When Steve and I started working for our clients, their living room looked like this.
After a couple of initial meetings with our clients, Steve and I knew exactly how we wanted this room (and the whole house) to feel. We wanted to create a calm environment using mostly neutrals and a few splashes of color.
I find it easiest to select one key element, like the rug or an important fabric, to determine the color palette. For this room, the rug was the first piece that we found, and all decisions were based on this piece.
I know it's hard to tell, but this rug is beautiful! It's mostly cream and beige with hints of lime green.
After selecting the rug, we went furniture shopping with our clients. They were drawn to the clean lined classic pieces by Kerry Joyce, and Dessin Fournir.
The Paige Sofa by Kerry Joyce was one of the first upholstered pieces that we chose for this room. Only Kerry Joyce could make a piece that was beautiful and comfortable for our 6'3" client and his 5'3" wife!
We all fell in love with the Austin Club Chair by Dessin Fournir. Since the sofa had exposed legs, the skirted Austin would be a perfect match.
We found several occasional tables at the Dessin Fournir showroom that we just stunning. Their finishes are beyond compare, and all of their pieces have are timeless designs.
The Boyle Side Table would look wonderful between two Newcastle chairs.
The gilded Bijoux Side Table would add some sparkle next to the Paige Sofa.
The Louis XVI Side Table in a custom size would make a stunning sofa table.
We chose light fixtures with traditional clean lines.
A pair of Antique Brass Dillon Sconces by PalmerHargrave were selected for the mantel.
The Piedmont Lantern by Urban Electric Company was chosen for the center of the room.
Once we had these key pieces selected, we went antique shopping with our clients. I find that a room feels a little flat without at least one antique in it! Fortunately our clients felt the same way. Although we went to several antique stores around town, our clients were particularly drawn to the gorgeous pieces at Lief.
I begged our clients to buy this Swedish armoire. I know this sounds odd, but I had tears in my eyes when I first saw it. I knew that it would make this room.
A pair of these beautifully carved Swedish benches were also chosen for this room.
We also needed to choose a new mantel for the room. With all of the other selections made, it was evident to both Steve and me that we should get a gorgeous mantel from Exquisite Surfaces like this one.
Our clients weren't completely convinced until they saw Steve's drawing...
Most of these decisions were made months ago! In the past couple of weeks, we started to put the room together...
I chose classic antique brass rods for several of the main rooms downstairs. The draperies have a simple pinch pleat. I chose a floral fabric that picks up all of the colors in the rug.
The rug was placed in the space and my clients' sofa, upholstered in a gorgeous Kravet silk velvet shimmered! The ebony Dennis and Leen chinoiserie coffee table added some contrast.
A pair of green pillows for a punch of color on the sofa.
We moved the Swedish benches to either side of the coffee table, and the Swedish armoire was placed beside the mantel.
An antique gilded mirror from Tone on Tone (thank you Joni for the introduction!) found a home above the mantel.
Our clients are thrilled with the progress so far. There are few finishing touches that will be added in the next couple of weeks...
Some accessories for the coffee table, a little greenery for the mantel and sofa table, and pillows for the window seat are still needed. Steve and I are still arguing about the green pillows on these chairs. I think they should go, but Steve really likes them.
Of course, all of these things are minor decisions. I'd love to hear what you think. Do you like how we transformed this....
Into this?
xo
Brooke
