Monochrome

Monochromatic schemes are one of my favorite approaches! I love all design, colorful too, but time after time I find myself being drawn to monochromatic rooms. There is something that is ethereal and relaxing about them.

The project I am showing you today is one that I completed at the beginning of this year and is a study in monochrome. The client and I love it!
In the image below you can see how the space looked before. One of the restraints of this design was that we had to completely design around the house and paint colors as is because the homeowners were planning on moving. They wanted to spruce up their home with items that could be taken with them on their move. So, you will notice that the paint colors, light fixtures etc. had to remain the same.

The very first problem that we addressed was the scale of their furniture. The family room and kitchen are one in this home and have a 'great room' effect. While selecting their new pieces, it was important to keep this in mind and increase the scale to match the proportion of the space.

We decided on 2 matching sofas and reupholstering her existing chairs. We laid them out in an L shape but the beauty of these furniture choices is that she will be able to change the configuration if she tires of this one.

We selected light fabrics that have interesting textures and we let that be our focus instead of color. The lighter fabrics dramatically brighten the previously dull space.

Don't be afraid of light fabrics if you love them. Scotchgard!

To help define the spaces and minimized the 'great room' effect and make it more cozy, we put a refectory table behind the sofa holding two large ceramic pots and branches. This visually, and physically, defines the two spaces. I love the symmetry that we have created in this room as well.

One of the most important things that we added to the space were window treatments. In the 'before' picture below you can see how bland the windows were. The hard lines of the architecture needed softening. Plus, the lack of window treatments created a room darkening glare in the space from the strong backlight.

I had panels made to go well above the window to draw the eye up and take advantage of the wonderful ceiling heights in this room. Just look at what it does for those windows! They look almost twice their size, and dramatically brighter! The folds of fabric covering the sheetrock soften the wall.

The chairs in front of the window were the client's as well. We recovered them in a light graphic pattern that complements the floral pattern in the panels. Pairing a graphic with a floral creates a tension and provides a masculine-feminine balance.

We also kept the client's existing table, but we changed up her accessories and removed the dark, heavy lamp.

A cocktail table with a gorgeous, creamy marble top was added to our seating arrangement. We kept the accessories on the table light here as well.

We also added some light accessories to the dark, stained bookshelves to perk them up. These bursts of light and white throughout the space contribute to the overall brighter look.

In the image below you can see the fun bird fabric on the new barstools. My client loves birds and you'll see birds throughout her new space. Surround yourself with things that you love and make you happy!

We couldn't be happier with her new space! It's fresh, clean and bright.

I hope that everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. We hosted for the first time this year. My sweet family came all the way from Dallas to make it easier on us with our new lil bug. It was wonderful. Maybe I'll post some pics if I get around to it... :-)

I hope you're having a great week!