Canyonside Court Recommendations
GOAL
My goal is to help create a warm, comfortable, clean, and unique living space inspired by a natural history museum. Through a mix of natural/organic textures, textiles, and patterns, I will create a harmonious balance consisting of both modern and vintage design elements that still “fit� within a somewhat-traditional style home. Additionally, I will provide some recommendations on how to transition this space for your fall/winter holiday celebrations.
First, to keep the space bright (since its small, but with nice large windows), I recommend painting the entirety in a fresh white color (including the fireplace). Benjamin Moore’s Simply White is a timeless option. This also creates a nice, clean pallet for the dÊcor/furnishing options.
Your sofa should be the main source of color for the space. I recommend something in a green velvet or linen. Keep the lines clean, simple, and modern so that the design is sustainable (and since this will be the largest investment in the space). This should also be something with a little depth to it for comfort. Anything with too many curves or tufting would make it feel too formal- we want this to be relaxed for every day use. The ones pictured are from CB2 and Anthropologie. Personally, I like the depth and casual-ness of the Anthropologie one better, but it is a little bit more of an investment if you go velvet.
Long-term, as we discussed, your floor will be wood. I recommend when this happens to add an area rug with either a lot of texture or a lot of pattern (or layer both for variety and warmth). Keep it neutral in brown, cream, green, or gray tones. Because of the sofa (and color of nature), green is considered a neutral, too, in the space.
I recommend your coffee table be wood and organic. Consider a live-edge or burl table that will bring in warmth and a unique shape to the space. For a decent price, you’ll have to hunt for one vintage or source online, as there are a number of styles and shapes. The most important thing to remember is that it’s something earthy and unique.
Above the sofa (and to break up the boxy-ness of the space, add a round mirror (at least 48”). Add two brass or black wall sconces to either side for task/mood lighting above the sofa.
On the far window wall, add a pair of matching leather chairs inspired by Arne Norell. This should be a brown or black leather and have some depth for comfort. Finding this vintage can be a challenge, but not impossible. Anthropologie has one currently with the same idea in stock, but it’s a little bit pricey. Regardless, I’d say you can invest in these since you will have them for forever and they will get even better with age. Add a lamp and side table between for function. Consider something in another organic material like concrete.
On the wall to the right of the fireplace, add a large scale gallery wall of 5-7 pieces (at least one should be of larger scale). This will bring some more color, visual interest, and personality to the space. Also, art should go floor to ceiling. A great place to source some of this art (in addition to what you may already have/collected) is on Minted.com. Stick to blues/greens/grays for the most part to feel calming.
On the mantel, add a number of wood/white/glass candle holders with white candles. At varying heights. I wouldn’t get to ambitious with other elements on the mantel so as not to compete with the gallery wall. To the left of the fireplace, mount your television on the wall (with the capacity to angle towards the sofa) centered above a smallscale media unit. Getting it off the angle and floor will allow for more seating/visual harmony. The media unit here is a great combination of modern and vintage; however, anything in an approximately 4foot wood element will do. On the additional wall space to the left, like you have now, add 1-3 mounted instruments.
On an angle, to the left of the media unit/TV , add an additional chair. This can be something organic/natural with pillows/sheepskin for comfort. It can be something upholstered with a foot stool. It can be something unique in shape. Whatever it is, it should NOT be square to mix up the shapes in the space, and it should feel somewhat light-weight so it can easily be pulled out more for conversation/use and not feel cramped being on the angle. It’s okay if it comes out in front of the window a bit. You want it to feel like part of the living space, even though its on the outskirts.
To make use of the corner space to the left of the front window, consider adding some floor to ceiling wall mounted shelves. This adds height/visual interest in addition to function. You can add some plants/decorative items on here (but styled more simply). Additionally, add throws/pillows as needed in African mudcloth or Turkish designs to add depth, comfort, and visual interest. To the right of the far window, add a large-scale house plant to the corner with a lot of height.
Small console (TV above)
Fireplace & Hearth
Gallery Wall
Leather Chair
Deep, comfortable sofa
Plant
Wall Shelves
Approx. Surface Area to Cover
Leather Chair
Area Rug
Side Table
Live Edge Table
Due to the long, narrow shape of the room and placement of architectural features (windows, fireplace, etc.), layout options were minimal. I really wanted to get as much seating in the space for you as possible, which also posed a challenge. Although its not far off from your current set-up, I hope you understand the complexities of the space.
Since your main elements (walls, sofa, etc.) are neutral and create a solid base, adding in plaids and greenery for the holidays should be no problem. Plaids via throw pillows or blankets are the simplest way to go. For winter, keeping your decorations all green/white will make the most cohesive impact and feel organic. Bring the outside in with eucalyptus and pine swag. Your coffee table is a great place for a featured, but simple glass centerpiece (apples in the fall, candles/greenery in the winter). Also, consider adding a fall flower arrangement to mantle for your party.
Your entry can make a strong visual impact with just a couple simple changes. First, consider adding a wallpaper (removable or permanent) above the chair rail. This will make a statement and make the massive wall space feel more intentional (without adding a bunch of art or pictures). The wallpaper can be in a repeated pattern or mural-style.
Long-term, consider wood or slate for the entry floor with just a low-pile mat right at the door. You need a drop zone (credenza) and mirror- much like you have now, however, for the credenza, I’d get something that will stand out against the white chair rail colorwise and provide additional storage. Also, I’d get a mirror with a little bit of character to stand out against the wallpaper (not round as you will have that right around the corner in the living room). If you do something neutral on the wall, bring a pop of color in on the credenza or mirror. If you do something colorful on the wall, keep the materials of the mirror/credenza simple.
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 pillow/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