Scenario: The Clients are a young couple that had moved into a new home with a growing family.Yes, another job paced by the birth of a new beautiful baby girl. This is one deadline I have yet to be able to move so I had best adhere to the biological timeline.
Problem:
The cabinetry, brick, fabric colors are giving the room a dreary feeling. The clients were also recent graduates of “everything has to match” school so the large washed chenille sofa and chair were life partners at this point. We also wanted to have more continuity between the built in and the fireplace. We had to give this room a breath of fresh air.
Solution:
Without tearing out the built in , the cabinet man(genius) surgically added length to the built in and I framed out the fireplace a bit more as to better angle the face of the fireplace towards the room also allowing the bookcase to die into the new stone façade. A new stone face and new firebox were installed to add more texture and lighter feel. I added light above the fireplace accenting the artwork. I also really like the way stone looks at night with a vertical light source-it adds so much ambiance and subtle dramatic effect.
We said adios to the furniture and designed the room with 2 sofas instead of the larger sectional. I painted the cabinet white which makes a dramatic change with minimal budget impact. I also accessorized the bookcase, added 2 new sconces, changed out the art behind the sofa, and added new upholstery and case goods in the room.
Using antiques adds charm to a room so I resourced 2 small end tables , one next to the sofa and the other by the chair. A hand made wool rug , finished to look a bit imperfect and antiquated , was added as a finishing touch to the room. Accent pillows and various artifacts make this room a perfect family gathering spot. For Manhattan Beach cape cod detailing ideas please check out this Cape Cod Interior Design Project.
Don’t feel as if you have to buy 1 piece of art to fit 1 large wall. You can see how I used multiple pieces to layer texture and interest.
If we are not doing custom, I like to install my rugs at the end of an install for an element of surprise. I know that is difficult for some people, but I have found it to be most effective.
Plan your lighting ahead and don’t don take it “lightly”(bad pun I know) it has a huge impact on a room. Use dimmers.
P.S.
I did install the room on schedule and all the family and out of town visitors were able to enjoy the new room.
great ideas. I always follow your ideas and apply them.
Just one question though. Have you made writing this blog as your profession or do you do this in your spare time?
Just curious..
As humans we often like to over-engineer things or make things much more complicated in our minds.
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