Hartfield Project Reveal | the Great Room

When out client’s father-in-law suddenly passed away years ago, it caused them to pause and contemplate life: what was important to them? How did they want to live? This is turn led to the purchase of the river house or their “happy place” as they call it. Purchased back in 1999, they have been coming out here with their kids on weekends, summers and holidays. It was an honor working alongside them, to freshen up their great room and sunroom.

From the very beginning, I had a vision for an abstract gallery wall behind this seating area. Knowing that our client’s daughter is quite artistic, we commissioned her to create these framed pieces. Having personal touches like this, are what makes a project extra special.

Another piece that we made custom for this project, is the painted shutter divider in between the two seating areas. I had proposed this idea early on in the project, as I wanted to create some sort of division between the two seating areas. Sourced from an old Virginia plantation, we took these vintage shutters, dusted them off and painted over them - providing a pop of color, texture and interest to the room. They are one of my favorite features!

Being right off the water, it was important that the seating at this river house be durable! We selected performance fabrics for these swivel chairs, so that people could feel relaxed and welcome; not worried about messing things up.

When you walked into the great room before, it felt quite dark and miss-matched. Now when you walk in through the front door, you walk in feeling at peace, at ease… We lightened things up through the furnishings and decor, but also by the addition of more lighting (table lamps, floor lamp, sconces over the bookcase).

When it came the design of the great room, we kept the base of it neutral but then brining in layer after layer of pattern and color. The effect feels thoughtful and lived-in.

This is “lived in” effect is also seen in the styling of the decor. An example being the console behind the sectional, where we wove in clay vases filled with oak stems, vintage demijohns and odds and ends. The way the sunlight reflects off the mirror and demijohns… dreamy. It is one of my favorite moments in the room.

One of the things that our clients love most about us is our gift and ability of incorporating their most treasured items into our designs. To us, its a no-brainer, as these are the pieces that provide depth and that tell the story of their home. The chair shown above, is an example of this. Belonging to our client’s grandmother, they’re were a lot of sweet memories attached to it. It was in need though of reupholstering, and so we selected the most beautiful, designer fabric in this fun print! While before it kind of faded into the rest of the room, not it stands out as a feature piece.

We freshened up this little nook by the front door, reupholstering the cushion in this beautiful blue, stripe pattern. Between the print of the cushion and the wood framing, you almost feel like you aboard a ship when your in this little nook!

INTERIOR DESIGN: Making Room for Peace | PHOTOGRAPHY: Jenna Miller Photography