This Darien Connecticut family reached out during the height of Covid for design help with the entry and formal living room of their center hall colonial. They had a rug for the living room but nothing else. Via zoom, we got to know the couple, learn about their likes, dislikes, uses for the space and their design taste. They have 3 young children, so while the formal living room is meant to be a space for adults, we needed to make it suitable for young children as it also was the passage way to their dad’s home office!

The design challenge was to create a space with as much seating as possible and one that complimented the ombre blue rug already in the space. It was a blank white canvas which for a designer is ideal! The husband requested everything in the room be provided including artwork and all accessories including coffee table books and decorative accent pieces. He also challenge us to remain within his budget for the space.

The various floor plan layouts resulted in alignment on one large sofa, two swivel chairs, a bench for the window and 2 movable stools that could be pulled into the center seating area when needed. The room does not have any ceiling lighting so we needed to add table lamps flanking the sofa and on the far wall console. All of the materials selected are performance fabrics including the light grey sofa, so they are easily cleaned. The swivel chairs and bench are both covered in patterned fabrics to add interest to the space. The center coffee table has an antiqued mirror top which reflects the light in addition to the items on top. A large mirror was added above the console to help widen the appearance of the room. The custom window treatments are light and geometric so they add interest without weighing down the beautiful large windows.

The room is filled with books reflecting their interests along with accessories to add layers to the space. A large vase with live orchards and the tall greenery in the corner add the ever important green element for the room.

The blues in the living room are carried into the hallway with the large commissioned painting representing the beach, waves and the clouds in the sky. The family lives near the beach so we decided to add this beach element yet in a modern way with the contemporary style painting. The curved console plays off the curves in the artwork while remaining modern in appearance as well as light so it keeps the entry feeling spacious.

The homeowner’s response to their newly designed space was, “It has been really great working together – thank you for everything! Your vision and style are impeccable and have done wonders for our home.”

Project Details

Services: Full room design based off existing living room rug. Room design included space planning, furniture, lighting, window treatments, commissioned custom art work and all accessories.

Size: Entry and Living Room
Timeline: 9 months