modern traditional living room
My client was looking for a way to refresh a fairly large space that serves many functions. We ended up creating three “zones” by relocating their main living/TV area to the space by their beautiful built-ins, upping the footprint of their informal dining area and then adding in a bonus reading nook. Their home already had such beautiful architectural details that it really just came down to a fresh coat of paint to take their dated, ivory molding to something more clean, classic and fresh. For all the molding, millwork and trim, we went with Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter — and for the walls we went with Benjamin Moore’s White Dove.
This area rug is the perfect backdrop for our color palette in this space. Since we have lots of neutrals, it all comes down to bringing in the color/pattern/texture in through the accessories. This Crate & Barrel sectional is one we’ve owned for years and one of my go-tos for the perfect comfortable, cozy sectional with clean lines and amazing staying power. Ours alone is going on 6 years old and even after 4 moves, 1 dog and 1 toddler it’s still in amazing shape! It’s such a versatile, classic piece that can be changed up with just pillows and decor and change with your style/color preferences. In this design, we pulled in lots of blues, whites grays/taupes from the area rug to be featured in the throw pillows and then brought in this upholstered striped cocktail ottoman for even more interest/pattern.
To help warm up the space, I chose furniture pieces in a lighter wood finish — like this media console that doubles as hidden storage for under the TV and these end tables. We then tied it all together with a smaller scale accent chair that can be easily moved around when hosting extra guests and some ottomans.
Moving on to the built-ins, we chose to keep the decor more understated — with a chance to frame some family photos and create a look that felt curated but personalized. These brass gallery frames are one of my go-tos and tie in nicely with the updated antique brass cabinet pulls. We also brought in some other materials — rattan, wicker, ceramic and lighter wood finishes — for added interest.
Last but not least, the now much-larger informal dining area and bonus reading nook create a much more functional and beautiful use of a space that was feeling a bit cramped. I love how this plaid area rug pairs with the colors of the rug we have in the adjacent living space — and the fact that it’s an indoor/outdoor rug makes it more durable and perfect for a dining area that gets a little more wear and tear. We kept the client’s classic farmhouse-style round dining table but brought in some new, comfortable, upholstered dining arm chairs to create a cozier vibe that could double as a game table. Paired with a classic chandelier and this caned sideboard (more storage!), we have a look that has just the right amount of sophistication and comfort/practicality.
In the bonus reading nook, we were able to incorporate the client’s set of gray swivel chairs with a tripod floor lamp, faux leather ottoman and accent table to create an inviting space for morning coffee.
