Formal Living Room Interior Design in Verona, New Jersey

This past year has forced people to shift their lifestyles and how they live in their homes.

My client and her husband previously used their formal living room space to host small gatherings before the main course was served and to lounge by the fireplace for after dinner drinks.

When entertaining came to a halt due to the pandemic, the formal living room was reduced to a showroom; it wasn’t getting the use that it deserved. In today’s world, formal living spaces are being reinvigorated into extended living and entertaining spaces. After several months of staying at home, the couple realized that they could use a secondary space with comfortable seating for watching television for the times where the couple wanted space to watch their individual favorite shows. They also found the opposing settees to be rather uncomfortable after sitting for a while and were looking for something that reclines.

Recently, we had the pleasure of transforming their formal living room in Verona, NJ, through our full-service interior design services.

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.

With my client approaching a milestone birthday, her husband wanted to gift her the ultimate present: a newly designed room. And so, the design of her ideal living room space commenced!

NOTE: While our full-service design is more “hands-on” than our virtual design services, we did substitute majority of our in-person meetings with virtual presentations for everyone’s safety. For site-visits and project check-ins, we were six feet (or more) apart and wore masks, of course.

THE BEFORE

The formal living room before was functional, but it was primarily used as a sitting room. To get more use of this room, the owners would occasionally use this space to host small gatherings (2-6 people) for after dinner drinks or appetizers by the fireplace. The secondary lighting from table lamps and the warm ambient light from the fireplace created the perfect intimate setting for two or more guests.

As you can see, the living room before was very dark. Because they use this space for entertaining, it’s important for it to have a bright and airy feel. The furniture was all dark woods and deep colors. When all of the pieces are of similar tones, it makes the room look flat.

Aside from the furniture colors, the living room was also missing a focal point. As you enter the room, your eye does not move to focus on anything specific. Is it the fireplace? The mirror wall? Or the beautiful bay window?

THE DESIGN CONCEPT

During the Design Consultation, the client had expressed that she would love to have designated areas for watching television and lounging in the room when guests come over. 

In terms of style, our client wanted the family room to feel “bright and inviting, with a traditional feel.” Based on her description, this is the design concept that we had created for her and her family.

The design concept for the family room includes light walls with accents of rich green, blue, and brown tones. Since this home is located in northern New Jersey, we were intentional about the design choices selected so the room didn’t feel too coastal. For instance, the recliners are a bright cream to add some contrast to the dark floors. The area rug selected is an abstract pattern with hints of blues and has a more modern transitional feel.

THE NEW FLOOR PLAN

Let’s dive into the shifts that we made with the furniture layout.

The new floor plan has the same layout with some furniture changes. The right side of the room is where the piano is located. Due to the layout of the room, there were only a couple of places to mount the TV. Four new reclining club chairs were added to the center of the room where the settees were. This arrangement can seat the couple and their friends more comfortably. Plus, we added two accent chairs and a small drop leaf table by the bay window. Another interesting feature we added to the space is the TV: when switched off, the screen turns into a sophisticated mirror.

THE AFTER

Here is a virtual 3D rendering of what the family room would look like furnished. I love the contrast between the dark fireplace and light furniture. It adds an effortless sophistication while still being comfortable and inviting!

What do you think of the design transformation of this formal living room? Leave a comment below and tell us your favorite part of the design.

READY TO CREATE YOUR OWN HAPPY SPACE?

Our Full-Service Design is for homeowners who would like us to transform their room and execute the project from start to finish. We handle all the heavy lifting so you can enjoy continue to do what you do best, while allowing us to do what we do best.