What should stay, what should go, what should be refreshed?

The choices that were made here maximized their investment without compromising the design

Once I knew the overall look I was to create we discussed what updates needed to be done, what just needed to be refreshed, and what could stay and successfully be incorporated into their style changes.

So we looked at the basic elements of the space to decide:

FLOORING: Wood flooring in solid oak and narrow boards

Almost everything about it worked, the condition and the color were all good. The narrow boards are classic so it is more timeless. The only compromise was the finish was shiny by today’s standards. But I didn’t feel it was a deal breaker in the design that it needed to be invested in now. So that was a major saving.

WALLS: Creamy Ivory

It was a tad pale yellow looking when we started but I suggested waiting until all the new furnishings and area rugs arrived to see if it still needed to be changed to an off-white.

Because they wanted a warm feeling to the room none of the furnishings were specified in pure white. (Which in contrast would have made the walls look more yellow.) So in the end with the furniture and area rugs in the spaces, the wall color worked beautifully “as is”. So that was another big savings.

LIGHTING: A mix of styles, and needed more light

Light fixtures are so visible in a space I feel those always need to be right. So suggested updating two entry hallway ceiling fixtures. We added two modern, satin brass flush-mounted fixtures.  They did so much by adding a modern sculptural element to the open entryway which could be enjoyed from anywhere in the combined space.    

We also added a pair of sconces to flank the fireplace to add light at that end of the room. That eliminated any issues of lamp cords over two walkways into the floating furniture arrangement. Ad it added a style update to their fireplace area.

The Mid-Century Modern dining room chandelier was negotiable and the clients liked it we stayed with it  And that was another saving so they could invest in something more important to them in the rooms.

FIREPLACE: Was looking undersized for the space and dated

The combined entry, living, and dining room created a very nice large space. And the fireplace done to scale would be the star, and seen from every angle. Since that is a bigger project it can be a stand-alone and done at a later phase.

WINDOW COVERING: Needed a style change and more functionality

Because the existing heavy slatted blinds weren’t meant to draw up it made for a constricted outdoor view. And when down affected the light level options and hence the mood of the room.  So updating them was a definite “must have”!

A two layers solution was selected:  
-A sheer roller blind to let in a slightly diffused light but still allow a yard view.
-And another layer of woven wood in a flat Roman shade to give more coverage at night. 
-As well as add a natural decorative texture to the windows.
-And create a valance during the day when pulled up that covered the roller shade hardware.