People often ask me how I design in a style that is not necessarily my own. My style includes vintage finds, re-purposed items, warm woods, neutral tones and an eclectic mix of old and new.
I recently had a client come to me with a love for mid-century modern decor, and she asked if that was an option. I assured her that even though it was different than my other projects, it was certainly doable!
Some design rules are universal. No matter what style you enjoy, it still has to be a functional, livable, usable space. In this home, the client was in need of a sofa, chairs, occasional tables, drapes, and a new light fixture. She needed optimal seating. It needed to be comfortable-but also pet friendly. She wanted to incorporate the color teal in the room, and she had a few items that she wanted to keep, such as her piano and some sentimental artwork. This room had many windows and doors, which did not leave much wall space. We created a loose space plan to see what furniture we could actually fit into the space and where it would be able to be placed.
We started off in search of the large furniture pieces first. We found a teal mid century modern style sofa that worked perfectly because it fit the color requirements, and would also hide the pet hair that would inevitably show up. The size of the room did not allow for multiple seating options, so we found a single grey guest chair, and then purchased a swivel chair for the corner. I love a swivel chair because it is so versatile...it can be moved and used in almost any group setting.
We placed the swivel in the corner to enhance the space, and to create a place for it that was out of the way until it was needed. We added a floor lamp and a mid century modern style end table, which made for the perfect spot to sit and read a book with a cup of coffee in the mornings.
I chose a coffee table in the same style as the end table to anchor the sofa. Matching tables are often done in this particular style. The client wanted a new light fixture that would steal the show-and we found just that. It is the perfect piece of conversation in the room.
We added some light colored pillows on the sofa so that they would pop, and added a geometric patterned drape behind it. The indoor/outdoor rug brings in the colors and an added pattern, while also creating an easy to clean surface.
We accented the space with a shapely lamp and a teal ceramic tray. Mid-century modern style is fairly minimalist and simple, so we did not add many accessories. But we did want the few that we chose to make bold statements.
In the corner of the room we added a chest with a silver accent front so that the client could store her piano music inside. The accessories on top consisted of silver geometric shapes.
This room was very different from the typical projects that i do, but it was fun to think outside of the box. One aspect of interior design that i love is, in fact, being challenged. It is a nice feeling to put together a space for a client and to hear the delight once it is complete.
But the most important aspect of design is listening to the needs of the client and finding the best way to complete the list of needs, while also completing the look. I believe that we did just that in this space!