Outdated Before
Somewhere in the midst of raising three children, the décor in the living room and dining room of this old farmhouse went stale. But with some chic new furniture and interesting color for the wall, designer Stephen Saint-Onge gave these adjoining rooms a pretty lift.
Stephen's Mission : Keep the home's historic charm but bring in a new sense of sophistication with updated furniture and color.
Step 1: Get a Plan
Stephen sat down with the homeowner to get an idea of what she was hoping to get out of the space. He firsts asked his client, "When you think of your dream home, what do you envision?" She had hoped to get the feeling of a cozy flat in Paris -- this inspired Stephen's vision for the makeover .
Step 2: Painting
To unify the spaces Stephen chose two colors that would blend beautifully, a soft green for the living room and a camel color in the dining room .
After: Living Room
Stephen chose sophisticated furniture with a soft modern look, including a small-scale sofa that frees up floor space in the modest room. He also added black accents for a contemporary feel.
Sleek Accessories
Contemporary lamps contrast with the traditional furnishings. The black color gives them presence, but the twiggy design keeps them light. Camel-color drapes bridge the soft color from the adjoining dining room .
Before: Drab Dining Room
The dated, raspberry red walls and simple furnishings were doing nothing for this underutilized room.
In the Round
An expandable round table allows intimate seating yet can seat a larger group, too. The pieces -- upholstered chairs, wood armchair, and roomy dining bench -- combine for a casual feel.
Simple Centerpiece
To add a pop of color to this relatively neutral room, Stephen placed a vase of limes on an orange runner.
Strong Furniture
To tie the rooms together, Stephen chose rich wood furniture and accessories with black touches, like this mirror, throughout both spaces.
Classic Touches
To highlight the home's beautiful millwork, Stephen painted it a subtly contrasting off-white, including this beautiful built-in china hutch.
Lighting Update
Stephen liked the classic look of the dining room light and chose inexpensive black shades for an instant update.
Resources
Pottery Barn: Twig Lamps, Draperies
Meet Stephen
Stephen's keen understanding of the homeowner has moved him into the spotlight in recent years through his work on television and in magazines. This understanding, accompanied by his friendly, approachable, and creative style, is making design accessible to everyone -- no matter who they are, where they are, or what their budget may be.
As a husband, father, and homeowner, he understands the needs of the family-focused lifestyle. "I have the same to-do list on my refrigerator that everyone has. There is always something to be to done with our homes and hopefully what I bring to the table will help everyone see the best in their homes," says the designer. He draws upon his background in film and design to help homeowners create a home that truly captures who they are, but at the same time captures a mood they are looking to bring to life that represents their home in the right light. Good home design has the power to change lives.
Popular Slideshows
Decorating a living room has never been easier wit...
If you've got a weekend, a few willing friends, an...
Find living room design ideas for furniture, wall ...
Connect with Us
