I got a call from some clients that I have worked with for years. They are a sweet older couple in their late seventies and wanted to convert one of their guest bedrooms into a cozy den. I was so excited to help with this project! The only things they really had in the room were 2 new recliners and a TV stand that had a fireplace insert. (Which they said they absolutely loved the coziness the fireplace added so that right there gave me some ideas.) So the design was a clean slate!
I suggested we do a cozy library feel with lots of browns and oranges. Soft glow of candles and fireplace.
They had an eclectic mix of artwork so we discussed that 3 different types of art would not work in the room. Southwest, Thai dancers and a barn. We decided to use some beautiful prints we had discovered while de cluttering my client’s office. They were beautiful brown sketches with an old world feel and would definitely go with the vibe of the room. We redistributed the other pieces of art to different areas of the house.
We started with a Pinterest board to narrow down color palette and general aesthetic. I encouraged them to order a low bookcase to go on an empty wall to add some warmth. I suggested we style it with some mementos from their travels, old books and a few new accessories. It would also be a good place for my client to keep his lap top and any reading materials he wanted near his recliner.
I took them shopping and it took us a little over an hour to find everything left on our list!
It really is amazing how a cohesive color palette and accessories can completely transform a room.
We still have a few tweaks and things to add but I love the way it turned out. It is such a cozy relaxing room. And the best part… the dog agrees!
Things I envisioned for the room:
-Low bookshelf in a dark wood to match TV stand
-Vintage sketches framed above bookcase
-Panoramic picture on long wall above recliners
-Faux plant to bring outdoors in (they did not want maintenance of a live plant and very little light comes in room).
-Battery powered candles in metal votive holders to create a cozy relaxing vibe
-Rug with warm colors like brown, orange and green
-Curtains in a neutral color
-Display old books and mementos from travel
-Stained glass lamp
-Wooden tray