I hope everyone is starting off the New Year with a bang! We are underway with our awesome design team and a variety of projects.

I wanted to take a moment to share a “Before & After” that is not in our typical design style or color scheme.  Yes, my favorite colors are white and blue.  But, this client wanted some serious red, so we went with red and added black to coordinate with her existing rug.

This family’s main living room was predominately dark and drab.  The dark and heavy feeling stemmed from the giant leather sectional, which a furniture store had convinced them they needed to fit seating requirements.  They were ready to have some brighter, but kid friendly, fabrics and more flexible seating for adult gatherings.

The only thing they were set on keeping was the rug, so that was our jumping off point for the inspiration and color scheme. 

Before: View into family room

Before: View through to entry

After: View into family room

After: View through to entry

We added two large sofas facing each other in our favorite, kid friendly fabric, Crypton.  A variety of Santa Barbara style influenced fabrics were used for throw pillows.  All with reds, blacks and whites.  Swivel chairs were placed at the head of the room to improve conversation.  Two footstools were added in a dark velvet for practicality (who does not want to put their feet up in the family room!).

After: Detail shot

The home already had great architecture, so other than a new paint color we focused on furnishings and fabrics, except in this one area….

After: Tufted bench wall

So, this photo can answer the question “How many designers does it take…” (and that does not count the three of us off to the side). 

The homeowners had previously had two chests flanking the fireplace/TV.  They really wanted the option for even more seating, so we had built-in benches made (to hold the TV components) and a dramatic tufted wall installed.  The creamy velvet is stain and soil resistant, so it should stand the test of time. 

Here is a little close up of one of the two reading nooks once everything was in its place.

I want one of these in my house!

Special thanks to team member Sarah Kirsch who has become our full-time interior photographer during our installs.  Most of the ‘after’ photos you see on the blog are taken by her.

Hope you enjoyed seeing a different style/color scheme this week on the blog.  We’ll have many more to share throughout the year!