Update a 19th-century living room by painting the brick fireplace
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Version 0 of 1. David German and Andrew Berman want to update the oddly shaped living room of their historic rowhouse in Shaw. They want a space where they and their two boys (ages 8 and 13) can relax, watch TV, play video games and entertain. The goal is a more modern look, without sacrificing comfort. They are considering keeping the French doors closed all the time to have more options for furniture placement. Designer Michelle Borden suggests painting the brick to match the walls and tweaking the furniture arrangement for an open feel with easy access to all areas. Borden, with Perceptions Interiors (215-313-4332, perceptionsinteriors.com), is based in the District. Paint the brick and the walls the same color to make the room less visually overwhelming. Try Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams. Choose neutral upholstery for the furniture, and bring in color with accessories that can be easily changed out. Treat the French doors like another wall to increase furniture placement options. Place the sofa in front of them, and hang art over it. Remove the arm from the ceiling fan or replace it with a white flush-mount unit with no light so it blends with the ceiling. Notch out the back of the bookshelves so they sit flush against the wall for a built-in look. When the budget allows, consider adding a slab of black granite to the hearth to create a stunning focal point. Furniture: Lorraine tufted bench in metal gray twill ($599, potterybarn.com); gray round Seren chair-and-a-half ($400, worldmarket.com); Margaux accent table ($130, pier1.com); Hemnes glass-door cabinet with three drawers in black-brown ($389) and 19-by-78-inch bookcase in black-brown ($129), both from ikea.com. Accessories: Petite arc metal floor lamp in brass ($229), the Arts Capsule Ink Print in crimson color wash Print 1 ($329 for 24-by-30-inch print) and Print 2 ($429 for 35-by-43-inch print), and Steven Alan pinstripe shag wool rug ($779 for 8-by-10-foot rug), all from westelm.com; Boka persimmon table lamp ($229, crateandbarrel.com); Advent standard seven-inch picture lights in antique brass ($44 each, atgstores.com); embellished ikat zigzag pillow in rust ($35) and velvet printed ikat pillow in rust ($30), both from pier1.com; pleated Roman shade in natural suit stripe (from $447, theshadestore.com). More from Home & Garden: See answers to frequently asked questions about House Calls here Tell us about your own design challenge here See past room makeovers by local designers here |