A Great Family's Great Room in Arlington, VA

How do you treat a coffered ceiling?

Homes that feature beautiful coffered ceilings are undoubtedly special, so what exactly should you do with them? In this case, the home was essentially a blank slate, which allowed for a creative design plan that incorporated striking indigo blue walls, as well as an 11-foot long indigo blue sofa complete with a chaise lounge, to effectively balance out the impressive ceiling treatment. The open floor plan seamlessly flows into the all-white kitchen, and by keeping the coffered ceiling painted in white, it maintained its status as a focal point without overwhelming the overall space. Introducing limited bursts of contrasting colors through colorful wall art, pillows, and decorative items makes the vibrant blue walls recede, transforming them into a calm and neutral backdrop that enhances the overall aesthetic.

Opposite the kitchen, the existing fireplace is accompanied by built-in cabinets that enhance the room's aesthetic appeal. This inviting space has been elevated with the addition of a soothing geometric wallpaper that adds an air of sophistication. Over the mantel, the television is elegantly framed with rotating digital art gallery, which provides an ever-changing selection of stunning artwork that can effortlessly match any mood or occasion in the home.

Proportionately-sized wall art is key

Now that we have effectively balanced out the architectural features with mass, including deep-hued walls and a well-placed sectional sofa, the next important layer in our design plan is to add contrast and visual interest through carefully curated custom wall art pieces. This addition not only enhanced the general aesthetic but also created a more inviting and personalized atmosphere in the space.

Custom-made decor is more than just beautiful, it’s functional!

An interior designer solves problems.

Client: What can you do about hiding my kitchen sink mess?

Designer: I know exactly what you need!

The stunning 36” Capiz boat-shaped bowl was beautifully transformed into a truly functional piece of art that graced the kitchen island. Cleverly camouflaging the faucet and various accoutrements of the sink, the custom-made dazzling floral centerpiece skillfully shares the attention with the shimmering chain tassel chandelier positioned above it. This imaginative design creates harmonious balance in the space.

Balance

The white high/low built-ins positioned on this wall seemed somewhat out of place within this prominent family room, creating a distinct visual dissonance. To harmonize the overall space and enhance its aesthetic appeal, we thoughtfully incorporated a repetitive patterned wallpaper that serves as a captivating backdrop for the floating-framed abstract art piece. This strategic new addition brought a refreshing visual appeal that quickly captured the attention of anyone who entered the room, transforming the atmosphere into one of cohesiveness and style.

 

Blue = Neutral

Gray and beige are not the only neutral hues that can effortlessly complement a wide range of styles; the deep richness of navy, indigo, and cobalt blues provide a sophisticated and elegant backdrop for eye-catching pops of color and lively patterns in any space. Incorporating these deeper blues into the design scheme balances out an all-white kitchen, truly infusing warmth and creates an inviting atmosphere that resonates with a timeless charm, making the environment feel both cozy and refined.

Photo credit: Peggy Cormary Photography, LLC


 

MORE INTERIOR DESIGN

Next
Next

Blending Old and New- Primary Bedroom