This article chronicles a homeowner's creative endeavor to revitalize their open-plan living room, a layout they initially sought to avoid. Despite their reservations, the house's overall suitability led them to embrace the challenge. The transformation focused on infusing the space with character and clear distinctions between functional areas, all while adhering to a unified aesthetic. The project successfully turned a compromise into a personalized and inviting environment, demonstrating how bold design choices can redefine a space.
Initially, an open-concept living area was not a desirable feature for the homeowner and their partner. However, given that this particular house met most of their other needs, they decided to proceed, acknowledging the open layout as a significant compromise. The living room, entryway, and dining room shared a single expansive space, necessitating a design approach that would allow each area to feel separate and purposeful.
To achieve this, a consistent paint color, Benjamin Moore's Cushing Green, was applied across all walls, doors, trim, and ceilings. This warm green provided a unifying backdrop without making the interior appear dark, despite its depth. The homeowner strategically introduced varied patterns through wallpaper, using complementary hues and diverse designs to delineate distinct zones within the large open area.
A key feature of the living room was a fireplace flanked by built-in bookshelves. To create a focal point and add visual height, a striking striped wallpaper from Rebel Walls was chosen for this wall. The fireplace itself was painted with Benjamin Moore's Baked Terra Cotta, using a semi-gloss finish to contrast with the eggshell finish of the surrounding walls and ceiling, enhancing its prominence. Additionally, copper disco tiles and a scalloped wallpaper border were incorporated around the fireplace, adding a touch of sparkle and unique detail.
The room benefited from abundant natural light due to its end-unit location with windows on three sides. Originally, white shutters covered these windows, which, while functional, made the space feel dim during darker months and clashed with the new color scheme. These shutters were removed and replaced with stained glass window cling decals on the lower sections, offering privacy without obstructing the natural light. Curtains featuring a subtle coral stripe were then added, coordinating with the fireplace's warm tones and providing an option for complete light blockage when desired. The curtain rods were sourced from West Elm.
To further anchor and define the living room within the open floor plan, a chandelier from Mitzi was installed where an existing electrical box was found. This added a decorative light fixture, addressing the previous lack of interesting lighting options. A ceiling medallion, purchased from Amazon, was also incorporated around the chandelier, contributing to the room's distinct identity.
The homeowner enthusiastically embraced pattern mixing, adhering to a principle of combining different scales and designs, such as stripes and florals. Despite the visual complexity of a floral couch, animal prints were treated as neutrals, with Dalmatian print and fuzzy pillows adding texture. A tiger print rug from Ruggable, known for its practicality with children and pets, further enhanced the layered aesthetic. A blue loveseat and a white wingback chair contributed textural interest without overcrowding the space. Cocktail tables were thoughtfully placed beside each seating area, alongside a vintage Lou Hodges coffee table discovered on Facebook Marketplace, ensuring functional convenience for guests.