Bohemian Living Room
This charming Victorian home could have been summed up in three words, boring, boring, boring. With such a classic style home and an eclectic, vibrant homeowner, the living and dining space was not living up to its potential. The homeowners wanted an Asian/Victorian mix that highlighted the existing mirror while creating flow between the two rooms. This couple didn't spend any time in the front room, opting to only use the back as the office, living, dining and kitchen space. It was time to open this place up and use the entire downstairs.
This space underwent a dramatic change, starting with the wall that separated the two spaces. A round opening was perfect for the Asian flair the homeowner wanted, creating an instant eclectic mix in the room. Color was a major factor in this renovation. A bold vibrant red for the front room and a soothing compatible taupe for the back gives each room individuality and is complimentary. When painting a space red it is very important that you take the time to do it right. A tinted primer and 3-4 coats of paint seems like a lot of work, but the results are flawless.
One of the three front windows is over a foot shorter than the other two, it is a major structural difference. By creating 3 box valances that are 18" tall and placing all of them at the same height tricks the eye into believing the windows are all the same. This was a major decorative fix that cost very little money. The fabric, in a black and white damask is also used on the back windows in a handkerchief style. It is a great way to tie the two rooms together without it being too uniform. Pillows in the same fabric brings cohesion to the dark leather and light cotton sofas.
The elaborate mirror was a main reason why the homeowner bought this Victorian twin home. By finishing the ceiling medallion to match the mirror and finding the original glass globe, the mirror is no longer an oddity in the room. It is perfectly highlighted against the rooms color and other original features. The red of the walls works perfectly with the strong gold of the mirror.
The back room had a lot of problems with the floor. There were three layers of flooring in the front part of the space and it was not possible to match the original wood floors after all the linoleum was taken up. Carpet squares, in the same tones as the floor, were a perfect alternative to the problem. The rest of the flooring was refreshed with a sandless floor treatment.
Unique molding on the walls and ceiling, the homeowners original furniture and a rug that ties together the round opening and the fabrics brings this eclectic mix in perfect balance.
