Inspired by the sea and sky, designer Kelly Deck shares how she put a naturalistic spin on this modern White Rock, B.C., home.

Strategy one: celebrate views
The seating area in the master suite provides a spot to relax and enjoy the house’s spectacular surroundings. Low furnishings in colours that suggest stones and seashells allow unobstructed views to the outside. A fireplace with a modern concrete surround serves as a focal point. Throughout the room, a variety of textural elements in natural tones were used: a wool rug, fur throws and a shimmery velvet ottoman. End tables in slate grey ground the space as black might do, but are more true to the Pacific Northwest’s hazy skies.

Strategy two: accessorize to add warmth
“It’s easy for a big house, especially a modern one, to look unwelcoming,” says designer Kelly Deck. She added warmth in the master bedroom via three-dimensional art, a large area rug and built-in shelving units, which display personal collections.

Strategy three: incorporate collections
The master bedroom’s dark wood shelves allow light-coloured objects to pop. “Your displays should celebrate your life,” says Kelly. “And remember, books are your friends. Lean them, stack them, pile them up!”

Strategy four: go big
Kelly embraced the large scale of the master bedroom and incorporated an 18-foot-wide linen-upholstered headboard. Twin side tables, lamps and bolsters create a pleasing symmetry. A fluffy throw at the foot of the bed adds texture.

Strategy five: don’t be afraid of the dark
Dark elements, such as the stone-grey walls, heavy drapes, ikat-patterned wing chair and wooden trestle desk, give this main floor study a moody, masculine look. A modern drum shade anchors the space, while pot lights draw attention to the unique collection of framed photographs.

Strategy six: include plenty of seating
“This is where it all happens,” says Kelly of the great room, which has panoramic views of the ocean. Several seating areas offer places to read and relax, entertain, have dinner while watching a movie, or just gaze outside. The fireplace’s concrete surround and mantel creates a striking feature wall that works well with the dark stained cabinetry. The ivory- and heather-grey upholstered pieces balance the room’s dark furnishings.

Strategy seven: add glass
The glass stairwell offers an airy, modern look and allows for unobstructed sightlines. Large-scale art in a cool palette and a light fixture with pendants reminiscent of inverted bulrushes suggest the outdoors.

Strategy eight: embrace sparkle
In the dining room, shimmer comes in the form of twin silvery drum shades, a textured glass partition and silk drapes.

Strategy nine: use a warm palette
In the great room, gentle shades of silver and gold provide warmth to the neutral palette. An oversized sofa with plenty of toss cushions offers pure comfort, while the alabaster table lamps add a formal note.

Strategy ten: create contrast
The kitchen features a mix of white Shaker-style and dark oak cabinetry, which adds interest and handsome contrast. The Statuario marble countertop is an elegant, timeless touch. White painted stools (shown at right) are covered in easy-care vinyl.

Strategy eleven: repeat finishes
Fit for a pro, the kitchen’s stainless steel appliances nicely tie in with the shiny, silvery accessories and hardware.

Strategy twelve: think form & function
“We didn’t even know if such a thing existed,” says Kelly, referring to the 15-foot-long marble slab she wanted for the kitchen island. Turns out it did. A breakfast bar surrounded by cabinetry was added at one end of the kitchen to provide extra workspace and ample storage. Kelly selected simple pendant lights with white drum shades for over the island to complement the decor in the adjoining living room.