Living Room Refresh

Dec 20

A repeat client asked for some advice on updating his living room. I originally helped him choose a wall color and once he was ready to purchase new furniture, we revisited his project.

The Process

The walls were painted a soft green-gray hue (Benjamin Moore Alaskan Husky, shown below). He envisioned this light shade as the perfect backdrop for the rest of the open floor plan. The current dark brown leather sectional was not only bulky and outdated but also an unpleasant visual distraction. He desired seating that was more functional and upholstered in a lighter fabric. While the existing brownish-beige carpet was still in good shape, it spanned wall to wall, resulting in a monotonous “sea of brown.”

Client Wishlist:

New neutral-colored three-seat sofa
New armchair and ottoman
New round coffee table
New area rug
New floor lamp
New media cabinet
Updated accessories

I measured the dimensions of his space and created a scaled furniture layout, allowing us to visualize the appropriate size for the area rug and sofa that would fit in the living room.

He purchased a mountain painting that was hung over his fireplace mantle. Drawing inspiration from the painting’s color palette, I devised a new design concept.

We started out with an option that had more green in it.

Although refreshing, the area rug felt too modern and abstract for the space. After seeing all of the pieces of furniture together, we didn’t love the green accent chair either, so I switched it to a chair with the same fabric as the sofa.

After my client visited a local rug store, they allowed him to take home three 8’x10’ rugs to look at in his room. I provided him with mock-up images showing the furniture with the rug options.

*Sofa and Chair fabric swatches helped us determine which rug and fabric combination would be the best option.*

Following an additional site visit, I assisted my client in selecting a rug that complemented the fabric choices and the overall space. We ultimately decided on Area Rug Option 3 along with the fabric on the far left of the sample photo.

We appreciated how the deeper tones in the area rug contrasted with the expanse of brown and beige carpet, while the golden and rust hues beautifully enhanced the mountain painting. Additionally, there was a subtle hint of lighter bluish-green in the pattern.

Once we finalized our selections, I revised the design board to illustrate to my client how the new furniture would harmonize with the chosen rug.

Additionally, I submitted a 3D mockup to help him visualize his room further.

The End Result

My client sent me photos of the furniture and his new rug!

I think they chose wisely, and the room is taking shape. The rug anchors the furniture, creating a defined sitting area, and adds much-needed pattern, texture, and color. A few additional decorative accessories and a new media stand are all this room needs for completion.

*Client provided After photos.

Redesign: It’s like cake decorating

I often compare the process of refreshing a room design to the process of decorating a cake.

First, a baker starts with a crumb coat of icing, which represents an empty room with only the walls painted.
Next, the final layer of icing is applied; in a room, this corresponds to installing the area rug and furniture.
Finally, just as a cake is adorned with decorative details, a room comes to life with finishing touches such as art, wall decor, accessories, and plants.

Your space may feel dull and incomplete until you go through each step of layering. With each new “layer” you will start to see your room come to life!

I can't wait to hear your thoughts on my creative process of updating this living room.