Rustic-Modern Living Space
My overall goal for the space is to make it feel “complete� by incorporating many of your current furnishings with new ones to find a balance of both modern and rustic elements. I’d like to incorporate blues, grays, blacks and whites with varying textures. I loved the simplicity and modern-ness of the art above the Eames lounger. When it is mixed with the more rustic, industrial frame, it adds great depth and visual interest. That piece, mixed with the colors you are already working with, were very inspirational for the mood board on the left. I would love to bring in more texture and natural elements to balance out the number of modern pieces you own with the hint of rustic (like the frame, bar/chalkboard, etc).
First, per our conversation, you need to update the media cabinet to the left of the fireplace. I recommend that the media storage cabinet be modern but with some natural wood elements. This will make the bar/entertaining side of the room more cohesive with what’s going on by the fireplace and seating area. Both pieces represented here are from West Elm. I believe they do a great job of bridging the gap between modern and rustic/natural.
By the door & tiled area, instead of doing large scale art/bench (which was one of the options we discussed), I think it would be best to go with a wider shelving unit or smaller unit with plant to the right. This will add some height to the area and a functional storage place to display all of the small decorative items you’ve collected amongst books and pictures. You can add a unit with wood for some increased visual interest, but keeping it simple would be excellent, too (like the slimmer shelves or all black ones). This would just depend on your taste and budget. I also think this is the best way to go since you differ on art preferences. Committing to such a large art piece would take a lot more time and compromise. Additionally, I believe the shelving will be more functional for you than a bench long-term. I can help to style these shelves if/when the time comes! A mix of object heights, personal touches, etc. when layered well can create a really clean visual space. Styling shelves can be an art form!
I recommend adding a 9 x 12 cozy, light-color shag-style or flokati rug to the main sitting area to anchor the space and provide comfort. You can also do something customized, but ideally it would be between 8 and 9 feet wide and between 12 and 13 feet long (in case you source something else). Your current, blue rug can help define the space in front of the bar cabinet. It can either be lined up exactly parallel with the main living area rug (if both have a measurement of 9 feet) OR centered by the tiled area (pulled under the bar). Pictured to the left is approx. 9 x 12 main rug. Notice that a 13 foot rug would extend to fill the area by the mid century bookshelf even better, but a 13 x 9 size is much harder to find in a standard rug.
After you situate the rug, pull the lounger out more towards the living space (away from corner), move the blue chair over to the right more, and center the mid-century bookcase with them both. This will help the chairs feel more incorporated into the sectional and conversation space. It will also feel like they can breathe a little more. Consider adding two wall sconces above the bookcase that have swing arms to provide lighting for both chairs. This should be something with a matte black or gray finish. Additionally, either replace the whole lamp or lamp shade on the current lamp with something that has white. It will provide a cleaner, more modern look with it being right next to the rustic cabinet.
The small wall (currently with the brightly colored cabinet) should be completely cleared and a small gallery wall with family photos and additional wall elements should be added in its place. You could also add a few picture ledges if you don’t want to hang them all or want more flexibility. Between this wall and the shelving added by the door, all of the “smalls� and family photos can be held more intentionally. This clears up the fireplace for a large, simple mirror to be added. With so much color/texture happening with the fireplace, I strongly recommend keeping everything happening above the mantel very clean and modern. This is just one example for the mirror.
Finally, some smaller decorative elements can be added to the space. I recommend incorporating a couple of throw pillows and blankets with some interest and texture in the color scheme we’ve been working within (gray, black, blue, etc). This will help finish off the living space and make it feel comfortable & complete.
So, what’s next?
Whew! That was a lot of information. Now that you have seen the inspiration/recommendations, soak it all in. Let me 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 services would be given at the 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