Breaking the Rules

Our goal: Take this small, unused room and transform it into an inviting and functional space. Our challenge existed in complementing the style and colors of the adjoining entry, kitchen and great room, as this room shares a wall with all three. We chose a luxurious scroll leaf patterned carpet and plush green walls. With the piano as our centerpiece, we selected three additional pieces of furniture—a chaise lounge, library chair and sandy-toned fabric ottoman with elephant-textured faux leather accents. Large furniture makes this modestly sized room feel intimate. Conversely, mirrors work wonders for smaller rooms, as they reflect light and create the feeling of a larger space. We positioned a mirror above the piano and flanked it with provincial wall sconces and candles. Utilizing large furniture and mirrors helped us strike just the right balance. Elegant red draperies and throw pillows accent the room and compliment the adjoining great room wall. Adorning the room with living greenery and a lovely landscape above the chaise helped us bring the outdoors in, literally bringing the room to life. A crystal and iron chandelier provided a touch of elegance. Our final, but crucial step involved placing stained wood beams on the ceiling. This served the dual purpose of providing architectural detail and reigning in the high ceilings for a cozier feel.