Carnegie Client
On a very tight budget, we were able to bring a modern approach to a formal living room. We used an updated paint color on the walls bringing in the blue that the client wanted. Purchased a sofa and chairs in cleaner lines, but that have soft classic fabrics and colors. The parameters given by the client were that she wanted to retain a formal (comfortable) feel in the room, the area rug and formal curtains kept while still bringing “blue” into the room. She also wanted to keep as much furniture as possible as many were antiques that had been in her family for years.
After
Before
“You’re probably tired of hearing how much I love my living room. Everyone who comes in can’t believe the transformation. Every time I walk into the room it feels peaceful and beautiful.”
— Patty S.
Project Highlights
Striped armless chairs from Ballard Designs work in the small room replacing the Queen Anne chairs. They also do double duty to introduce the blue she wanted in the room which we also brought to the walls.
Crown molding added.
Updated lampshades bring life to existing glass lamps.
Modern glass tables (Wayfair & Tuesday Mornings) lighten the space while the round black pedestal table from Crate and Barrel is a nice contrast.
A small dining area right off the living room had a very dated table and chairs. The quality and craftsmanship of the table was excellent so I worked with a skilled furniture painter to paint the chairs and the pedestal of the table. I selected a new, updated fabric that complimented the tones and textures in the living room and recoveredthe chairs for the client.
A photograph of the family’s favorite vacation spot was blown up into a three canvas piece for artwork above the couch.
Accessorizing: I had her take everything out of the space and separate into three categories: I love this and it has meaning to me…..I like this…and I have no attachment to this at all. Then spent a few hours restyling using items she already owned…even pulling from other rooms in the house. Then added a few, new, key accessories.
Fireplace: Because the client hated the fireplace, but couldn’t afford to rebuild it, I couldn’t leave it as the main focal point of the room. We painted it out in a color that complemented the walls using a specialty paint on the inside of the fireplace. Then we used a metallic paint on the mantel and I brushed lightly over the metallic paint with a black glaze to tone it down. Quite a transformation for $50 in paint!
