-BEFORE-
The front door of the house is located directly in the center of (one of) the long walls of the room.
Walk in and look right- the family 'room', look straight ahead- the entry 'room', look left- the living 'room'.Well, here I am, at a reliable computer, and as I promised, here are the pics from our project with the Sandborns. Just to refresh your memory, the Sanborns are a lovely family here in Bay area. Recently moving into a historic, Victorian-esque farm house from a more contemporary styled bungalow, left them overwhelmed to say the least. They knew they wanted a casual but sophisticated feel. Their space needed to reflect easy-going family style AND a flare for the aesthetic. As well, absolute ececticism was essential. From a designer's perspective however, the real challenge was to create this while maintaining several anchor pieces that had been purchased prior to joining the project (ie: 2 large sofas, a mid-cent. side table, a large-scale painting w/ distinctive color way, ultra contemporary leather/chrome arm chairs, and a wall to wall french style built-in entrtainment unit). Oh, AND the family room and living room (and we would later determine the 'entry space') all had to exist seperately in what was technically the same room! Ooooof! Guuuurl, needless to say we had our work cut out for us. But, in the end, I believe the twins said it best when they walked into their new space and remarked, 'let us all dance it is so beautiful!'
Look right- the Family 'Room'-
BEFORE:
Clearly these guys already had a good start on things. The original farmhouse style architecture gave great bones to layer on. And the milky, blue walls would work well as a neutral backdrop. But the large empty spaces on the walls and fragmented furniture arrangement made for a sense of disjointedness.
Viewing a panorama (gimme a break- I never claimed to be a photographer!) the previously awkward Family Room Space.
Look left- the Living 'Room'-
BEFORE-
Again, a good start, but just not quite right. The french antique settee was in great condition, but was on its way out- Sigrid wasn't sure that it was working as she wanted it to (aesthetically people, keep up with me, sheesh!). Actually, the settee was fine, it was just lonely :-(
Another panoramic view, (YES,
that's what I called it again) this time of the Living Room Space... and a peek into the hallway leading to the rest of the home, but lets stay focused people!
-AFTER-
As the axis of this tri-functional space, the entry way needed to be clearly defined and designated.
By flanking the door itself with symmetrical-esque stations, we've framed the area and designated it as a space apart from the other areas. In addition, adding a centered light fixture to this specific 'room' we've given every other location in the greater area a point of reference.
Now look to the right- the Family 'Room'-
AFTER:
Because the built-in was, well, built in and had been requested to be worked around (and to be honest, it was a nicely done unit that wouldn't impede the ultimate desired effect). There wasn't much to be done here aside from some softening round the hard edges of the 'tech center' with the aide of candles, and layering in of carefully selected accessories. In addition we swaped sofa's with the Living Room and added to smaller scale reading chairs to 'balance' what previously felt very awkward.
A collection of vintage lady portraits fills the previously empty wall space while the two small, vintage style reading chairs upholstered in a punchy fabric continue the pops of color throughout the space. Also, cushy throw pillows in citrus and peacock blue tones work to break up the otherwise quiet whites, beiges and natural woods as well as warm up leather seating. Finally, bits of nature are a MUST! And I mean REAL nature, not synthetic! Sea life, garden cuttings (here we've cut some bamboo sprigs from right outside the window!), whatever, make it simple but definitely make it a part of the room!
OH YA- AND, being that these the family and living rooms were technically apart of the same space, by anchoring both with the same rug we accomplish a much needed sense of continuity!
Now look to the left- the Living 'Room'-
AFTER:
As seen from the new and imporved Family Room (sofa in the forground) The new 'Room' is layered with accents of color and carfully selected accessories to add cohesion while deliberately maintaing its open airyness. LOVEZZZZ IT!!!!!!!!!!
Some Accessories Worth Noting:
Standing Magnifier- FANTASTIC to highlight something special in a very chic kinda way... something like the Split Nautilus. Fun fact, did you know a split nautilus is often given as a wedding or engagement gift? Its varying and growing chambers are seen as representations of the course of a relationship- uh huh, you're welcome!
Ok, for those of you who insist on showcasing their surround sound system, lets at least do it in a fashion forward manner, heh!?!? These reclaimed wood columns make excellent alternatives to the ever popular, metalic or better yet, plastic speaker stands!
One of Sigrid's past prized purchases was this great Danish modern side table. But, to warm it up, soften its lines and help integrate it into the rest of the collection we added classic accessories like mercury glass lighting, domes to spotlight sentimentalities, natural elements like a found birds, and time worn hard covered books.
For eclectic groupings to work well there needs to be some underlying themes or bits of commonality to assist with cohesion and keep things from looking like a big 'ol mess! On one large wall we hung a collection of vintage lady paintings, so on the other wall we added some antique Quan Yin icons (often reffered to as the 'female buddah') thereby subtely pulling the
female personage theme through the entire space.
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