We had the honor of working with a wonderful couple in Nutley. They wanted to makeover their Traditional Family Room using our Luxury Full-Service Design Package. This is the spot where they spend their free time watching tv, relaxing by the fire, and where company sits when they host large gatherings.

What is full-service interior design?

Full-service means that we manage your project from the initial design concept all the way through to completion. This includes sourcing and shopping for tailored-to-you merchandise on your behalf, procuring merchandise, tracking orders, coordinating deliveries, overseeing installs, and managing trades to make it happen—so you can sit back and enjoy life while we transform your space!

We start each project with a Design Consultation to learn more about your lifestyle, design aesthetic, and the details of the project. During the design consultation for this project, we discussed the design dilemmas of the space. In this case, it wasn’t much of a “dilemma,” but a matter of lack of use.

The Before

Our client was struggling with determining a furniture layout in their open-concept living space. The challenge in the living space is that it previously had two focal points, the fireplace, and the television. The divided attention creates a challenge in determining where the main sofa should be placed. Of course, it would make sense to have the longest sofa right across from the television so more people can sit and watch tv. As you can see, that creates a barrier and the loveseat is now so far away from feeling any heat coming from the fireplace. So here is what we proposed instead…..

the Design Concept

Our design concept was to create a warm and welcoming environment with an earthy color palette of greens, rust, and neutrals. As this is an open-concept space, we tied the colors throughout the entire first floor. We also selected finishes that complement the antique cherry wood furniture and newly stained floor. The client has a design style that is traditional yet wanted to make it feel updated and not as formal. To accomplish this, we had mixed in some furniture pieces that have clean lines.

the furniture layout

Most importantly, we created one focal point by placing the television over the fireplace. The fireplace project was a project within itself with so many different details to talk through. The owners had a connection with the mantle as the name of the style was the same as their street. When they renovated their home for the first time, this selection had a special place in their heart. To cherish those fond memories, we salvaged the mantle but painted it white. This helped brighten up the room and freshen up the look overall. One change that may not be noticeable to the eye, is that we lowered the mantle height. This change allows for an ergonomic viewing experience so our client doesn’t have to tilt their neck back while watching tv. With all-new trim work, granite surround, and fireplace doors — the entire fireplace got a major facelift.

We incorporated new furniture pieces to help tie in the color pallet. We selected a grand sofa (100”) with a curved front that embraces the rest of the seating area. We placed the sofa across from the new focal point which in turn, separates the living space from the dining room. On either side of the grand sofa, we mirrored two leather recliners with gorgeous nailhead detail. In the center, we placed nesting coffee tables so our Client can move them closer to the seating and allow for more surface space when entertaining.

In the corner of the room, we replaced their console with an etagere to anchor the room and display their souvenirs from their travel experiences. Another advantage to having the etagere is that it plays with the high ceiling height that is in this area. We placed their existing console on the opposite side of the room to create a “mock foyer.” Our Clients never had a place to put their keys and sunglasses when they walked in the room, so we created a designated area by their closet.

The After

Here is the completed space! As you can see, the new seating arrangement creates a more functional entertaining and family living area. The color palette is warm and inviting while the overall design reads as traditional with a modern spin.