As my career progresses, I’m learning better ways to communicate with my clients. In the beginning most of my jobs were for friends or family (hi mom!) so it was easier to pull together a space that reflected what I knew about each person. But now that most of my clients are strangers (yet quick friends) I am finding new ways to dig deep into the wants, needs, and preferences of each client. This project was a real collaboration and I think we landed on a beautiful solution.
Let’s get to the befores.
Our main focus (initially) were the living and dining spaces. My client had updated a few pieces (her dining table and chairs for example) in an attempt to incorporate more modern lines but was stuck on how to make this new aesthetic cohesive with her other more traditional pieces. She loves an eclectic mix of timeless furniture (and had several great pieces to keep) but before we decided what pieces would stay and what would go we had to work on the furniture layout.
I’m always ready to move furniture, so at our initial meeting we shifted her existing couch in front of the window and mocked up new occasional chairs using ones from her dining room. This helped create a better flow and allowed for more seating which my client was wanting for the future (remember those things called dinner parties and book club?).
Once we nailed the layout the hunt for furniture began. I knew my client was a minimalist at heart so we had to make sure each piece really counted. The fewer things in a room, the more weight they carry in terms of texture, interest, and scale. We had to be strategic. And once we got the furniture nailed down we could work on the details. Let’s see how it turned out.
It really is lovely! That eclectic mix my client desired and a minimalist approach to all the goods. She wanted to paint the room a fresh white so we went with Sherwin Williams’ Natural Choice. It highlights the original crown molding so nicely!
You might recognize the roll arm chair from the original photos. We had it recovered in a luscious green velvet which was my client’s dream from the beginning. The texture and color is just what the room needed. And it picks up the touches of green in the new art (all picked by my client BTW - she has good taste!)
We looked at vintage occasional chairs (and even bought some) but in the end these two from Target were a good mix of wood tone, fabric color, comfort, and price! So we pulled the trigger. My client said she sits in the them quite often so they pass the test for when company joins her.
We really worked at getting the textures of the room right. With the smooth and solid fabric choices on the seating pieces, it was important to bring in texture and variation with the rug and tables. I love how they compliment the marble fireplace.
And with the minimalist theme in full swing we made sure the accessories all stood up to the task of being personal, interesting, and, well, pretty! It took only a few touches to finish the look. I’m always about the details and in this case the few that we have really are perfect.
And not to be forgotten is the dining transformation.
Again…just a few well appointed accessories and this room feels complete.
What do you think? Are you ready to pare down in 2021 or are you still riding the maximist train? Also, I mentioned that we initially started with the living and dining rooms. Well, stay tuned as we also did a little work on her basement and office! Once she saw what can be done with a few changes she was ready to tackle the rest of the house….shhhh we are working the bedrooms now!