LIVENED UP LIVING + DINING \/\/ RETIRED BUT FAR FROM TIRED<\/p>\n
When I got the assignment for this client, I was ecstatic to read in the forwarded email message, \u201cLooking at your gallery and blog and on Houzz, I like the rooms that Melanie has done.\u201d\u00a0 Especially having not been back into the residential [design] world that long, I couldn\u2019t have been more flattered to get a personal request!!<\/p>\n
During our consultation, it was evident that this homeowner knew what she wanted and how she wanted it, but didn\u2019t know quite how to get there.\u00a0 She has very specific needs when it comes to function, had determined a budget to realize the result, and had an aggressive time frame to boot.\u00a0 She was retired after all, so why would she not<\/em> want what she wants?!\u00a0 It was essential her new space be more functional as she needs to utilize this home full-time after selling her Arizona winter-home.\u00a0 Here are some specifics on how we got there :<\/p>\n \/\/\u00a0 Overall, replacing the very commercial-looking low loop carpet with hardwood brightened up the whole space, making it current and relevant.\u00a0 We refinished her stair treads and handrails for continuity, and added a modern patterned carpet runner for a punch of color and visual interest in the hall off the entry.<\/p>\n \/\/\u00a0 The living room needed a comfortable working space dedicated to her spinning wheel (yes, like the wheel in Sleeping Beauty!), which we highlighted -center stage- between two towering bookcases creatively accessorized with old and new tchotchkes in the coordinating shades of blues and hues of greens.<\/p>\n \/\/\u00a0 The existing sitting\/TV area layout was apropos, however, needed a little sprucing.\u00a0 We replaced the marred leather Barcelona chairs with higher, firmer club chairs in a loose-weave neutral fabric; added a large area rug to delineate the room\u2019s boundaries and adjoin the furniture pieces creating a comfortable conversation area; replaced all the occasional tables with an assortment of new pieces mixing textures, finishes, colors, and styles; then layered in new throw pillows, lamps and accessories to tie everything together.<\/p>\n \/\/\u00a0 The dining room was probably the most fun because it was the most impactful transformation.\u00a0 We kept the round pedestal dining table, which was a family heirloom, and had it refinished, livening up the natural heavy oak graining.\u00a0 Everything else was done away with. First, we added an area rug to protect the new floors from the dining chairs and anchor the table to the room; then we removed the off-centered can lights and replaced them with a new chandelier – hung high enough to clear the table with its fully collapsed, but full enough to fill the space when the table\u2019s leaves are inserted.\u00a0 We replaced the old chairs with new fully-upholstered parsons chairs in an almost white [and VERY durable] fabric and coordinating captain\u2019s chairs with arms covered in navy, all to a make this room still inviting yet slightly more formal feeling.\u00a0 We added a stunningly large and very heavy modern side board for all her serving storage; installed some oversized\/large-scale art to create impact and focus; and fully dressed the dining \u00a0table for the \u201cwow-\u201dfactor!<\/p>\n\n\t\t