BEHIND THE DESIGN : GINA RACHELLE DESIGN'S MODERN MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY
Said to be the place we retreat to most often, our bedrooms should be a place where rest and rejuvenation come naturally. Yet in design, settling on a serene space while staying visually interesting can sometimes be a challenge. Not in the case of this extraordinary bedroom sanctuary that’s second home to clients of Gina Rachelle Design. Taking cues from nature and revealing a refreshing take on a neutral scheme using our Traces Grasscloth in Iron, the dream team at GRD unveils a relaxing oasis that’s simply remarkable. More insight behind this incredible, serene surrounding is found below.
Where dreams are made. A stunning mountainside bedroom retreat designed by Gina Rachelle Design. (Photography: Gina Rachelle Design)
Elworthy Studio: What was your vision for this bedroom space? (And for the space in general?)
Gina Rachelle Design: Our vision for the primary bedroom was to create an oasis. A space that feels calming, healing, and restful. It was a large space that we had to transform into a cozy sanctuary. As designers, we are not afraid of color but in this case, just outside the bedroom, sit the Red Rocks. We decided that these gorgeous mountains should inspire the color in the space and then the remaining color story would be neutral in order to capture our spa-like, tranquil space. While San Francisco is our clients’ main home base, they came to us during the pandemic - the work-from-home lifestyle - and saw that their future could mean more time being spent in Utah. They didn't want just a second house to escape to during the winter, but also a home away from home where all their needs were met for work and play - and above all, a place for the family to gather and build memories.
ES: What drew you/your client to our Traces grasscloth in Iron for this project?
GRD: We wanted to bring texture into this space beyond the linens, furniture, and rug. I’ve always loved the Traces grasscloth since I first saw it and was just waiting for the right project to use it! Traces is the perfect combination of texture and pattern. The pattern is abstract and repetitive which actually comes across as soothing to me. Lastly, the neutral colors are perfect for this monochromatic space. Again, letting the mountains stand out!
"Traces is the perfect combination of texture and pattern. The pattern is abstract and repetitive which actually comes across as soothing to me.”
ES: What effect does this wallcovering have in the finished space?
GRD: When we completed the reveal, there was so much joy in this space! This wallpaper had transformed the room. Design is so much more than aesthetic and technical space planning, it is about creating a space that feels safe, healing and energizing, and comfortable. We were able to create a restful bedroom that was full of calming and tranquil energy.
“Design is so much more than aesthetic and technical space
planning, it is about creating a space that feels safe, healing and energizing, and
comfortable.”
ES: Was sustainability and using eco-friendly materials a factor in this project?
GRD: Definitely! This was not a full “green” project but any time we are designing for a project, we do our best to pick materials that not only meet the goal and look but that are also kind to our earth.
ES: As fellow lovers of all things color, we are curious...what do you feel is your color 'soulmate'? Feel free to be as specific as you want!
GRD: My color soulmate is blue. While I am a lover of many, many colors and utilize neutrals frequently, my go-to is always within the blue family. I love blues with green undertones and I love blues with muddy, black undertones. I have always lived by water - Lake Michigan when I was younger, currently the Pacific Ocean as an adult. I also choose to always be by water when traveling. There is a sense of peace when I am near it. I love taking in the fresh air and just escaping looking out to the horizon. During this time, you see the water’s color constantly changing based on the time of year or location. By bringing in these colors into a design, I certainly feel at peace but I hope it does the same for our clients as well.
Thank you Gina Gutierrez and the talented team at Gina Rachelle Design for their exceptional advice on creating a space infused with both texture and tranquility. Vital to our overall state and wellbeing, may this be a source of inspiration to furnish a retreatful space of your very own. You can learn more about Gina Rachelle Design by visiting their website and Instagram
