With busy daily schedules, evening engagements and social media … our face to face time seems to be a rarity. When my client asked me to help her ‘do’ something with the space off of her kitchen … the discovery began. After recently completely her family room with media center, over-sized leather furniture and a plush, snuggly rug, I knew this area had to offer something different. She explained, as most, everyone gathers in the kitchen. She has a designated dining area and was left with a cold corner, opposite the breakfast bar, that no one would occupy. While she loved the results of her family room, she wanted an additional space that would draw people in, offer comfortable seating and most importantly ‘just a place to talk’.
My design plan; a gathering area. A design that creates a conversational flow allowing family and friends to chat LIVE. Easy access, ample seating with a calm, coastal-eclectic vibe inviting you to kick back and relax.
After returning with my space-plan sketches and conceptual design … I received ‘the news.’ My challenge – the client said “NO PAINT.” What!? No painting?? I slowly surrendered my brush from my design box and promised I would create the mood through our furnishing selections and accents …
We choose a slightly restrained palette. Our custom club chairs were covered in a variety of taupe textured performance fabrics that are soft to the touch and so welcoming! We brought a large, jute rug to set the casual tone and layered with a muted patterned wool rug for comfort and depth and the woven rattan coffee table and baskets gave the room that natural-beachy nod. Nearby is the multi-purpose buffet, perfect for a cocktail station with pull-out appetizer serving trays. One of my favorite pieces is the gorgeous Gothic Quatrefoil mirror hung above. It offers fantastic reflection giving the space an open and airy appeal.
My signature consultation with every client engagement is to add something personal from the homeowner. Together we sorted through all of their accessories, offering most for donation. We were left with a collection of beautiful family photos. Replacing the frames and glass gave these pictures new life and a well-deserved photo gallery destination that the whole family is proud of.
The combination of rich wood tones, natural fiber accents, textured fabrics and lamp shades, greenery and appropriate lighting allowed us to create a warm and inviting corner that no one wants to leave … with NO PAINT added!
The best thing about this project was hearing feedback from my client. She said that they had never used this space in their home before and now this is everyone’s favorite. It is gender neutral and each person in their family has picked their favorite spot. Also, it is the first room guests see as they enter through the foyer. She loves when friends gasp with envy each time the front door opens. Mission accomplished!