A Classic + Cozy Sitting Room | Design Consultation
Every so often, I get email requests from readers seeking decorating help. While very flattered, I typically decline the work, mostly because I feel a unqualified, given my lack of design training. However, on a few occasions, when the timing or scope of work has felt right, I've lent a hand. While I do not have any current plans to start my own business, I do enjoy the process of envisioning a room and providing a fresh perspective on a space.
I recently pulled together ideas for a reader's sitting room and I had the best time doing it, so I thought I would share "my vision" with all of you. Ha. :) I'm not including all the sources out of respect to the reader, but I will share my favorite decorating essentials that you can also find in every room in my home.
The inspiration board above is for a sitting room/library. A small, cozy space that is used mostly by the two parents in this family. It is currently a blank slate, except for a couple armchairs and a cute bamboo chair and desk. The family plans to add one solid wall of built ins, like the image I chose above, with closed storage on the bottom. I love built-ins and think they add so much charm to any room. My suggestions was to break up a long bank of built-ins with sconces mounted in between the middle and end units. Like on this..
I also loved the idea of painting the shelving a gorgeous green. Like Farrow and Ball Olive, or Ben Moore Providence Olive.
I recently pulled together ideas for a reader's sitting room and I had the best time doing it, so I thought I would share "my vision" with all of you. Ha. :) I'm not including all the sources out of respect to the reader, but I will share my favorite decorating essentials that you can also find in every room in my home.
The inspiration board above is for a sitting room/library. A small, cozy space that is used mostly by the two parents in this family. It is currently a blank slate, except for a couple armchairs and a cute bamboo chair and desk. The family plans to add one solid wall of built ins, like the image I chose above, with closed storage on the bottom. I love built-ins and think they add so much charm to any room. My suggestions was to break up a long bank of built-ins with sconces mounted in between the middle and end units. Like on this..
I also loved the idea of painting the shelving a gorgeous green. Like Farrow and Ball Olive, or Ben Moore Providence Olive.
^^ front door/shutters in FB Olive ^^
^^ love the green on these bookshelves, wall color is too dark though ^^
^ a green/gray would also be gorgeous ^
^ Ben Moore, Providence Olive ^^
I suggested adding a collection of pewter (or white ironstone) to the bookcases in one or two spots but otherwise keeping them pretty streamlined with books. I think shelves can start to look a bit cluttered very quickly with too many small scaled knick-knacks.
As for walls and trim, I'm recommended Ben Moore, Acadia White...
I kept the fabric recommendations pretty timeless with a floral for the drapes, and a mix of a stripe, a small print and a slightly modern medallion print for accent pillows. I gave her some additional options beyond what is shown above too. Throw in some fabulous lighting, a little blue and white pottery, a collection of vintage bird prints, some large baskets for texture, and it all starts to feel cozy without being cluttered, classic yet still fresh.
^ groupings of vintage bird prints + basket + creamy white walls ^^
I think the room will also need one terrific antique piece, maybe a chest of drawers, to round it out, but that can be acquired over time. If the reader is kind enough to share after pictures, I will post them in the future. For now, it is just fun to day dream what it will be like one day. And for the record, I want the room for myself!
^ antique dresser ^