We just wrapped up a lovely project in Tarrytown for a young couple with a new baby. The couple wanted their remodeled 1940’s home to be pretty, comfortable and pulled together. We wanted the traditional home to feel refined, but still feel youthful enough for this growing family. The home had just enough character and charm, but needed a few cosmetic changes to accomplish the couple’s goal of having an eclectic and traditional home. This week’s post reveals the ‘Before and After’ of the family’s stylish new sitting room.

BEFORE:

The homeowner’s sitting room presented a design challenge due to its interesting layout. It was long, narrow and opened up to the formal dining room. We wanted to provide ample seating, but still have the space feel open and flow effortlessly into the dining area.

The homeowners wanted to incorporate their heirloom piano in this space as well as reuse the existing pale blue draperies.  Their favorite colors were eggplant, lavender and navy.  Eggplant may sound like a unique color choice, but we actually have a couple of projects right now where that color is our client’s favorite for the design scheme!

The fireplace in the sitting room served as the focal point of the room.  The remodeled design fit the couple’s style, but the hearth needed some updating as the dated tile distracted from the clean facade.

AFTER:

Bright and happy! With the home’s existing pale blue draperies, a mix of navy and soft lavender accents pair beautifully with this ‘formal’ space. Also due to the long layout of the sitting room, we stuck with pieces that felt dainty and pristine without overpowering the room.

We also wanted to be sure that this formal sitting room flowed into the dining room (which we will share next week). The backless bench in a light neutral gives versatility between the two rooms as guests can face either direction depending on the occasion.

A pair of small gold cocktail tables add formality, but certainly do not make the space feel stuffy or crammed. A jute rug with a crisp black border also helps keep the room grounded without any pretense.

We gave the heirloom piano a quick and easy makeover by adding a fun, navy patterned fabric top to the piano bench. Topiaries and the couple’s existing horse art give the piano some ‘forte.’

A pair of oversized chairs in a pale blue print add a playful touch to this space. The gilded gold mirror warms up the light walls and cool blue fabrics.

The geometric pattern on the chairs is a playful backdrop for a pair of navy velvet lumbar pillows. A tone on tone pattern is a great way to introduce pattern without having the chairs look too loud.

The tall studded mirror over the sleek fireplace gives the focal point the attention it deserves. Tall mercury glass vases and other trinkets style the mantle and provide symmetry to the room.

Remember that dated beige hearth? We made sure to swap it with a bright and timeless hexagonal marble tile. Little details like this can transform a room.

Here is a close up of the marble tile.

Proper furniture scale, space planning, and small cosmetic changes allowed us to make the most of this space. Next week we will share the ‘Before and After’ photos of the dining room!