee.
Aymee’s team employs what they describe as ‘sensible luxury’ when designing a home. Examples of this can be seen in particular in the sitting room; a large space with multiple windows. ‘The concept for this room was timeless, soft drama, which started with an earthy-hued rug to ground the space, to which was then added custom and vintage upholstery with the emphasis on tailoring, curves, and comfort,’ says Aymee.
Floor lamp and armchairs, all 1stDibs.
In the kitchen, inspiration has been gleaned from those found in English country houses, but in this case, with added glamour. It is sumptuously finished with deeply-veined marble cladding on its work surfaces and even its window surrounds.
A statement kitchen island, with curves you long to trail your fingers across, and bar stools to match, are stained in a chocolate shade, and in one corner of the room, a small circular dining table and chairs create a sweet spot for casual dining.
Custom table and chairs, all Light and Dwell.
The earthy color palette of terracotta, oatmeal, and pecan continues through the bedroom schemes. Textures are all-important in these pared-back spaces, with more raw plaster, oak boards, and fine linen providing atmosphere as well as comfort.
‘The guest bedrooms have been designed as small suites, with private bathrooms and spacious seating areas,’ says Aymee, ‘while the main bedroom has a 20ft-high mitered ceiling, which adds a sense of grandeur.’
Portuguese bed linens, Parachute. Shearling armchairs, 1stDibs.
One of Aymee’s favorite spaces is the whisky room, where she describes the ambiance as one of romantic, masculine energy. A huge antique limestone fireplace, slubby-hued armchairs, and a deep-seated, toffee-brown sofa certainly attest to this.
It’s decorating skills such as these that allow the owners of this house to be both excited and relaxed by their interior environment. The palette may be muted and the embellishments limited, but the house is one of deep beauty. ‘As a team, we’re mindful that every decision and detail has a domino effect on the finished project, but this house stayed true to our vision’.
Wave bed frame, Light and Dwell.
Aymee's 3 rules of sustainable design
Designer Aymee Kuhlman shares her ideas on being a conscious consumer and producer
1. Antique and vintage should be go-to buys. Throughout a project, we try to install 80% vintage lighting and 60% vintage finds, which support our sustainable ethos and create unique, carefully curated interiors, full of sensible luxury.
2. Buying thoughtfully is the first step, so check an item’s provenance. All of the furniture from our latest range is made in Oregon in a dedicated wood atelier, using harvested white oak. This is collected from fallen trees to align with sustainable measures.
3. Part of our design promise is to mix well-loved vintage pieces with custom-made products, increasing the life of already-made materials and supporting local makers. We recognize that we are not 100% sustainable, but we encourage progress over perfection.
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