The Living Room
Well, hi, friends! Welcome to Part 2 of this FOUR-part blog series covering the design behind The House of Blues (In the Very Best Way ;). Last week, we dove into the details of the kitchen and breakfast nook design (be sure to see that one HERE if you haven’t yet!), and today we’re revealing the gorgeous living room! I hate to play favorites here, but this room might be my favorite in the house… Check out this before & after, and maybe you’ll see why!
Before…
And AFTER:
I mean, WOAH… Don’t you just love a good before & after?! They’re so ridiculously satisfying.
First, let’s cover the thought behind this gorgeous
Stone Fireplace…
This client loved the look of stacked stone, but that can be a tricky look to pull off & still keep things fresh & timeless (let’s just say, there are some awesome stacked stones, and some terrible stacked stones out there in the world). We found this stunning stacked marble that mimicked the gorgeous marble slabs across from it in the kitchen. I am so happy with the amazing pop of dreamy texture it provides in this space.
The built-ins…
You can’t miss the striking built-ins flanking the fireplace. These were added to fill in those awkward empty spaces in the before photo (& Bonus – the Black Walnut & white shaker benches match the breakfast nook banquette too! Did you notice?). I love the decorative AND functional purpose added here. Those bench tops actually open & have a ton of storage inside! Pretty storage is always a win in my book!
To build these features out, I collaborated with a local artisan who showed me a sample of the incredible lacquered Hickory paneling behind the shelves paired with the Black Walnut shelving material (another accent we carried throughout the home), and I was SOLD. The high contrast between the crisp white marble and grainy, black lacquered wood makes my heart pitter-patter, you guys. The pretty sconces we added around those sweet little picture windows give the perfect glow to set it all off! This whole area just makes more sense now and anchors the room in a really fabulous way.
The sofa…
was another custom piece that’s upholstered in a cream performance fabric (so that my furry friend, Beau, can lounge away without sending his humans into a panic). This is an entertainment zone, so durability was key. We then layered in plenty of pillows that vary in size, texture, color & pattern to bring in some accents from our palette. Never underestimate the power of small textiles & accessories to bring life to a room! They add a whole layer of personality & “flavor”. I’m obsessed.
Most of my living room design jobs involve a client saying,
“… but where will the TV go?”
and I totally get it! Most living rooms are dedicated to lounging, movie watching, sports events & parties, and the TV is a key element for all of that! However, I *personally do not believe that the TV should be the central focal point of a space (to each their own! I know this subject is touchy. 😉 It was important that we maximize the seating area for gatherings, but also have the TV accessible, visible from multiple vantage points, and yet, still NOT the center of attention at all times. So, we decided to mount this big guy to the wall on a swivel arm so that it can be pulled out and adjusted anytime without sacrificing the room layout & aesthetics. Seems like a win, win to me.
Last, but not least, we added in this gorgeous fluted
Wine Cabinet…
(complete with hidden wine fridge & beverage prep station!). I love that it’s such a beautiful piece of furniture that doesn’t totally scream “wine storage”, you know? It sits perfectly situated between the kitchen and the living room. It’s the ultimate entertaining setup! I mean, I’m not into football by any means, but I would attend a Super Bowl party here any day. That’s saying something, friends …
So, what’d you think of The House of Blues Living Room?! As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts below in the comments!
Remember to stay tuned for the next couple of Fridays as I reveal more beautiful spaces from this home! Next up is the Entryway & Dining Room reveal & you will NOT want to miss those. (Here’s a little sneak peek!)
Xoxo,
Alyssa
(Photos by Karen Mitchel of The Elan Studio)