We are back with a reveal for this family room makeover for our lovely clients! (You can see more of the design process and some progress photos here).
They are delighted with the outcome!
Eventually this will be part of a Great Room with an open kitchen/dining/family room area. This family room is already connected to the kitchen via a large doorway and half wall, and the next phase will open the dining room to the kitchen on another side.
Project Goals
We wanted to create a striking fireplace wall because this is the first thing you see when you enter.
We needed to retain a TV and have comfortable seating for cheering on their beloved Liverpool football team.
We needed to add easily accessible storage for toys and games for the frequent grandchild visits.
And we wanted as much seating space as possible for the three generations of this family to gather occasionally.
Design Solutions
We began with the concept of transforming the fireplace wall. Our clients didn’t like the existing brick, needed to keep a sizable TV, and wanted some storage and display space.
We suggested a wall of built-ins to streamline and highlight the cathedral ceiling shape and make the fireplace a focal point.
Painting the back wall of the shelving a deep teal color provided a high impact focal point, but it also allowed the TV to blend into the background while the white of the fireplace, millwork, and accessories stood out.
A new more generous millwork mantel covered the existing anemic mantel shelf and brick supports.
Family Room with painted brick fireplace; design by JRL Interiors of Acton, MA
The Window Seat
The existing bay window had a shallow depth of only about 10”. Bumping out with a boxed out window allowed us to create an inviting window seat with decorative sconces, a comfy cushion and pillows, and storage below.
Not only does it provide extra seating when the whole family gathers, it is now a favorite, inviting spot!
Family room with new windowseat, design by JRL Interiors of Acton, MA
Furnishings
Furnishings were selected for maximum flexibility. A swivel chair near the TV allows for conversation or TV viewing, while a lounge chair and ottoman provide feet-up comfortable seating.
Family Room with swivel chair; design by JRL Interiors of Acton, MA
Family Room seating; design by JRL Interiors of Acton, MA
On the opposite side of the room another chair and a sofa can be arranged a couple of different ways (see this post for alternate room layouts), and a pair of storage ottomans serves as both coffee table and impromptu seating.
Family Room with painted brick fireplace and custom built-ins; design by JRL Interiors of Acton, MA
Details
In addition to the custom built-ins and windowseat, we also created custom pillows and draperies in a variety of patterns and textures that add a layer of comfortable elegance and finish to the room.
Family Room with custom pillows and draperies; design by JRL Interiors of Acton, MA
Custom pillow of embroidered leaf fabric is a perfect finishing detail, Family Room design by JRL Interiors of Acton, MA
Beautiful lighting from the sconces, and floor and table lamps in golds and soft robins egg blues sets a pleasing mood, and the overhead fan was replaced with a white model to visually disappear into the ceiling.
A pair of elegant sconces light the new windowseat in this family room project, design by JRL Interiors of Acton, MA
Convenient and practical gilded side tables with glass, mirror, or stone tops provide places to set down a drink without worry.
Meaningful artwork that calls to mind family, travel, and places they have lived helps tell the family’s story in this space.
This fresh new space is now a delightful room to relax and say welcome home!
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