The widespread depression and anxiety wrought by the pandemic inspired San Carlos resident Leslie Matteucci to study Reiki, a method of channeling energy to balance the chakra system and promote wellbeing. It wasn’t long before she launched her own business, Ravenwood Reiki. “I knew that people would need healing and connection,” she says.
When Matteucci and her two young children moved into their two-story abode in San Carlos, she asked Kendra Nash of Nash Design to foster a sense of wellness and positivity in their new home.
Exemplified by the black chevron backsplash in the classic white kitchen, the home’s existing color palette provided an ideal backdrop.
“Black and white represents balance,” Matteucci explains, “masculine and feminine, sun and moon, Yin and Yang.”
Working with project designers Laurie Hicks and Megan Moran, Nash softened the contrasting palette with plush furnishings in neutral fabrics, soft textiles and natural elements such as unfinished wood and crystal, which Matteucci uses in her Reiki practice.
“She wanted an element of ease, nothing too refined,” Nash recalls.
The Living Room
In the living room, a black-and-white area rug with a Bohemian pattern anchors a neutral sectional sofa and a leather chair in front of the linear fireplace.
Behind the sofa, a trio of art pieces that remind Matteucci of the moon hang above a blackened metal-framed console table with unfinished wooden doors.
The Kitchen
The palette flows into the open kitchen, where Nash incorporated black pendant lights over the island and wood barstools with woven seats.
“We brought in warmth with the barstools,” Nash says. “It’s nice to have something in a kitchen that softens the shiny elements and hard surfaces.”
The Dining Room
That’s also the case in the adjacent dining room, where black Wishbone chairs surround a natural wood table with rounded edges. Black-and-white draperies with a tribal pattern—a nod to Matteucci’s Native American heritage—enliven the otherwise neutral milieu.
“This house has a modern Bohemian vibe,” Nash says.
The Primary Bedroom
A wallcovering with a striking, shamanistic pattern likewise invigorates the primary bedroom, creating a dynamic backdrop for an upholstered headboard flanked by wood side tables. Blush draperies, pops of pink and a mounted feather necklace take the space in a feminine direction.
“It’s my sanctuary,” Matteucci explains, pointing out that she particularly loves the crystal table lamps.
The square windows above the bed remain uncovered, allowing moonlight to stream in at night.
“Moonlight replenishes my soul at a very spiritual level,” Matteucci explains, noting that moonlight is believed to “recharge” the crystals she uses in her Reiki practice.
The Playroom
The children’s spaces are equally well-appointed. A playful wallcovering depicting birds sets the tone in the playroom, where a rattan swing fosters a playful yet sophisticated sensibility that appeals to adults and children alike. Colorful stuffed animal heads hang on the wall, adding to the sense of whimsy.
“We live in earthquake country, so we didn’t want to hang anything too heavy on the walls,” Nash explains.
The Kids’ Bedrooms
Naturally, the kids had a large say in the design of their bedrooms. 4-year-old Mia’s space is pink and frilly. 6-year-old Luca’s room is rendered in a sophisticated palette of navy blue, olive and rust hues inspired by the abstract area rug.
“He’s an old soul,” Matteucci muses.
As the project progressed, Matteucci and the designers developed a close friendship. She was astonished to discover that Megan Moran was a fellow Libra, who shared her appreciation for the moon. When the two realized they had that connection, “the floodgates opened,” she recalls, noting the project felt intuitively guided.
“The energy of this home feels true to me,” she adds. “Only good vibes, healing energy and connection can enter these walls.”
This article originally appeared on spacesmag.com.
How to Help:
If you’re interested in helping more people have access to design services, you can support the nonprofit Designs for Dignity, which transforms nonprofit environments through pro bono design services and in-kind donations.
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Tate Gunnerson is a Chicago-based freelance journalist with an equal appreciation for natural beauty and good design. He is a passionate supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the National Kidney Foundation.
