Theatrical lighting fixture, wood floors and ceiling, live-edge dining table, draws your vision through the seating area to the mountain views.

Free-standing tub, glass walls, walnut and limestone give this room an organic light-filled openness.

Organic minimalism, Moroccan cement tiles, hand-finished walnut, bronze hardware — truth in materials.

Linens, rugs, and pillows are a great opportunity for color, however subtle in tone.

A bookshelf can not only hold books, but art, pottery, rocks, etc…let it be a place of personal expression. Here, drawings friends did at holiday dinner parties hang on the edge of the shelves.

A spray of bright spring flowers brings the outdoors inside.

Spanish colonial revival chandeliers found on eBay from Oklahoma were rewired with fabric twist cord and hung on a hook. Table from Indonesia, bookcase from South America…and it all works together.

“Sure, its about space, light, and color, but the objects you’ve collected over time also bring energy. Everything comes together when you pare down to those items that are an honest expression of your experiences.” Stella in Country Living

Work a little family history in with family objects and art. Let a working studio be an expression of your design creativity.

“Shop local, especially when it comes to antiques. Your local shops will have pieces that reference your region.” Stella in Mountain Living

“Susan Stella restored her century old farmhouse to its humble roots-and discovered six elemental truths about making the simple sublime.” Country Living

“I was going for that tactile, solid feel in materials, simple, minimal, but real.”  Stella in Mountain Living

The strong color of the cabinets defines the kitchen space in an open floor plan-the choice of red gives it warmth.

Wall of objet d’art..a collection of personal curios from travels.

“I wanted to create a sense of intimacy, and still make the height of the room feel as if it goes on forever.” Stella in Country Living

“Designing a home is a lot like making art, you work with color and composition, then tend to the details and textural elements.” Stella in Mountain Living