Atomic-Style Open Concept
GOAL
My goal for your space is to create a defined aesthetic that pays homage to the mid-century age and style of the home while still feeling moder n, updated, and lived in (comfortable). Overall, we need to add more seating and function through a well defined space plan, add layers/ texture/natural elements for warmth, add rugs for space definition, and add pops of visual interest to show off your personality and interests (while working with the bones/pieces you currently have in addition to the color scheme in the kitchen). We will balance the amount of vintage elements and new elements to create the perfect modern-vintage mix.
Fireplace Hearth
Media Wall Unit
Plant
Table
8x10 or 12x9 Rug
Table
Coffee Table
Club Chair
8x6 Rug Club Chair
Due to your open floor plan, a good layout is essential. You need to anchor each space (and add warmth) by adding rugs. Additionally, you need to add function by adding more seating elements and storage. I will break d o w n e v e r y recommendation and explain what/ why, but notice first that the sofa has b e e n m o v e d forward. It will make the room feel more c o z y a n d connected to the additional seating and media unit.
Pouf
Coffee Table
Lamp
Existing Sofa
Table
Low Sofa Table Kid Chair
Dining Set
Kid Chair
8x7 or 8x6 Rug
Floor Plan
Low Pile Mud Rug
Low Credenza
Kitchen
Currently, they way the room breaks from the living area to fireplace area is a little clunky due to the extended load bearing wall. To make this transition feel more fluid and interesting, consider adding a bold wallpaper on that wall. It will add visual interest and contrast while further defining that space. For additional storage and to make the wall feel substantial (as the size pales in comparison to fireplace area), add a white modern or mid-century style wall unit. This will house your television, provide storage, and feel “built-in� without construction. To maximize the space, get something that fills most of the wall. In the e-mail with sources, check out both examples from West Elm and Ikea.
In the living space, add a neutral rug with some depth and texture to it. You want to be able to lounge/feel cozy on the floor. Since the size you need is pretty substantial, consider purchasing a Flokati rug from RugsUSA. You get high impact and comfort at an affordable price. You also don’t want it competing with what is going on with the visual interest on the wall. Utilize your existing Eames chair, ottoman, arc lamp, and sofa (let’s discuss possible color swap for slip cover depending on wallpaper), but add an additional vintage chair to the right side of the wall unit. This should be something with some wood in it and clean lines (not too “heavy” due to the chair recommended by the fireplace). Since you have the load bearing wall as an extension here, consider adding an accordion style sing arm lamp to add light to the user of the vintage chair. Having it on a swing arm allows you to move it in and out of the way. Additionally, add a round drum side table to the right arm of the sofa in a white lacquer to balance out the white with the other side of the room.
Since you will have more room now behind the sofa, consider adding a low, kids tabletop workspace (like a sofa table, but lower). This can be done very affordably with a table top and legs from Ikea or other kids system (see right) . If you don’t want to add a work/play space here, consider adding a sofa table with storage instead (see above). Again, with moving the sofa up, you have a nice chunk of usable space. Utilize floor plan to further understand how this works with the layout.
Keep your existing low, mid century credenza by the front door, but add a round mirror above. This is a good “check” point before leaving the house. It’s functional and fills wall space without committing to art. Above the fireplace, add a unique piece of vintage art. This can be quirky and add some personality since it’s the only “art” piece in the space (not competing with anything). If you sourced a painting from the midcentury era, that would pay great homage to the era of the house. This could also be a fun, bright photograph. What matters is that it is large, speaks to you, and has some color.
In front of the fireplace hearth space, add a thick, gray rug and two oversized vintage club chairs. These can be in a pop of color or more neutral; however, the scale/cozy- factor are most important (they don’t have to be squarerounded backs are fine, but they need to be large). Next to these chairs, add the wood side tables that you have in addition to two simple table lamps (for function and balance).
Between the two tables, add a long, wood coffee table (5.5-6 feet) with open space underneath. It can jet out into the open space with a low pouf added for your kids to work at/play at, too. This adds balance between spaces AND function. Again, refer to the layout to further emphasize this concept. The wall to the right of the fireplace should be either painted white or have the wallpaper added. I also recommend adding a large scale house plant (more like a tree) to that corner. This will add life and visual interest.
I recommend bringing in your wood dining table OR pairing your wood chairs with a white lacquer table (so as to not compete with the opposing wood in the kitchen). Underneath the table, add a low-pile rug to anchor the space. This can have a little pattern since everything else in this zone is a solid. Also, you could consider a cowhide rug here if you like that look (it adds an interesting shape and is low enough to dine on). For lighting, I don’t recommend installing a true sputnik chandelier, because it can easily feel kitschy when combined with other vintage elements. Definitely do something brass and with a nod to sputnik, but not an exact piece or replica. Shown are a number of examples (and see links in the e-mail).
So, what’s next?
Whew! That was a lot of information. Now that you have seen the inspiration/recommendations, soak it all in. Let us know if you have any questions. After processing the information, you have a couple of options. ü Call or e-mail to set up an appointment to discuss your likes/dislikes of the design and how we can move forward together with Hunt & Gather managing the project (we would discuss what items you would like to purchase yourself, what we should be hunting for, budget, and timeline). ü Start working on the room on your own (purchasing items, hunting for things, etc.) and only call us when you need clarification, recommendations, or final styling. Remember, the WHY is more important than the WHAT, so if you don’t like a rug/lamp/etc. that we recommended, find something with similar lines or a similar purpose (or a cheaper price) and consider purchasing that instead! ü Nothing. This wasn’t what you were looking for, and you would like to discontinue working together. Additional pricing for hourly services would be given at follow-up meeting that fit your specific needs. Hope you love the design concept! Can’t wait to hear from you!
THANK YOU Kelley Howley Hunt & Gather 740 Curve St. SW design@huntandgatherGR.com