I visited the Hill House in Helensburgh, Scotland earlier this week. I was impressed by the pro
minent example of the Modern Style (British Art Nouveau). It was built in 1902-1904 not long after the additi
on to Knockderry Castle. It’s beautiful combination of the Edwardian period traditional feminine interior and more masculine exterior are used throughout the interior of the mansion. Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret MacDonald Mackintosh created a lovely family home for the Blackie family that allowed children to be children and guests to feel comfortable and welcome. The repeated use colors, lights, and lines was inspiring. The lavender, pink, and greens created a calming environment.
So far, we have located no interior photos of Knockderry Castle. However, I admire that even in this timeframe there were those that envisioned more than just the practical and saw that environments inspire individuals, families, and communities to feel peaceful as well as to be their best.
I have been pouring through colors of the period and trying to imagine how to integrate those colors into the practicalities of a modern environment.
Here are some of the colors that have caught my eye and imagination.
