Gone are the days of white walls and predictable furnishings. Today decorators are combining styles, colors and cultures to create high impact, inviting interiors.

"We like to mix colors, fabrics and textures," says Markie Nelson, of Markie Nelson Interior Design in Seattle, WA.

Nelson is the interior designer for the 2001 Sunset Idea Home in Redmond, WA. The house is being built by Sherman Homes in partnership with Sunset Magazine. The "Tudor Revival with a Twist" features the very latest in Old World craftsmanship and New World convenience.

"The outside architecture is classic Tudor which you can see in many old neighborhoods of the Pacific Northwest," says Nelson. "The inside is very free and welcoming with a mix of Scandinavian and Asian cultures."

The home features an exciting and eclectic mix of dark wood-toned furniture, blonde parquet hardwood floors, pastels and bold punches of color. The two-story, 4100 sq. ft. home is designed to access multiple private gardens off the main rooms.

"There is nothing pretentious about this home," says Nelson. "Every room is warm and inviting and flows to the next."

The Sunset Northwest Idea House is located in Claremont on the Park at 16203 NE 43rd Court in Redmond, WA. Claremont is a neighborhood of 15 custom homes, each reflecting Seattle's historic architecture and state-of-the-art technology. The home will be open to the public September 8 - November 18, 2001.

Link to Sunset Magazine: Northwest Idea House

Press release about Sunset Idea House 3/30/01

Press release about Sunset Idea House 6/11/01

Article on Idea House in Eastside Journal 3/15/01