A Designer's Home Gets a Contemporary Makeover
Designing for a client is all about working with their needs and wants. When a designer reworks her own space, it's a chance for her to show off her own style. See how designer Beth Davidson transformed her living and dining rooms with color and artwork.
Describe the homeowner's wish list.
This is my house. I wanted to showcase artwork, reuse the sofa and chairs, create a “wow” first impression of the house and provide a unique and distinctive look that entices guests to see more.
Designer's Home Goes Contemporary
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What was the biggest issue the design addressed?
I needed to eliminate the builder’s beige, showcase style and cover the windows to provide both privacy and a view with top-down/bottom-up window treatments.
Describe an obstacle in the space.
The living room and dining room open one to the other, so the spaces need to work together without being exactly the same. I used a palette of colors and finishes that carried throughout the dining room, two-story foyer and living room, to create a harmonious front of the house.
How did the end result match your original vision?
The artwork in the living room and the mirror in the dining room create a strong first impression. The use of faux finishing in the dining room and the same paint colors used in the foyer and living room tie the space together without being boring. The red accessories really pop in this space. Unfortunately, not all of the accessories ended up being quite the same shade of red, since my husband purchased some items himself.
What lessons did you learn from this project?
Using artwork as the inspiration for the space is a great starting place for any project. I would be happy to feature original artwork in every space that I design.
What are the hidden gems that make a big difference?
The red vases are actually made of wood, so they are beautiful and lightweight. We found them at HomeGoods. The tall secretary is a family piece with traditional style, but it serves as a nice display for contemporary art.
