We’re back to cover one of our latest and favorite projects. We’ve dubbed this one #BrightNewTraditional. For obvious reasons because it is bright, but it is also a subtle nod to it’s location. We went into detail about their gorgeous kitchen last time. This time we are going to get in depth about the family room that is open to the kitchen. As an extension of the kitchen, this open great room is the first room you see as you enter the house. It had to be a wow factor with the view. It definitely is jaw droppingly gorgeous!
Blue and White: It’s a MOOD
I think it’s safe to say that blue and white is a universal favorite amongst most people. It is a classic combo and always looks fresh and inviting. Ginger jars have stood the test of time for a reason! It’s also the perfect color palette for a coastal setting. This is the great room of the house. It is an extension of the kitchen which was also done in a blue and white palette. So we kept the theme going here too. We were careful to keep it interesting and be creative because we were only using two main colors. There was plenty of play on pattern and texture and we mixed and matched the tones as well. There are so many rich shades and prints in this family room. Both sofas were custom made by Baker Furniture. The blue sofa was done in the softest, velvety rich blue fabric from Cowtan and Tout, then treated with a fabric protectant during installation. The light Baker sofa is done in a Crypton by JF Fabrics. In our opinion any light furniture should be a Crypton so you can live on it without worry. Did we mention this family has young kids and a dog? If the fabric wasn’t crypton we had it treated to ease our clients mind and less maintenance. We used a striking dark blue Kravet print on the white lacquer Baker chairs. The drapery carries the rich navy color over to the opposite side of the room in another beautiful print by Travers. The Hickory Chair wing chairs add another tone to the blues in the room. They are complemented perfectly by the Natural Curiosities gallery art work on the opposite wall. Perfect match! We added another layer of color by painting the console table behind the sofa a custom color: Benjamin Moore Lake Placid. It is actually a dining table from Century Furniture. The larger scale worked better because it is a very wide hallway walking in and there was more room to display chic accessories! All the prints and colors work well together because it is limited to the same color palette.
Mix It Up
In order to add interest to the family room when using only two colors, not only did we play with the tones of the colors and textures, but we aimed to create a curated look that felt collected not matched. The color of the cabinetry in the kitchen was pulled into this room sparsely in elements like the coffee and side tables and the chandelier. The two different sofas in two different colors achieve the updated look of a curated space, not one bought together as a set. We chose to not use matching side tables and lamps to keep that collected look. This playful spirit of mixing and matching brought energy and personality to this room.
To TV or not to TV
There is a constant debate amongst designers and most couples: hide the tv or keep it out in the open. For this room because it is one of the first rooms you see as you enter the house, we decided the conceal it. It allows the beauty of the room to be highlighted. However, this is the open great room with the kitchen just behind it. For a busy family, sometimes watching TV while you cook or eat is just what you do! So, we designed custom bi-folding wood panels to conceal the tv easily. The 8 pieces of art are placed on four panels. The doors can be pocketed or lay completely flat on the exterior wall when in use. It is super functional and oh so pretty. It really doesn’t have to be a big debate!
Good Bones
As with most rooms that take your breath away, this family room has good bones, as they say. The talented architectural and design firm of Cooper Johnson Smith Peterson in Tampa, Fl designed this beauty. The architectural elements that were thought out during the design phase take this room to another level. The ceilings of this large room are very tall, so some interest on the ceiling grounds the room. Rather than rustic beams or a super traditional coffered ceiling, simple, thin, white beams were used for a more modern take on ceiling detail. The double doors that lead to the formal sitting room are another beautiful element. They are inset into the walkway and arched. It’s architectural elements like this that crank up the wow factor in a room!
We are going to tour this whole house here on the blog. We love to share our process and design decisions. Our hope is to inspire you in your own home. Follow along as we reveal ALL the deets!!!
