The focus is increasingly on design inspired by nature. Bringing the outside into your interiors brings a wealth of benefits, from mindfulness to enduringly stylish designs.
For most people, color, texture, and houseplants are the focus, but interior designer Becky Shea took a different approach to this project: a newly built home surrounded by mountain views.
With a layout designed to maximize views of the surrounding area, to layered interiors that create a cozy and modern organic feel, we take a look inside and find out how exactly Becky nailed the design brief .
(Image credit: Becky Shea Design/Jake Shea Photography)
“This home is a brand new build, but before it was brought to life it was a stunning, unspoilt two acre property.” “The property has incredible natural beauty, situated on a ridge in Armonk and offering vast View of the distant mountain range,” explains Becky Shea.
“That setting really set the tone for everything.” It felt like the land was telling us what the house should become. “We actually took a lot of inspiration from the site itself – for the exterior we used the stone found here, which gave the house a really grounded, organic feel,” she adds.
However, starting over came with its own challenges – right from the start. While the mountainous location proved beautiful, the rocky terrain caused delays during the excavation process.
(Image credit: Becky Shea Design/Jake Shea Photography)
“We came across a huge amount of rock during the excavation. This definitely got us into trouble, and the complete excavation took much longer than we originally expected. But honestly, it really was a gift. “What could have been a setback became one of the most beautiful and defining elements of the house,” says Becky, who saw the positive side of the challenge.
“We took this native stone and chiseled it away to create the stunning stone facade that you see throughout the property.” It became this unifying element that connects the house to its natural surroundings, and it comes in the The design of the carriage house and the garage structure is particularly effective. “The whole process was a bit surprising, but the result was pure magic.”
The exterior design is truly something to marvel at. Becky describes it as a “labor of love,” using reclaimed, weathered wood from the Hudson Valley and, of course, locally sourced stone.
(Image credit: Becky Shea Design/Jake Shea Photography)
“Each beam has its own story – it comes from old barns and factories, is solid and has this incredible weight.” You can feel the history when you touch it. “Every element of the design was so thoughtful and intentional,” she explains.
“The reclaimed materials really shaped the overall language of the space, influencing everything from the cozy textures and finishes inside to the way the house feels anchored to the land outside.” “It's a home where warmth and Authenticity is woven into every corner and that makes it very special.”
With construction complete, it was time to focus on the interiors. While the natural surroundings provided plenty of inspiration for the design, it was important that the space still felt cozy and livable – a short description that Becky summed up with a mix of interior design styles.
(Image credit: Becky Shea Design/Jake Shea Photography)
“The style of the house is really a beautiful balance of transitional design that combines organic modernism with a strong nod to rustic industrialism.” “It's one of those spaces that feels incredibly cozy and inviting, yet has such a strong presence,” explains she.
When designing the interiors, it was a must to create as many references to the landscape as possible while creating a sense of character and history. Therefore, numerous windows were introduced to create “unique viewing points”.
“Whether you're in the kitchen, living room, or even a hidden nook, you can always catch a glimpse of nature and completely immerse yourself in the surroundings,” explains Becky.
(Image credit: Becky Shea Design/Jake Shea Photography)
And it's the feeling of indoor-outdoor living that stands out. “The connection to nature is very special here.” The expansive lighting creates that seamless indoor-outdoor feeling that we really wanted. “It’s amazing to be able to open everything up and let nature flow into the house.”
“The windows frame the surrounding landscape beautifully, almost like works of art in each room.” What I absolutely love is how the sunlight streams through each room – it’s pure magic. “In the early morning there is this soft glow in the house, and in the late afternoon the light changes and adds warmth to every corner,” she continues.
“It's one of those design elements that you can't really describe until you stand in the room and feel it.” It brings the home to life in a truly unique way and is a big part of what makes the place feel so inviting and with its environment feels connected.”
(Image credit: Becky Shea Design Jake Shea Photography)
The color palette used throughout the home also reflects the surroundings. Neutral, earthy tones and deep blues create cohesion in any room, combining contemporary design with a cozier, organic finish.
Each room has a layered appeal, from the mix of materials and finishes to the thoughtful decor introduced in each room. But for Becky, it's the kitchen and office lounge that stand out the most.
“The office lounge is simply extraordinary. It has 25 foot ceilings, brick walls and those beautiful shou sugi ban beams paired with reclaimed wood. It is covered with furniture, blankets and pillows that create a feeling of warmth and coziness,” she explains.
(Image credit: Becky Shea Design/Jake Shea Photography)
“It feels like a warm hug when you enter – a space that just invites you to sink in and relax.” “It's perfect for relaxing or doing creative work and really captures the calming, vibrant atmosphere I'm looking for always strive.”
In contrast, the kitchen appears different. It is the space where you can truly feel the sense of different styles coming together to create a unique, cohesive and bespoke overall concept. It's a lesson in transitional design, where the organic, modern and more industrial elements really work together.
“The kitchen is particularly close to my heart because every single detail was conceived and designed by me.” It is large, functional and yet so carefully curated. “The kitchen truly embodies the balance between raw, natural materials and elegant, functional design,” she adds.
(Image credit: Becky Shea Design/Jake Shea Photography)
On the other hand, the mudroom adds something different to the rest of the house. While still in the color palette chosen for the project, this room is moodier and darker, giving a real feeling of coziness. Nevertheless, it remains absolutely practical.
“Everything has a purpose, from the flooring to the storage, which we carefully planned.” There’s even a hidden steel dog door for Maggie, so she has her own space in the house – it’s these little details that make the home feel personal and give it a lived-in feeling,” says Becky.
“And let's talk about the antique bench we found – it's older than time and gives the room this beautiful contrast.” Something so simple and yet so impactful can completely transcend a room. For me, that’s the beauty of design – finding the balance between functionality and soul.”
From the rustic appeal of the exterior to the cozy, modern, organic interior, this home is an example of transitional design. And if there's one lesson to be learned from the project, it's that you can't go wrong by designing a home that pays homage to the surrounding natural landscape.