nature calling
by Hayley Hill
Keeping up with national design trends, Tim Burt, local interior designer and owner of Mobile’s LUSH, is reveling in bringing the great outdoors inside. Just in time for the holiday entertaining season, consider not only making things merry and bright, but making them natural and green, too. Here, Tim shares easy design tweaks that will make your guests green with envy in the best possible way.
“Having witnessed the traditional styles many Southern women favored for so long evolve into more livable and comfortable spaces has been a game changer for the area. The interior design world is currently thriving and it’s wonderful to work with those who are not only open to change, but are excited about it as well.”
Using his influence to design homes from Savannah to Birmingham and beyond, Tim Burt is thrilled with the recent return to incorporating natural elements in our homes. With services ranging from complete remodels to new build designs, Tim opened LUSH for those interested in a high-end home store where they could find perfect items to update a space or two themselves. “Not everyone wants (or needs) to work with a designer, and LUSH fills that void,” Tim explains. “I have countless clients that come in with a picture of a room and together we rework one space at a time. From an updated light fixture to a new set of armchairs and a side table, some-times a quick swap-out is all that’s needed. With the holidays upon us, many customers are coming in for quick design fixes for their entertaining areas. Surprisingly, a new dining room light fixture and throw pillows can go a long way,” he shares.
As for the natural elements, Tim suggests folding in rattan, bamboo, and distressed wood; greenery such as palm fronds, elephant ear, and fig leaves that provide the perfect nod to mid-century modern design; and even untreated stone and unpol-ished metal. “A few natural elements are all that’s needed to add instant warmth to any room while still looking chic and modern,” he details. “When looking at wooden pieces, lighter shades like oak are best, as darker shades can soak up all the light in a room and look too heavy and dated,” he adds. More specifically, consider lighting made from natural materials in timeless silhouettes with grand scale for a more casual — but no less classic — feel. Pieces made withcoconut beads, abaca rope, and bamboo offer a more relaxed spirit but are now viewed as contemporary and are perfect for all spaces from the dining room to the breakfast nook. Update heavy side tables with airy modern options with white marble tops and metal bases, or try adding a woven bench or dining room chairs to refresh formal spaces. Lastly, simply adding a green accent wall or even just a bit of greenery to a room will do wonders, all while bringing the joys of the great outdoors into your home.
