Jennifer’s Design Dilemma
Jennifer and her husband Derick’s living room is bursting with posh potential. Here’s her letter:
My husband and I need your help. Our living room/formal dining room is dark and the fireplace wall feels WAY too busy with the dark brick, white mantel/tan wall and the cluttered, uneven bookshelves. There is a silly window in the wall behind the painting on the top left shelf that has to be covered up in some way (it’s about the size of the painting that is covering it). Things that stay: the big painting (our inspiration), the buffet table, the dining table (though I’ve thought about swapping the chairs for something creamy and modern), the loveseat, the curtains, the sconces. Everything else can go. My husband would like the room to feel “stylish, grown up and cohesive.” I would like the room to feel like a boutique hotel lobby that you could actually live in. Our priorities are getting more seating in front of the fireplace, accent lighting, and the fireplace wall. We’re willing to spend a little more for pieces with longevity. We like equal parts contemporary, mid-century modern, and traditional. Oh and we’d like a new wall color. We like chocolate, orange, citron green, teal, & red. Thanks for your help! -Jen & Derick
This space is primed for a major makeover. Here’s the plan:
And now for the mood board breakdown.
1. We’ll bring in some deep chocolate furnishings (to match the existing table and buffet) along with some softer mocha and cream tones to lighten things up. We’ll also add some punchy pops of orange and teal in the accessories since they tickle Jennifer and Derick’s fancy (and can be found in their inspiration art as well as their other nearby rooms). As for the walls, we’d love to see them get a splash of soft sophisticated teal (Benjamin Moore’s Bali) to create that posh hotel-chic feeling in a snap (and complement the orange curtains to no end). Then painting the bricks and the mantel of the fireplace a sleek and clean white tone (BM’s Decorators White) will draw attention away from the unbalanced bookcases (which will also get a coat of teal paint so they blend in seamlessly with the rest of the room).
And when it comes to the furniture arrangement, Jennifer requested that the loveseat stay but also mentioned that she wanted more seating by the fireplace (so they can really live in this room instead of use it sparingly on holidays). We thought bringing in a proper sofa to face the fireplace while the loveseat is placed on the right wall as you face the fireplace (creating an L-shaped arrangement) was the way to go. Of course this will crowd that gorgeous buffet, so we’d like to see it placed on the opposite wall (where the green painted hutch currently resides) while the lovely inspiration art is hung on the wall where the buffet once was.
2. Since Jennifer and Derick listed two of their favorite colors as orange (which is already in those lovely curtains) and teal (which is in their inspiration art for the room), we thought bringing in some bright teal and orange accessories (lacquered boxes, trays, these pretty glass vases, candle holders, etc) would be one way to add unified style to the built-in bookcases (adding them between stacks of books and even potted plants and other accents). We also agree that some of the shelves could be removed to create a more unified and balanced look (and because the art in the top left corner is hiding an odd little window, making all the shelves about that far apart will really go a long way. Ideally, the shelves on both sides would fall on the same horizontal line, so doing a little minor construction to create three shelves on either side of the fireplace above the base cabinets (at the same exact height) would draw attention away from the fact that one side of the built-ins is higher than the other.
As for the base cabinets on the right, we like the concealed look (and the added function) that the doors add to that side of the fireplace so we’d love to see similar cabinet doors added to the other side of the lower built-ins for a more unified and appealing look. Of course for extra credit, hiring a handyman to punch out the top of the bookcase on the left so it matches the one on the right would really be the icing on the cake (if the built-ins are every symmetrical Jennifer and Derick could accent them with wallpaper or contrasting paint or even patterned paper for even more interest on that fireplace wall).
3. With soft and sophisticated teal walls and a crisp white fireplace mantel and brick surround, the entire room will instantly feel lighter, brighter and more inviting- but hanging this luxe and lovely sunburst mirror above the fireplace will really add soft curves and eclectic texture for a room that feels collected over time and far from matchy-matchy. The round shape will also make the uneven tops of those built-ins a lot less obvious than a square or rectangular piece would. Score.
4. Although the curtains are a rich burnt orange, bringing in some pops of the vibrant orange that can be seen in the nearby kitchen will really add energy and life to the room. These vibrant pillows will look fab on the loveseat as well as the sofa, and the circular pattern in the fabric will add a bit of softness and geometric flair to the entire room (for just $14.95 each!).
5. We love this beauty from Room & Board which has classic lines and luxurious details. And although we’ve shown it above in cream (aka: “bone”- which would complement the loveseat and keep things light and airy) something a bit deeper in color might be a little more functional (so going for the “Otter” fabric could be just the thing). Jennifer and Derick might not be sold on our L shaped seating arrangement idea with the loveseat parallel to the right wall and the new sofa facing the fireplace, but it’s amazing how much more use a full sofa can lend to a room- and a rug and a side table will help ground the entire arrangement so it looks integrated and inviting.
6. We also agreed that Jennifer could definitely replace her dark dining chairs for an instantly lighter and more layered-chic look. Two of these blue chairs at the head of the table would be super fabulous (they have striking lines, which mimic the curves in her existing loveseat, and will really play well with the soft teal walls and the punchy splashes of teal in the accessories).
7. This gorgeous pedestal accent table feels substantial yet sleek all at once, and it will really add a bit of natural, earthy, and eclectic appeal to balance out many of the other more square and modern items in the space. We’d love to see it connecting our little L-shaped seating area (between the sofa and the loveseat which will be at a perpendicular angle). And you can’t complain about the fact that it’s $150 off!
8. For more of that eclectic collected over time vibe, these crisp white chairs will look just gorgeous at the dining table with the steel blue accent chairs at either end of the table. The circular detail on the back will also subtly mimic everything from the shape on the pillows and the sunburst mirror to the round side table in the seating area… and they just happen to be on sale too!
9. Words can’t describe our love affair with this rug. A 6′ x 9′ one will be perfect for Jennifer and Derick’s room because it will instantly ground the seating area and make sense of our layout while adding soft hotel-chic tones to the space and the feeling of luxury and comfort underfoot. The subtle striped effect also makes it lower maintenance (patterns hide stains) and all the tones in the rug will add such a lovely texture to the entire space. Instant ambiance, I tell ya. Oh and the existing leather ottoman would look great in the middle of the rug to further ground the seating area and break up the lighter tones in the rug and the loveseat for a layered and cohesive effect.
10. We’d love to see two of these tangerine dreams on either side of the gorgeous existing dark wood buffet which will move to the opposite wall. Two statement lamps on either side of a buffet always add interest and style, and two of these babies (in such a juicy and vibrant tone) will really make things feel fresh and fun.
So there you have it. A fresh and welcoming living/dining room full of function as well as form. We can’t wait to see what you guys think- especially you Jennifer and Derick! And if anyone else out there is in need of a custom makeover of their very own, click here for some decorating advice on the double.
Note: Our mood boards are now posted at least 48 hours after they’re sent to the client (so they have a chance to purchase everything before it sells out).
If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
Love it, as usual! I have orange accents in my family room and they really cheer up the place. I love that painting they have too!
Hi,
I noticed that the pedestal accent table is 2 inches shorter than the height of the Hawthorne arm. Won’t it be strange to have a table lower than the couch?
Thanks,
Hey Hmmm,
Good question! And the answer is: not at all. There really aren’t many strict design rules when it comes to accent tables, in fact in our very own living room side tables are about three inches shorter than our sofa arms. Here’s a visual for ya: http://www.younghouselove.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/living-dining-room-other-view-dream-house-small.jpg
Hope it helps!
xo,
Sherry
Thanks Sherry. Can one end table be higher and one be lower? I mean, could you put the Hawthorne couch with the Elton table from from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams if you already had another side table that was 26 inches high?
!! This one is my favorite! I saw the moodboard on Flickr a few days ago and fell in love. (i’ve just done my living floor in grey blue and orange)
More importantly- I think this is one of the best “before’s” I’ve seen you start with (since I’ve been reading, anyway) These homeowners have great taste to start with, the times that stay are fantastic- this room is going to be amazing!!! I do hope they share the afters.
Nice work, Sherry!!
I have been reading your blog for a few weeks and I am addicted. You two & your house remind me a lot of me and my husband and our house. Anyway, I LOVE this mood board!! You did an amazing job! All of them are good, but this one really rocks! Keep up the inspiring work.
What a great colour scheme—so fun but posh at the same time. You’re right though-a tonnn of potential in this room-I hope they send in after pics.
I also actually really like the green buffet currently in the room. Hopefully they can find someplace fantastic for it.
I love this mood board. I hope she implements your ideas – particularly the orange pillow and lamp. So fabulous!
Hey Hmmm,
That’s where things get tricky! We usually keep our side tables similar or identical in height and visual weight (so nothing feels lopsided), but if you play around with the scale of the items on each table it just might work. For example, if you’ll be putting the exact same lamps on each end table we wouldn’t recommend it because it will be obvious that one of the lamps is riding higher than the other, but if you put something a bit skinnier and taller on the shorter table (a tall vase or a cluster of tall candlesticks) and something a bit lower profile on the taller side table (a stack of books with a lacquered box on top) there’s a chance you can create enough visual balance for the pairing to look mixed & matched and perfect! Hope it helps.
xo,
Sherry
I love this room. It’s going to look great when it is done! Quick question about painting the fireplace…do you recommend painting the brick hearth the same color as the brick surround?
Jennifer – I need closer photos of your kitchen table and chairs that I can see peeking out in one of the photos! And please tell me where you got them! My guess: Chairs = CB2? Table =IKEA?
LOVE THEM!
Hey Ameleah,
Yes, I would definitely recommend painting the brick hearth the same color as the brick surround for a crisp and clean look that’s cohesive and balanced! Hope it helps.
xoxo,
Sherry
How do I love thee, Mood Board? Let me count the ways. Well, I won’t really, but it’s just stunning, and I am already desperate to see the afters. And what a cutie-pie kitchen they have too, peeking through the doorway!
I’ve been waiting to thank the youngsters so that I could take the praise public ;) The most wonderful thing about the mood board is that my husband and I can actually agree. We finally have a plan we can move forward with, and the guts to paint the walls (soft teal blue feels so daring) because we’ve never seen you guys steer anyone wrong. I will be back with after photos, though it may take some time.
So thank you, thank you, thank you!
One question for Sherry that others may be wondering also: What about the ceiling? I’ve never dealt with a beamed ceiling before. White to match the fireplace? Blue to match the walls? Cream?
And for Lisa, the kitchen table is a Saarinen from Room & Board (found on Craigslist) and the chairs are vintage Eames shells (scored on ebay).
Aw, shucks Jennifer. Thanks so much for the kind words! We’re so glad you and Derick now have a plan that you can agree on and move forward with and we’re just as excited for the after pics as everyone else clamoring for them above.
As for the ceilings, our first instinct was actually to keep them dark at least for phase one of the plan. Once you have all the lighter furnishings and a bit more color in the room they might fit right in with the dark table and the wood floors. If however, you have everything in place and you feel like they’re a bit too dark and overwhelming, painting them white (just like the fireplace hearth and surround) will instantly make the ceiling feel about a foot taller and they’ll still stand out as architectural features, they just won’t be as saturated and dark. Hope it helps! Happy decorating…
xoxo,
Sherry (& John)
Hi Sherry. Sorry for the confusion, I meant to ask about the color of the actual ceiling, not the beams.
Ohhh, gotcha. I’d definitely stick with flat white paint. Flat paint hides more imperfections than anything glossy and white will look clean and seamless next to those rich dark beams.
xo,
s
Jennifer, I like your current dining chairs. They match the style of your artwork above the fireplace, the beams, the sconces, the African figures… I think they add character to your space.
It’s a great mood board. Good luck!
Sherry, I’ve been hoping you would select the beach glass vases from West Elm for one of your mood boards. They are stunning and perfect for Jennifer’s living room!
I’d like to add my 2 cents about the dining room, if I may. I think the table looks really crowded with 4 chairs on each side- I would do 3 & 3 with one on either end you can still seat 8 but with elbow room. And, as someone said I like the chairs she has, too. I would use 6 of what they already have and add the blue chairs at the ends.
Hi Sherry– I always love what you guys put together, but I have to say…. I looooooove this one in particular. It may be that so much of Jennifer’s color scheme and room design is similar to my own, but I love how you mixed traditional with a little mid-century modern. Great job! Love it… Now if I can convince my husband for a few updates in our house, lol! Hope to see the after!!!
Sherry & John, I’ve followed your wonderful blog for a long time but never commented before. I love your ideas for Jennifer & Derrick. I noted Jennifer said painting the walls teal seemed daring. Can I just say, when I moved into my husband’s little cottage, he had painted the walls this colour and though I would probably never have chosen it myself, it really works and is really lovely to be in. We live in a tiny old timber cottage in subtropical Australia. If Jennifer would like to see a photo of the lounge room, I’d be happy to send it via you and John, if you want to give me your email adderss?
Love this mood board, as it incorporates some of the colors I’m currently weaving into my own home. More importantly, though, I am absolutely head over heals for the inspiration painting. Would Jennifer be so kind as to let us know the name of the artist? I’m an art consultant and always on the lookout for new work. Thanks!
First I’d like to say that I’ve been secretly stalking your blog for the past few weeks after seeing your beautiful home in a magazine! I love, love, LOVE this site!!! Anyway, I was wondering if you had additional details on the inspiration painting for this room. Is this a one-of-a-kind piece, or is it possible to buy this online or at a local gallery? If this is an original painting, do you have any suggestions for replicating this painting (canvas, art supplies, etc.)? I’m no Monet, but I’d sure like to try! Thanks for your help and keep up the great work :)
Hey Mel,
I’ll shoot Jennifer an email and hopefully she’ll drop in with details on the art. It looks like an original to me (as opposed to a mass produced print) but we’ll try to get the scoop and pass it along to you guys! Stay tuned…
xoxo,
Sherry
Thanks everyone for your kind words and ideas. I can’t wait to get moving on our makeover; we’re wrapping up some other projects still.
The artist in question is Jylian Gustlin. I bought the painting at a great art gallery in San Francisco called Hang. You can find out more about her work at her website http://www.jyliangustlin.com
Trish, I would love to see a photo of your lounge. I’ve had our sample paint ready to test for a week, but am putting it off because we’re having guests this weekend and didn’t want a big square on the wall ;)
Jennifer, I’m not sure how to attach my photo here. I have tried, but without success. Maybe Sherry & John can let me know how to send it on?
Hey Trish,
The comments do accept html so if you’re able to code then you can go that route to get a photo in the comment section. Otherwise, just linking to it is super easy and effective (ex: you can upload a picture to flickr and then provide the link for everyone right here). Thanks!
xoxo,
Sherry
i love your current dining room chairs: any chance those will be on craigslist in the near future?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this design board! Jen and Derick…PLEASE post pictures of your new room once it is done!!!!