A few months back, I was invited into a family’s beautiful home. I spent some time with the couple and listened to them. I learned what they liked and disliked and gained an understanding of how they lived.
Their daughter curled up in a chair to watch a show and I knew that comfort was important to this crew. Style was equally important. They had beautiful pieces of furniture and accessories that they had collected over the years. Understanding what the couple liked was gained after a tour of their home and listening. I heard what pieces were selected by the Mrs. and which ones were selected by the Mr. I was learning what was important to each of them.
I took some pictures, and as always, came back with a design board of my initial ideas. I brought some curtains, one of the lamps, some artwork, and a few accessories. I wanted them to be able to see the items and get a feel for the mix of textures.
There were items that would be worked into the rooms — that super comfy sofa in the family room, the custom wall finish in the living room, the beautiful bar and secretary, and some other items that had special meaning to the family.
At our next visit, final selections were made and we had a game plan as to when things would be ordered and we would start putting things into place.
Midway through the project the fireplace in the family room came up in discussion. As you can see, it was a standard fireplace, and the couple was looking to make a change. I emailed the couple some ideas to see which ones interested them. I then returned with some stacked stone options and the ideas began to flow! They opted for the more rustic and varied stacked stone and their was a request for a rustic beam.
The search began…I contacted several people to help find the perfect beam…and we found it. It was a monster, so we had it cut to size and I soon thereafter, I was picking up the gem.
It took a couple of weeks for the fireplace to be completed. We raised the fireplace box, built a hearth for many to sit, and the contractors installed the stacked stone, beam, and limestone hearth. The goal was to fill the space and have it be the focal point of the room.
Decorating Day arrived and Andy and I worked like busy bees to make sure everything was in place. We started in the Dining Room and Living Room.
I was sure to incorporate their beautiful pieces. I added the upholstered finishes, along with the accessories and window treatments, to create a cohesive look to the space. I made the flower arrangement for the dining room table that has hints of lavender that are pulled from the triptych art on the wall. I carried the hint of lavender to the damask pillows on the sofa.
I used black to anchor the space. The dining room chairs have black leather material on the seats and the black is repeated in the artwork, drapery panels, and throw pillows. I included several layers of texture to the space to make it feel warm and welcoming.
Then we moved into the Kitchen. The request was for a new farmhouse table and we decided to add a bench and bistro chairs to complete the classic look. The table was custom built and features a white, rustic finish with grey undertones below the surface.
I added the colorful rug to integrate the colors of the adjoining family room into the space. I pulled some, soft, buttery, drapery panels in to bring another layer of warmth to the room.
We finished the day in the Family Room. With the fireplace as the anchor of the space, and the barn artwork being the focal point of color, I pulled much of the decor from those two items. I knew we were in need of soft drapery panels to balance the fireplace. The trellis design linen sheers were hung on an oil rubbed bronze finish drapery rod. I integrated black into the space again in the lampshades on the oversized blue lamps. Beaded pillows added another layer of texture, and the coral birds carried the hint of color from the kitchen into the room. I used both rustic and gold finishes in the accessories to balance the personalities of both the Mr. and Mrs. of the house. This is their family room and it should represent them.
We had an antique buffet converted into a media center and it is finished in chalk paint with an antique glaze finish. The couple’s sofa, chaise, chair, and tables, all were included into the space. We moved the layout to best enjoy TV watching and the fireplace. I see many cups of hot cocoa being enjoyed in this room.
When the Mrs. arrived, I saw her eyes fill with tears and so did mine. The reveal truly is the best part of the job. I selfishly relish that moment and enjoy seeing all of the efforts of the project come together.
My client asked me — “So how would you describe the style of our home?” I replied and let her know that I wanted it to be a blend of she and her husband’s personality. In each corner of their house, I wanted their space to feel like them. She loves elegance and glamour, he loves rustic and comfortable spaces. My answer to her question… “It’s a blend of your styles. It’s Kate Spade in the country.”
Make it a great day!
Kellie
Stunning! Is this the claros silver architectural from The Tile Shop? Thanks!
It is!