This Pacific Northwest Cottage from Light and Dwell is Earthy Perfection

Rip & Tan: How did Light and Dwell come to be?

Molly Kidd: We are an Oregon-based interior design firm co-founded by Aymee, our CEO, and myself, the Principal Designer and CCO. Heavily influenced by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, we built Light and Dwell on the emphasis of quality over quantity and creating spaces that are both innovative and timeless.

Aymee and I grew up in the same small town and she was working as a mentor at the college I was studying at! We met through a mentorship program and we instantly connected on everything fashion, travel, coffee and design. Now our designs and endeavors carry that same ethos-a place of light where families gather around the kitchen island to enjoy heirloom recipes, make al fresco tablescapes to entertain, lounge on the sofa on lived-in layers and create the most soulful memories. From West Coast summerhouses to East Coast country houses, we design dwellings that feel wholeheartedly home.

Rip & Tan: You categorize your work into six overarching aesthetics—do you find that clients tend to gravitate toward any few in particular? Have you noticed any patterns?

Molly Kidd: The majority of our projects have European or Earthy organic elements within them. Those are definitely our top requested styles among clientele and we love that we are attracting those like-minded clients. Typically, each project is a blend of two of the six styles to maximize and customize one’s lifestyle and livability!

Rip & Tan: What is it about a European aesthetic that feels so timeless? What are some of your favorite ways to incorporate old-world design into modern spaces?

Molly Kidd: Our entire design approach is a nod to old-age European culture! We really appreciate the elevated ease and warm refinement that comes through with all of the natural and patina finishes. From organic stone and marble to unlacquered brass and plaster walls, the European influence gives the allure of ageless design.

When juxtaposing modern-day dwellings and vintage inspiration, we always believe in mixing 50% vintage and 50% new. You can find us on the lookout for the perfect antique milking stool, brass or wood mirror, vintage rug, or stone elements from centuries ago. There is nothing like the character and charm of naturally aged goods and it is so magical to reinvent life for them!

Rip & Tan: In what ways does the Pacific Northwest’s influence manifest itself in your design?

Molly Kidd: Our homeland, the Pacific Northwest, inspires our design through its endless natural beauty. We are constantly in awe of the tones, textures, and feelings when we walk through an Oregon forest or prairie.

Rip & Tan: We’re particularly drawn to the masterful use of earth tones in this space. What’s your process for developing an interior’s color palette?

Molly Kidd: We really took advantage of the luscious views and based our palette on the surrounding terrain of regional PNW trees (hence the name Cottage in the Woods). We decided to use the same yummy green hue we saw outdoors and bring it indoors in inventive ways throughout the home.

Rip & Tan: As a studio that prides itself on a sustainable approach to design, what are some of your favorite tips and tricks for sourcing and styling vintage or pre-loved pieces?

Molly Kidd: Sustainability is at the forefront of every Light and Dwell project with a 50/50 initiative to mix well-loved vintage pieces with custom-made products, increasing the life of already-made materials and supporting local makers. We say to always look for quality over quantity. Find the pieces that speak to you and are made from solid, raw materials. Look for pieces that will age well and could be an heirloom to pass down for generations!”

Rip & Tan: You recently launched a line of furniture—are there any special pieces featured in this project?

Molly Kidd: We designed the custom chocolate wave bed in the primary and may or may not be launching the piece on our website! Keep an eye out.

Rip & Tan: Let’s talk about this space—each room feels so distinct and yet the whole is naturally cohesive. How would you describe the through-line? Was there any specific point of inspiration?

Molly Kidd: Our cottage in the woods project holds a special place in our hearts. Why? This cottage is my co-founder, Aymee’s personal abode which makes it all the more exciting! We designed this home with innovation top of mind. We were consistently inspired by the charm of Dutch-inspired details with bold characteristics. While there were design risks with paint and pattern, there were also timeless uses of millwork, finishes, and furniture.

We base all of our project selections from an initial floral arrangement. Every paint color you see in the project stems from this project’s floral arrangement from the original mood board!

Rip & Tan: Can you tell us more about all these incredible entryways? Each doorway feels like its own piece of art.

Molly Kidd: There is an arch motif sprinkled in just about every space! We wanted an organic nod to cottage heritage and this was the perfect element to do that. Arches feel intimate and are a classic staple in many of our designs. We really took advantage of the “coziness” of the low ceilings and created something interesting, sculptural, and unexpected.