This month we have been touring a renovated home in the Hill Country. We have toured the master bedroom, formal dining room, and today our tour continues into the living room. Like most of the spaces in this project, we had a blank slate and lovely architectural details to pull from.

Before:

The living room was large, spacious, and packed with potential.  The living room had multiple focal points: a fireplace and a built-in TV niche.

After:

Such a lovely space! In the layout, we incorporated a pair of chairs to flank the fireplace. It created a cozy conversational area and logical flow for the long living room. A large mirror with a frame that brings in the warmth of the ceiling beams draws your eyes in.

Also, the fireplace had one built-in with an arched detail that mimicked the doorways and ‘Spanish’ feel of the home. We placed a curvy furniture piece on the opposite side to echo the arches and curvy details.

In front of the TV niche we incorporated the homeowner’s existing sofas and chairs. There is plenty of seating for the family relax and entertain.

A dark cocoa coffee table brings in the other dark wood features in the the home. A pair of bleached baskets can hideaway remotes or toys and keep the space well-kept. To frame the entry into the breakfast room and kitchen, a pair of dark charcoal chests with a carved starburst design gives the large wall texture and interest. Dark framed mirrors make the space feel even more grand and open.

Just behind the wall with the starburst chests is the kitchen and breakfast area, where we hung 3 hand-woven Makenge wall baskets. They are a little unexpected and add an earthy, organic element to the wall. The baskets also have a rich history and a meaningful backstory.

The baskets are made in Zambia, a southern part of Africa; it takes even the most skilled weavers over 2 months to create each basket. They are traditionally given as a wedding gift and passed on from generation to generation. The sturdy weave of the baskets makes them seem to be made of wood.  They are considered heirlooms and no two are ever the same.

Next we will tour the kitchen and breakfast room!