Before - back wall.
It was time for an update in this beautiful home in Chapel Hill, NC. The owners are well-traveled art lovers and wanted their home to provide respite in between trips and be an easy place to entertain in.
Before - side wall.
Let's cut to the chase: here's what we did to maintain the warmth and coziness, but also give it a terrific update that will last for many happy years!
The walls were painted in a cooler color, the ceiling got a touch of warmth and we headed to Furnitureland South near High Point, NC, to gather up a few new key pieces (the entertainment center and coffee table). At the same time, we reupholstered sofas and 2 chairs that were lanquishing in the basement. New window treatments and other accents finished the room off beautifully.
There was a lot of furniture in the basement. The recliner above is the Mr.'s favorite chair. The Mars and Venus war about recliners wages on, but I embrace them--as long as they're not the huge, pillowy version. We decided to surprise him by using it. But first we gave it a new upholstery.
I kept those curvaceous arms, the lovely tufting and nailhead trim. Then polished them all up a soft, neutral fabric with leather contrasting welt. I'm the self-proclaimed queen of contrast welt and I wear that crown with pride.
Before nails go into walls to install new arrangements of shelves or art, I "draw" out new arrangements on the computer, usually giving the client both symmetrical and asymmetrical options (I do love asymmetrical arrangements, but they still have to be balanced). The arrangement shown above was the winner, but then we laid everything out on the floor and tweaked until it was just right. We also added awesome LED recessed cans to properly light what's being displayed. You can see the resulting wall next:
The art wall now has a great mix of favorite, meaningful pieces. There's a pretty sofa table right behind---the sofa!
Beautiful blue paisley fabric was chosen to replace the dark plaid on this chair and it's matching ottoman. Fabulous upgrade!
We usually hide the arm covers under the seat cushions, but somehow they were left on during the photo shoot, which is okay. My upholstery guy makes the most beautiful fitted arm covers. They've got contrast welt on them too! See the nailhead trim at the base of the sofa? Little custom details are everywhere. Like the lamp? That came from Home Goods! It was a score.
I wish I had a good photo of the desk we put in the corner--it's a beauty. We kept the artwork on that wall--it's all paintings of their former homes. Karen and I love those cushy animal print pillows so much that we had some made for our own sofas!
Here's a peek at the Ralph Lauren accent lamp in a blue and white chinoiserie pattern. Can you make out the titles of the books? I have fun picking those out from my collection for photo shoots.
The blue and white color combination was so easy to work with. We kept the window treatments simple, but not boring (never boring!). See the little buttons on them? And the lovely blue welt at the top? Micropiping on the curvy bottom edges, too.
I love meeting the pets of every client and this one was no different. Sweet Riley was always happy to see me and even agreed to pose for the photographer. Good dog!
Ciao,
Anne