House Feature - Kim Merritt

Kim's style is the perfect example of timeless minimal design.  Located in Sonoma County California, this modern home sits in the countryside on several acres. Kim and I began an online friendship a year ago, both sharing an adoration for art and interior design. Even though we have never met in person, I value her critiques and advice. Now let's dig into these stunning photos shall we!

The warm wood tones help this design blend in with its natural surroundings. They moved into this brand new house a year and a half ago. Kim is an artist and also works part-time, her husband Rob is an architect. You can check out her website at www…

The warm wood tones help this design blend in with its natural surroundings. They moved into this brand new house a year and a half ago. Kim is an artist and also works part-time, her husband Rob is an architect. You can check out her website at www.artstudiokm.com and her instagram at https://www.instagram.com/artstudiokm/

"Most people ask if he (Rob) designed our home but no.  It’s a lot more modern than both our styles.  It's our home for now but we hope one day we can design our own place.  I would say our top styles for our home would be more rustic modern inside and out. Most likely 2 level and just a bit cozy.  But you can’t have it all."

The structure on the left is the main living space. To the right Kim is lucky to have this gorgeous space to create in. I'm jealous of all that natural light!

The structure on the left is the main living space. To the right Kim is lucky to have this gorgeous space to create in. I'm jealous of all that natural light!

The outdoor dining area acts as an extension to the main living space.

The outdoor dining area acts as an extension to the main living space.

A great spot for entertaining and relaxing with friends and family.

A great spot for entertaining and relaxing with friends and family.

One of Kim's favourite things about her home are the sliding doors that are all along one side of the house. They open it up and enjoy a fresh breeze and amazing view.

One of Kim's favourite things about her home are the sliding doors that are all along one side of the house. They open it up and enjoy a fresh breeze and amazing view.

Lets step inside and see the interior shall we!

Lets step inside and see the interior shall we!

One of Kim's beautiful paintings is reflected in the mirror.

One of Kim's beautiful paintings is reflected in the mirror.

The space is filled with warmth and texture, the neutral colour scheme allows your eye to travel from one vignette to another seamlessly.

The space is filled with warmth and texture, the neutral colour scheme allows your eye to travel from one vignette to another seamlessly.

The simplicity of Kim's styling and the cacti print make this wall come to life.

The simplicity of Kim's styling and the cacti print make this wall come to life.

The addition of plants and flowers add so much to this minimal design.

The addition of plants and flowers add so much to this minimal design.

 The rooms are calming and uncluttered, she is curating every piece in her home with intent. Her husband and her have designed a clean-lined space that’s still infused with meaning and character. Kim tells me that her taste five years ago was the total opposite. She is quite content living with fewer material objects and has no problem waiting to find the right pieces to add in. 

"Growing up I loved to decorate my room and I would decorate with so much stuff. I have changed since then and now enjoy purchasing only things I really love and keeping my home as decluttered as possible."

"Growing up I loved to decorate my room and I would decorate with so much stuff. I have changed since then and now enjoy purchasing only things I really love and keeping my home as decluttered as possible."

Bringing natural elements into your home is an easy and inexpensive way to add texture.

Bringing natural elements into your home is an easy and inexpensive way to add texture.

The transition from one room to another is subtle. There are no bold or graphic elements from details such as wallpaper or ornate floor coverings. Allowing the floor plan to feel more open and inviting.

The family dog Ollie gets comfy on the slipcovered sofa.

The family dog Ollie gets comfy on the slipcovered sofa.

"I do have several items I would like to add to our home.  1. An overhead light for our dining table 2. We still need 2 more dining chairs 3. More light fixtures — love Schoolhouse fixtures 4. Cowhide rug for dining room.  It’s nice to know it doesn’t have to all get done at once though.  I like making a home come together over time.  It really makes it feel more special. Not like you just went to West Elm or Crate & Barrel and just bought it all." 

The kitchen is functional and stylish with a neutral palette.

The kitchen is functional and stylish with a neutral palette.

A single bloom adds the perfect pop of colour.

A single bloom adds the perfect pop of colour.

 "I enjoy many styles of decorating and right now my home is just more modern.  My main goal is to add a couple decor antique pieces + some items when we go to New Mexico in September.  I am really loving that ethnic feel.  I want to add a touch of both of these."

Layered textiles help add that coziness Kim loves.

Layered textiles help add that coziness Kim loves.

A peak into Kim's private work studio. Her inspiration wall is filled with inspirational photos and quotes.

A peak into Kim's private work studio. Her inspiration wall is filled with inspirational photos and quotes.

A relaxing spot to sit, enjoy a cup of tea and enjoy the sunshine.

A relaxing spot to sit, enjoy a cup of tea and enjoy the sunshine.

Just looking at her surroundings allows me to feel a tranquility and ease that is hard to describe.

Just looking at her surroundings allows me to feel a tranquility and ease that is hard to describe.

My taste is quite the opposite of Kim's. I love colour, pattern and lots of collectibles. When I opened up her email and saw the photos of her home I was blown away. I wish I could live in a home like this and surround myself in nature. I can't wait to one day come and visit in person.