Sought FalL Drop

Interior Design, Interior Decorating, Interiors, Home Decor, Gloucester, Cape Ann, Northshore, Woman Owned Business,

Sought Felted Soap Workshop

A felted soap workshop at Sought Interiors In Downtown Gloucester offers a unique and immersive experience where creativity, craftsmanship, and community come together. Felted soap combines the gentle, cleansing properties of soap with the exfoliating and artistic beauty of wool felting. For participants, the workshop serves as a hands-on journey into the world of fiber arts, paired with an intimate exploration of natural materials, textures, and design elements. The atmosphere of Sought Interiors, known for its aesthetic and attention to detail, adds a touch of sophistication and inspiration, making it the perfect venue for this creative endeavor.

The Art of Felted Soap

At its core, felted soap involves covering a bar of soap with wool fibers, which are then felted together through a process of wetting, rubbing, and agitation. This not only extends the life of the soap but also creates a scrubby surface ideal for exfoliation. The felting process allows participants to explore color theory, texture, and design, choosing from an array of wool in various hues to create their personalized soap coverings. Wool is a natural, renewable resource, and its use in the workshop underscores a commitment to sustainable materials and mindful consumption—a value central to many of Sought Interiors' design principles.

felted soap materials: Soap, Wool, nylon

colored wool 

Setting the Scene at Sought Interiors

The workshop is set in a beautifully curated space at Sought Interiors, where every detail is carefully considered. The atmosphere exudes warmth and comfort, a reflection of the firm’s expertise in creating spaces that balance functionality with artistic expression. Upon entering the workshop area, participants are greeted by a table adorned with neatly organized supplies: bars of soap, piles of wool, steel bowls, felting needles. The natural light streaming through large windows highlights the texture of the wool and the soft colors that echo the tones often used in Sought Interiors' design projects.

The space itself serves as a backdrop for inspiration. From the minimalist modern furniture to the organic elements like live plants and textured fabrics, the surroundings are a subtle reminder of how design can integrate natural materials into everyday life. The workshop feels like an extension of Sought Interiors' philosophy—offering beauty, comfort, and function in equal measure.

Instructor Jen leads the class of adults & kids (not pictured) in felted soap workshop at Sought

 11 Center Street, Gloucester, MA.

The Workshop Experience

The felted soap workshop began with a warm introduction from the instructor Jen Anderson, who guides participants through the the technique of soap felting. As each person is handed their materials, there is a palpable sense of excitement, with both beginners and seasoned crafters eager to dive in. The process is straightforward but immensely satisfying: the wool is wrapped around a soap bar it in thin layers, gradually building up. With gentle pressure, the participants rub the wool-covered soap between their hands, working the fibers into place until they fuse, or "felt," together.

One of the most engaging aspects of the workshop is the individual creativity that comes to life. Some attendees opt for bold, contrasting colors, creating vibrant, abstract patterns, while others prefer soft, harmonious tones that evoke a sense of calm. As the soap is transformed, participants chat and exchange ideas, the shared experience fostering a sense of community and connection. The repetitive, meditative motions of the felting process have a calming effect, and by the end of the session, each person holds a small, functional piece of art that reflects their unique style.

felting the soap in warm water to expand the fibers 

cleaning the soap in cold water to bind fibers 

Beyond Craft: A Community Experience

While the workshop centers on the craft of felted soap, its true value lies in the experience it creates. Sought Interiors, known for its dedication to creating welcoming, elegent spaces, provides an environment where participants can connect not only with their own creativity but also with others who share similar interests. The workshop is designed to be a social experience, where people can relax, engage, and learn something new in a supportive and aesthetically pleasing setting.

Throughout the workshop, there are moments for reflection and discussion. Participants often find themselves drawn into conversations about design, sustainability, and the joy of working with natural materials. For some, the process of making felted soap sparks new ideas for incorporating handmade, artisanal elements into their home décor—a natural extension of the values that guide the work of Sought Interiors.

The Takeaway: A Tangible Memento

At the conclusion of the felted soap workshop, participants leave with more than just a beautiful, hand-crafted item. They carry with them a deeper understanding of the felting process, a newfound appreciation for the artistry involved, and the memory of a shared creative experience. The felted soaps, which will be used over time, serve as a daily reminder of the workshop—each use a small celebration of craftsmanship and creativity.

In addition to the felted soaps, participants are encouraged to explore how this new skill can translate into other areas of their lives. Whether it's through incorporating handmade elements into their homes or simply finding moments of mindfulness in their daily routines, the workshop instills a sense of empowerment and inspiration. This aligns perfectly with Sought Interiors' mission: to create spaces and experiences that are both beautiful and meaningful, where every detail is considered, and where individuals can feel connected to their surroundings.

 beautiful felted soaps created by some of the felted soap participants 

The felted soap workshop at Sought Interiors is more than just a craft class; it’s an experience that celebrates creativity, sustainability, and community. The combination of tactile art, thoughtful design, and social interaction makes it a unique event that aligns with the values of Sought Interiors. In this beautiful setting, participants leave not only with a handmade piece of art but also with a sense of fulfillment and connection—both to their own creativity and to the community around them. The workshop is a perfect example of how design and craftsmanship can intersect to create meaningful experiences, embodying the essence of what Sought Interiors strives to offer in every project it undertakes.

Thank you instructor Jen Anderson & participants - we can’t wait to host another workshop!

With gratitude,

Team Sought

Modern mountain Chic

A Blend of Elegance and Alpine Flair

Modern Mountain chic style is all about striking a balance between elegance and the relaxed ambiance of mountain living. This design approach blends sophisticated elements with natural textures, warm color palettes, and the beauty of raw materials. Think plush textiles, reclaimed wood, stone accents, and plenty of fur throws to evoke the cozy charm of a traditional chalet.

Colors and Materials: Influenced by the Alpine Landscape

When it comes to modern mountain design, the color palette draws inspiration from the stunning alpine surroundings. Earthy tones, such as warm browns, deep greens, and rich grays, create a soothing atmosphere that harmonizes with nature. Additionally, the use of natural materials such as distressed wood, stone, and leather adds an authentic touch, highlighting the raw beauty of the mountain landscape.

Cozy and Inviting Spaces: Designing for Comfort

The key to modern mountain chic style is creating spaces that feel inviting and comfortable after a long day on the slopes. Plush seating arrangements, chunky knit blankets, and oversized cushions encourage relaxation and provide respite from the cold. Incorporating a fireplace or a wood-burning stove not only adds warmth but also adds a touch of rustic charm that is characteristic of ski chalet design.

Views and Natural Light: Maximizing the Alpine Experience

One of the highlights of staying in a mountain home is the breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains. Designing spaces to provide uninterrupted panoramas ensures that guests are always connected with the alpine landscape. Implementing large windows or glass doors not only allows natural light to flood the interiors but also frames majestic views, creating a seamless connection between the cozy indoors and the winter wonderland outside.

The Finishing Touches: Personalized Details

To make your mountain home truly unique, add personalized details that reflect your individuality and love for the slopes. Display vintage ski equipment or showcase artwork inspired by winter sports. Incorporate family photos capturing moments spent in the mountains or frame trail maps from memorable ski trips. These touches will not only make your chalet feel like home but also add character and serve as conversational pieces for guests.

Nordic Accents and Winter Decor: Bringing the Outdoors In

To truly embrace the modern mountain chic, incorporate Nordic accents and winter-inspired decor is essential. Faux fur throws, snowy-white textiles, antler wall art, and cozy lanterns all contribute to the charm and coziness of the space. Additionally, touches of winter greenery, such as pinecones and evergreen branches, add a refreshing touch to the overall aesthetic.

In conclusion, modern mountain home design and ski chic style offer the perfect blend of elegance and comfort, allowing residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the alpine landscape. By embracing the natural elements, creating cozy spaces, and incorporating personalized details, your mountain home will become a haven of warmth and luxury that perfectly complements the exhilarating experience of hitting the slopes.

The Lake house: MaMa Loon retreat

110 miles north of Gloucester, tucked away in the beautiful lakes region of New Hampshire, resides a warm and inviting guest room lovingly named, “Mama Loon Retreat”. This guest room went from rendering, to reality and completes phase 1 of a 3 phase Lake House project. The final phases are underway and as the spaces near completion reveals will be unvieled! With this specific space, the mama loon retreat, the client wished for the guest room to be a haven of tranquility, a place where one can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature and rest. When it comes to designing a guest room in a lake house, the key is to incorporate warm and inviting interior design elements and that all begins with selecting your color palette.

Choose a Calming Color Palette

Select a color palette that evokes the soothing essence of the lake and its surroundings. Soft, natural colors like shades of blue, green, beige, and warm grays and muted earthy tones work well in a lake house guest room. These colors not only reflect the serenity of the lake but also create a serene atmosphere that promotes relaxation. In this project we went the sustainable route and selected our palette from ECOS Paints and we also incorporated ECOS Stains for the dresser. When the client chose the desired rendering designed by Rochelle Grenier Design, it was time to order materials and transform the space

John Butler Installed wood paneling and painted and hung the custom roman shade. As soon as the paint dried, final details could be installed to make this guest room, a retreat.

Embrace Natural Materials

Incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone, and rattan to bring the outdoors inside. Consider hardwood floors, wooden furniture, and stone like accents for a rustic and inviting feel. A weathered wood headboard or rustic paneling can be striking focal points in the room and can add a dimension of visual interest.

Cozy Textiles and Linens

Invest in high-quality, comfortable bedding and linens to ensure a good night's sleep for your guests. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen in calming colors. Layer the bed with plush throws and accent pillows to add warmth and texture to the space. In this space the we selected fair trade Belgian flax linen duvet & shams in muted soft gray. We incorporated texture with the timeless ikat embroidered shams and a hand hooked lumbar pillow.

Lake-Inspired Decor

Incorporate lake-inspired decor elements to tie the room's theme together. You can hang framed lake-themed artwork or photographs of local scenery on the walls. In this space we wanted to incorporate a sentimental piece of art and is the reason for the room name, “Mama Loon” retreat.

Amplify Natural Light

Maximize the use of natural light to create an airy and welcoming atmosphere. Large windows or sliding glass doors with unobstructed views of the lake can make your guest room feel like it's part of the great outdoors. Consider lightweight curtains or roman shades that can be easily opened during the day to let in the sunlight.

Personal Touches

Make your guests feel at home by adding personal touches to the room. A bedside table with reading material, a vase of fresh flowers, or a welcome note can go a long way in creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Functional Design

Consider the practical aspects of your guest room's design. Ensure there is sufficient storage space for your guests' belongings, and provide essentials such as a luggage rack, extra blankets, and a full-length mirror. If space allows, incorporate a cozy sitting area with comfortable chairs or a small sofa. This provides guests with a dedicated space to unwind, read a book, or simply enjoy the view. Placing a small table with a tray of snacks and drinks can also add a thoughtful touch.

Year-Round Comfort

Keep in mind that your lake house guest room should be comfortable year-round. In colder months, provide a space heater or a fireplace for warmth, and in the summer, ensure there's adequate ventilation and perhaps a fan or air conditioning.

All things considered, 

A lake house guest room refresh should capture the essence of the lake's natural beauty while providing a warm and inviting retreat for your guests. By choosing the right color palette, incorporating natural materials, and adding personal touches, you can create a cozy haven that will make your guests feel right at home. Whether it's a weekend getaway or an extended stay, your lake house guest room will be a place of comfort and relaxation that your visitors will cherish. If you’ve been wanting to re-fresh your space feel free to fill out the client questionnaire and embark on your lake interior design project.

Amalfi Coast Italy

Captivating landscapes, azure waters, and charming villages perched on cliffsides; welcome to the Amalfi Coast. This Italian coastal gem not only delights with its natural beauty but also serves as a profound source of inspiration for interior design enthusiasts. In this blog post, we embark on a journey through the enchanting Amalfi Coast and explore how its essence can be woven into the fabric of interior design.

The Allure of Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast, located in the Campania region of Southern Italy, has long been an alluring destination for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, history, and culture. The coast stretches for about 50 kilometers along the Sorrentine Peninsula and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its dramatic cliffs, picturesque beaches, and lush greenery create a captivating setting that leaves visitors awe-struck.

Infusing Amalfi Coast Elements into Interior Design

Color Palette: The vibrant and diverse colors of the Amalfi Coast can be a great inspiration for your interior design. Think of incorporating shades of deep azure reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea, sun-soaked yellows, terracotta hues representing the charming buildings, and the lush greens of the coastal vegetation.

Natural Materials: The coastal landscape is defined by the use of natural materials, and you can bring this aesthetic into your home as well. Use whitewashed wood, rustic stone, and terracotta tiles to emulate the coastal charm and create a sense of connection with nature.

Nautical Elements: Given the region's strong maritime heritage, incorporating nautical elements into your design can be a nod to the Amalfi Coast's history. Add decorative items like ropes, ship wheels, or artwork depicting sea life to infuse the space with a maritime vibe.

Mediterranean Patterns: The Amalfi Coast is known for its beautiful ceramic tiles, often adorned with intricate patterns and motifs. Consider using these patterns in your interior design through tiled backsplashes, tabletops, or even on cushions and throws.

Open and Airy Spaces: The coastal living is about embracing the outdoors, and you can replicate this feeling in your home by creating open and airy spaces. Use large windows to let natural light flood in and blur the line between the interior and exterior.

Terraced Gardens: Amalfi Coast is famous for its terraced gardens that cascade down the cliffs. You can take inspiration from this and design your own terraced garden or create an indoor green space with potted plants, hanging planters, and wall-mounted gardens.

The Magic of Mediterranean Lifestyle

The Amalfi Coast is not just about its physical beauty but also the lifestyle it embodies. The Mediterranean way of living emphasizes simplicity, relaxation, and savoring the joys of life. As you design your interiors, try to embrace this spirit by choosing comfortable and cozy furniture, uncluttered spaces, and décor that reflects your personal style while exuding a relaxed ambiance.

Bringing the Amalfi Coast Home

Whether you've visited the Amalfi Coast or only dreamt of doing so, infusing its essence into your interior design can transport you to its magical shores. The Amalfi Coast's breathtaking beauty and Mediterranean allure provide a delightful source of inspiration. Whether you're seeking a complete coastal makeover or a few subtle touches, incorporating elements from this Italian gem into your home the best way is to embrace the coastal colors, natural materials, and nautical elements to create a space that echoes the charm of this Italian paradise. By blending the allure of the Amalfi Coast with your design preferences, you can curate a home that offers not just a physical retreat but a soulful connection with this captivating coastal haven and evoke a sense of tranquility, romance, and the joy of coastal living. So, dive into the world of Amalfi-inspired design and let the magic of the coast sweep through your living spaces. Ciao!

SHOP MORE COASTAL STAPLES HERE

Classy Coastal En-suite Bathroom - Bay Breeze Place

Embarking on an en suite bathroom remodel that encapsulates the serenity of a coastal retreat is a rewarding endeavor. By thoughtfully selecting organic materials like natural stone, infusing your space with seaside hues of sand and water, and introducing subtle yet impactful design elements, you can create a bathroom that serves as your own private oasis. As you soak in the soothing ambiance, you'll find yourself transported to the tranquil shores, relishing the beauty of the sea from the comfort of your own home. With fresh colors and textures, classic design elements, incorporating seaside hues,-sand, stone, and water a careful selection of organic materials, this simple yet sophisticated bathroom is a coastal retreat. After a long day at the beach who wouldn’t want to wash away the sand or wake up with a morning rinse with your coffee just an arm’s length away?

The key to a successful coastal-inspired bathroom remodel lies in its color palette. Start by envisioning the soft, natural tones that define the coastline: the warm beige of sand, the cool gray of weathered stones, and the soothing blues of ocean waters. Incorporate these shades into your bathroom's walls, tiles, and accents to create a seamless connection between your indoor space and the outdoor coastal environment.

Natural Stone Elegance: To evoke the rugged beauty of coastal landscapes, opt for natural stone elements throughout your en-suite bathroom. Consider installing limestone or travertine tiles for your flooring, shower walls, and countertops. These materials not only lend an air of sophistication but also bring a tactile connection to the natural world. The irregular patterns and earthy tones of these stones perfectly mimic the organic textures found along the shoreline.

Whispering Sands under Foot: A true coastal retreat is never complete without a touch of sand beneath your feet. Introduce this element by incorporating textured floor tiles that mimic the sensation of walking on soft, sun-kissed sands. The subtle texture not only adds visual interest but also creates a sensory experience that transports you to the shore every time you step into your bathroom.

Soothing Water Elements: To replicate the calming influence of coastal waters, consider integrating water-inspired features into your en suite. A freestanding bathtub with a gentle curve reminiscent of ocean waves invites you to unwind and relax. A rain showerhead mimics the sensation of a gentle coastal drizzle, enveloping you in a refreshing embrace. Additionally, a minimalist waterfall faucet design for your sink can evoke the tranquil flow of seaside streams.

Textural Accents and Organic Touches: Enhance the coastal atmosphere by carefully selecting accessories that evoke a beachy ambiance. Woven baskets, driftwood mirrors, and seashell ornaments add textural interest and serve as gentle reminders of your coastal inspiration. Incorporate potted plants or succulents to introduce a touch of greenery, further connecting your space with the natural world.

There were variables that were challenging about this bathroom. Some I could control but most were out of my control - like the global supply shortage - however, my drive to see this vision through made the end result all the more worth it. I hope this inspires you to be confident in your decisions and stick with your design vision and see it through. No grit, No pearl.