Anne McDonald Design’s Suburban Rambler Redo Edition
Welcome to the first installment of “Recreate this look on a budget with me”, where we break down stunning designs by noteworthy interior designers and show you how to achieve the same aesthetic at a fraction of the price. Today, we’re diving into the elegant and timeless designs of Anne McDonald, the principle designer and founder of Anne McDonald Design based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Anne’s work, which spans from coast to coast, is revered for its warm, elevated style that harmoniously blends historical elements with modern living.
The Designer Behind the Vision: Anne McDonald
Anne McDonald has carved a niche in the interior design world with her ability to infuse pleasure into utility. Her approach focuses on a deep appreciation for both historic preservation and modern practicality, making her designs both functional and sophisticated. Known for her bespoke and visually diverse interiors, Anne’s work includes everything from luxurious residential homes to the chic commercial spaces (ANNE McDONALD DESIGN).
Highlighted Project: The Suburban Rambler Redo
One of Anne’s notable projects is the “Suburban Rambler Redo,” a perfect exemplar of her design philosophy. This project beautifully illustrates how vintage elements can be repurposed within contemporary contexts to create a space that feels both timeless and current.
Dissecting the Design
The living room setup in the Suburban Rambler Redo is a testament to Anne’s expertise in balancing colour, texture, and form. The space features a rich blend of natural wood tones, lush upholstery, and elegant metallic finishes. The architectural details, such as the clean, white beams across the ceiling, draw the eye upward, enhancing the room’s spaciousness, while the curated artworks add a layer of personality and intrigue.
Design Analysis
- Colour Harmony: Anne uses a palette that complements natural light, enhancing the room’s warmth and making it welcoming.
- Textural Contrast: From the plush sofas to the rugged wooden centerpiece, each element introduces a texture that contributes to a layered look.
- Functional Aesthetics: Every piece is chosen not only for its visual appeal but also for its functionality, supporting Anne’s belief in finding “pleasure within utility.”
How to Recreate This Look on a Budget
For those captivated by Anne McDonald’s design but mindful of budget constraints, here’s how you can achieve a similar vibe without the hefty price tag:
- The Sofa: Look for a sofa with clean lines and a neutral colour. Opt for budget-friendly brands that offer durability and style.
- The Coffee Table: Seek out a wooden table with a natural, rustic finish. Often, local craftsmen or second-hand shops have hidden gems at a fraction of the cost.
- The Artwork: While original art can be expensive, high-quality prints of famous artworks can serve as great substitutes to bring character to your space.
To help you in your quest, I’ve rounded up some budget-friendly dupes here:
- Clementine | Sill Life Oil Painting, Kitchen Wall Art, Moody Citrus Fruit Print, Vintage Orange Tangerine Printable, French Country Decor
- Living room wall art minimalist aesthetic poster prints. Modern photography poster prints – Wall People
- Vintage Kitchen Still Life Painting | Farmhouse Print | Oil Painting Print | Printable Artwork | Kitchen Art | Oranges
- Bouclé Sofa Cushion Cover – Off White
- Churchgate Woodhouse Boucle Cushion
- HEDSÄV Cushion cover, off-white, 50×50 cm
- Vision Home Natural Pinch Pleated Semi Sheer Curtains Textured Linen Blended Light Filtering Window Curtains 84 inch for Living Room Bedroom Pinch Pleat Drapes with Hooks 2 Panels 42″ Wx84 L
- Black Curtain Pole Metal Extendable Curtain Rods Door Curtain Poles for Eyelet Curtains, Black 76 to 228cm
- 40 Pack Curtain Rings Metal, Curtain Pole Rings, Black Curtain Rings, Rustproof Curtain Rail Hanging Rings, with 35mm Internal Diameter & Eyelets for Shower Curtains, Curtain Drapery Pole Rod Rings
- MASWOND Natural Pinch Pleated Curtain 72W x 84L Inches, Extra Wide Light Filtering Semi Sheer Linen Curtains for Living Room Patio Door, Pinch Pleat Window Drapes with Hooks (1 Panel, Natural)
- Cartmel Hidden Tab Top Single Voile Panel
- COVE 4-SEATER SOFA – GREY BOUCLÉ
- The Fitzrovia
- Solid teak root mini stool/table Part of our solid teak root wood range
- Coffee Root Wooden Stand Table 20cm
- Rustic Coffee Table Solid Teak Wood Root Furniture Vintage Industrial Style Unit Large Rectangular Antique Living Room Modern Art Deco Stand
- Merax Teddy Fabric Swivel Accent Barrel Armchair: Stylish Lounge Chair with Metal Frame for Living Room, Bedroom, Balcony, and Office Brown
- Boehler Upholstered Armchair
- Sostrene Grene Vase
- Large textured glass vase
- Gisela Graham Medium Fir Wood Cottage Style Milking Stool/Bench 60x20x22cm
- Jute Ombre Rug
- Siri Jute – Beige / Black Jute Rug
- Gold Black Cotton Jute High Quality Striped Jute Rugs Handmade Jute Bohemian Han
- Endon Karna New 1lt Floor in Warm Antique Brass Plate (107528)
- White-Wash Concrete-Effect Lamp with Dark Grey Shade
- Modern Ceramic Table Light Geometric Shape Table Lamp with Fabric Shade for Bedroom – 220V-240V White
- EOEO Modern E14 Wall Light Inside Metal Bedside Lamp Wall Lamp with White Fabric Screen Up Down Wall Sconce Lighting for Living Room Hotel Bedroom Stairs Hallway,Gold [Energy Class A]
By exploring affordable alternatives and focusing on key design principles, you can bring a touch of Anne McDonald’s luxurious design into your home economically.
In conclusion, Anne McDonald’s work not only elevates spaces but also respects the integrity of each site’s history, making her designs a great study in achieving balance and elegance. For those inspired by her work, integrating these elements on a budget is not only feasible but also a fun challenge that can yield stunning results.
For more insights into beautiful and affordable design, stay tuned to Flitcroft Interiors. And remember, shopping second-hand is not only sustainable but also economical!
Yours always,
JG x
GALATEA 
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