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Gentleman’s Living and Dining

May 18, 2020 | Posted in Before & After | Share

A modern classic style living room in a gentleman's condo. At the front of the view is the back of a red velvet sofa. In the center of the room, a light-colored octagonal footstool used as a table, with two dark brown leather club chairs with American flag pillows either side. Beyond the club chairs, a light blue custom-made chaise lounge in front of a Crafstman-style window.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Marija Vidal

Nothing is so instantly pleasing as looking at before-and-after photos. Today we’re talking about transforming a living and dining area so that the spaces flow into each other.

My client’s San Francisco Bay Area condo has good bones, with strong Craftsman lines and gorgeous built-ins. We wanted to highlight those, creating a masculine, comfortable, modern classic living room.

A living room view shows a bright blue sofa with dark blue patterned throw pillows, in front of a large Craftsman-style window, with green trees outside. The walls are half-covered in warm wood paneling.
BEFORE
A custom-made light-blue chaise lounge sits atop a sheepskin rug, next to a triple-legged side table, dressed with several throw pillows, a tan blanket and an open book, in front of a large picture window without any window coverings, revealing a view of green trees.
AFTER Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Marija Vidal

To increase circulation space and take advantage of the natural light streaming through those beautiful wood frame windows, I replaced the bright blue sofa with a sky-blue custom-made chaise lounge, and a sheepskin rug. Now it’s the perfect corner for a cup of coffee with a book, or just to daydream.

A Craftsman-style wood fireplace surround, with a built-in bookshelf to the right. To the left, wood paneling and a sliver of a bright blue sofa. To the right, a grey sofa with black pillows, in front of a large wooden coffee table. Two wall sconces are lit above the fireplace.
BEFORE
The same living room, now with artwork above the fireplace and a large vase of flowers in front of it. Next to the fireplace, one of two dark brown leather club chairs, with American flag pillows sit atop a bright blue rug. In the center, a horsehair octagonal footstool is used as a table, with a tray of drinks. To the right, a red velvet sofa with throw pillows.
AFTER Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Marija Vidal

I used a mix of primary colors with neutrals to create interest and bring out warm tones in the wood, especially the fireplace. An oversized octagonal animal-hide footstool doubles as a surface for a tray of drinks. The deep blue rug is cozy underfoot, while a pair of leather club chairs makes room circulation a breeze, across from a red velvet sofa to enjoy the view.

BEFORE
A double aspect window corner dining space is defined by a bright red carpet. Modern dining chairs are upholstered in two fabrics, bright yellow on the fronts, and stripey yellow and white on the chair backs. The pedestal dining table is dressed with tea and strawberries, plus a bowl of flowers.
AFTER Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Marija Vidal

Because the living room flows directly into the dining area, I continued the primary color palette and touchable fabrics, covering the dining chairs in a buttery yellow velvet, and the chair backs in a complementary pattern. We refrained from using any window dressings, to maximize light, views, and the Craftsman wood features. Now it’s both classy and comfortable when our gentleman wants to welcome guests, or just enjoy the spaces on his own.

Kimball Starr Interior Design transforms individual rooms or whole home spaces. Contact her today for a consultation!

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