Location sets the stage
The first step in the Pacaso design process is imagining how owners will use their home, and that depends a lot on the home’s location, said Lynne. “In our design, we’re regionally specific first. People go to the areas they’re really interested in, or they pick the areas that have the weather they enjoy the most — so then it's our design job to incorporate the outside in, because somebody picked that location for a very good reason.”The design team also considers how the climate and natural environment will influence the way owners use the home. “We think about the surroundings and what activities are happening nearby — if there are mountains and snow, we’ll take a very different approach compared to a beachfront home. The exterior environment affects how people will interact with their home, which influences how we design the spaces.”
Experiences drive design
Once the team has decided on a general design approach based on location and climate, they consider the home’s layout and attributes, and how those features will influence the way people use the home. “Unlike a primary home, second homes are for gatherings — we design with groups in mind. Everyone should feel comfortable and part of the space.”A beautiful home instills pride, but an enjoyable home is designed with the owners’ experiences in mind. “There's a lot of purpose behind the design — it's not just about what is going to look great in a photo. If it doesn't work well when people are living there, and they’re moving furniture around because it's just not in the right places or it's in the way, then that’s not a good design.”Every detail matters
Each item in a Pacaso, be it a vase, throw pillow or floor lamp, is intentionally matched to the home. Furnishings are trend-forward, contemporary and beautiful — but function and durability are critical when deciding which pieces will make the final cut. “I look at the quality first — is it functional and comfortable? Will it hold up? Then I choose the most beautiful pieces that meet that criteria.”Lynne also likes to select something unique for each of her design projects, a piece that feels like it was made for the home. “Typically I try to find a signature piece, sometimes even something like a fabric on a pillow that will inspire me on the design of the whole house, and then I build everything around that.”Equal attention is given to all the extras that make a house feel like home — centerpiece art, cozy throw blankets, and just the right amount of decorative elements “so the home doesn't feel empty or hotel-like, but not so many that it feels like you're sitting in someone else's home with their personal items lying around.” And when it comes to the basics, we don’t skimp on the things you and your family (including any four-legged members) need to enjoy your stay. Homes are stocked with more than 200 essentials for everyday living.
