Design Plan: All the Furniture I Selected to Modernize a Mid Century Colonial for a Young Family
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Occasionally I service some clients with Design Plans - a comprehensive guide for layout, color, and product selection they can then follow as time and budget allow.
The Story
Abby and her husband reached out early in the process after having a contractor in place and renovation plan mapped out. They’d purchased the beloved sprawling homestead her grandparents had built and lived in since the early 1960s, and were embarking on a renovation. The intention was to keep much of the original story-book character intact, while modernizing high-use areas for their young family’s needs. Knowing they were transitioning from a smaller house and would need to purchase quite a bit to furnish their new home, they enlisted my help to customize a product plan for them to follow.
The rooms at the front of their home would mostly be used for entertaining and hosting, so they needed to be inviting with ample seating for guests. As for style, a mix of transitional furniture with mid century modern pieces was the aim. Abby’s penchant for whimsical prints and patterns was the cherry on top. Learning orange was one of her favorite colors made peppering it throughout each of the rooms in both saturated and muted tones the unofficial theme.
Entryway
The original damask wallpaper, no longer in great condition, was removed and the walls painted Sherwin Williams Dutch Tile Blue – a moody blue green pairing perfectly with the original white slab floors. And while the entry square footage was on the larger side, the plethora of doors and walkways necessitated a minimal furniture footprint. A single 4x6 area rug in faded orange to complement the blue walls, plus a narrow metal console table were just the right fit.
Living Room
Punchy turquoise curtains add the whimsical drama and act as the perfect backdrop for the deep cinnamon-hued barrel chairs. Surrounded by playful throw pillows, a custom window seat cushion in deep mustard creates extra seating in a pinch, but more-often is the coveted reading spot for the home’s three youngest residents. The Burrard Sofa from Article rounds out the seating. I’ve used it before in a former project and it’s one of my go-to recommendations for it’s clean lines, and shape-shifting style that works well in both transitional, modern, and even formal settings.
Dining Room
They already had a dining table and chairs inherited from Abby’s grandmother so to ground the setting I sourced the Jonathan Adler Inkdrop Rug from Ruggable for it’s durability and washibility (perfect beneath a young family’s dining table). Then for atop the deep navy built-in I selected an oversized arched mirror and lamps for added texture. Of course all of that serves to highlight the main attraction in the room, the wallpaper!
At the back of the house the goal was casual comfort. And the family room with its original beams, textured fireplace brick and unhindered view of the woods surrounding the property was a natural setting. Adjacent to the family room the open concept breakfast area and kitchen were in need of a few pieces to round out the look.
Family Room
The Family Room’s long and narrow floor plan necessitated the layout. From the outset we knew a cozy, extra-large sectional was the goal. With its moveable ottoman that can act as both foot rest, seating extension, or coffee table, coupled with its extra long frame, the Holt Grand Sectional from Joybird works great in the space. The slate blue upholstery is a natural complement to the brushed terracotta curtains behind. On the other side of the room, two swivel chairs flank the fireplace for cozy conversation, while still able to engage the sectional and TV seating area as desired.
Breakfast Nook
A round table works well in the narrow pass-through between kitchen and family room. Comfortable, classic black and cane dining chairs surround the table, a tie-in with the other black furnishings throughout the home. Highlighting the glass patio doors behind the table, large-scale floral curtains add color and impact. And a set of coral counter stools sidled up to an all-white kitchen amplify the drama.
Mid Century Colonial Sources
It’s always a creative challenge to develop a look that feels eclectic and collected when almost all the furnishings are new. This was a fun project to source for!
Entryway, Living Room, Dining Room:
Family Room, Breakfast Nook: