Living Room Design is Elegant, Balanced
Working with a client who struggled to commit to a look for her space, designer Kristen Pawlak worked through challenges of size and scale as well as some requests from the homeowner to create a beautiful living room. The end result is an elegant, comfortable space that flows well from one room to the next.
What were the main items on the family’s wish list?
The homeowner wanted a refreshed design featuring a contemporary, clean-lined, uncluttered look with new color palette. The room was to be impressive for guests, provide ample seating for entertaining and also flow with the open, adjacent kitchen which was recently remodeled. A recliner for the husband was also on the wish list for the room. Concerned with making costly mistakes and the size and scale of furnishings, the client sought the assistance of a professional decorator.
An Elegant, Balanced Living Room Design
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What was the single largest issue you wanted to address for the owner?
The open kitchen adjacent to the family room provided a challenge for “flow,” as the two spaces are visually almost one room. A long pass-through wall in the kitchen leading to the family room was not wide enough for furniture, yet needed something to tie the two rooms together. It was also important this wall be visually appealing as it is what the homeowner first sees when they enter into the home from the garage.
What was the biggest obstacle in this space and how did you overcome it?
Just prior to meeting me, the client purchased a dark brown, extra-long leather sofa -- ample for seating but visually heavy, going from almost one wall to the other! I balanced out the room with an extra-long entertainment console across the room. Plus, I visually brought the sofa in with an arrangement of multiple pillows.
How does the end result match up with your original vision for the space?
The end result pretty much came together as planned! One thing that is often a challenge, however, is the client’s budget. I did not have the budget for five custom pillows for the sofa, yet it was important to have that many. I purchased ready-made pillows and customized them to be ready for this room!
What surprised you the most about the project?
My client was a self-admitted “hand wringer.” After presenting the design, which she agreed to, she was very unsure and questioned everything on a return visit, almost changing her mind! I learned you sometimes just have to hold a hand and assure them — this will work great! So I did, and it does — she loves it!
What are the hidden gems in your plan?
This room is all about color and repetition. The citrus color palette is in the multiple pieces of art around the room, which unites the design. The sofa’s chocolate color is repeated in details including the metal arms of the recliner and rug binding. The basketweave pattern of the mirror frame over the fireplaces makes a cool shadow on the wall when only the overhead recessed light is on.
