The formal living room has become a forgotten space in many homes. With families favoring casual hang out spaces connected to the kitchen and the television, the living room doesn't get much love. For this recent project, our client came to us for help in transforming her room (a large space with a fireplace - valuable real estate!) into a place where family and friends would enjoy gathering.
The first step in encouraging folks to utilize a forgotten space is to create a story and vibe for the room. Who is going to use it, and what is the vision for how it is used? In this case, cozy seating by the fireplace, a place to relax and read and a games table for cocktail nights were in order. Following the space plan, we presented the client with two different palettes and design boards - one was dramatic and moody with chocolate browns and pops of teal and orange. The other option was light, airy and neutral, relying on texture and tonal patterns for interest. Ultimately the client's love for clean and quiet colors won out so we set about making sure the neutral space would still feel special, inviting and luxurious.
This client is a lover of all things vintage (hooray) so we spent a fun day hitting up some favorite haunts and ended up with some fabulous x benches and a rattan table and chairs. These pieces were reimagined with paint and reupholstery and really set the tone for the room. A custom banquette in a cozy velvet with gorgeous trim is another scene stealer - it's perfectly paired with a modern white plaster table and we finished the corner off by hanging the client's collection of family and vintage art from their travels.
Simple tailored curtains with greek key trim bring softness to the room, while the bronze hardware adds a grounding element. A soft seagrass rug in a buttery straw color covers the floor almost entirely - helping to tie the two sides of the room together. Brass and glass lighting elements add sparkle and a touch of formality, and a large scale mirror bounces light around the room. The homeowner's existing heirloom secretary houses a collection of sentimental pieces and anchors the seating area. A mix of pillows in both traditional and contemporary patterns keep the story from feeling one-note, as do the modern floor lamps and organic stump table.
The end result is a layered, inviting room that now invites family and friends to spend time together.
Take a tour of the room here:
