When you think of a nature-inspired space, earthy colors and rough-hewn textures probably come to mind. Maybe something a bit more rustic than elegant? But in reimagining the living room within our clients’ Spring Valley home, we balanced elegance and nature to create an inviting, timeless aesthetic. I’m happy to reveal our latest Washington, DC, interior design project.
Nature-Inspired Living Room
Our clients wanted a comfortable place to gather with family and a chic space for entertaining friends. We think our design accomplishes both objectives and hopefully you agree. The wife is a certified Master Naturalist, so her desire to bring the outdoors in came as no surprise. We shared our nature-inspired scheme for the living room makeover a while ago. Here is how it all came together:
The Thibaut grasscloth lining the walls provides a neutral, organic envelope for all the layers that followed. We kept the homeowners’ existing antique secretary desk (perfect for showcasing a plate collection) and their existing artwork but sourced all the other furnishings new. Tons of seating was a priority for these homeowners, so we chose an extra-long sofa (foregoing end tables in the process) and four slipper chairs, all transitional-style pieces from Hickory Chair. A custom-sized, glass-and-metal cocktail table from Michael James Furniture rounds out the arrangement, and a gilded chandelier from Visual Comfort hovers overhead.
A floral, linen-blend fabric from Romo served as a launching pad for the entire design scheme.
Featuring camellia blossoms embroidered on a pale gray ground, the cornerstone textile embodies the gardenesque vibe and peaceful color palette the wife was after. We combined the draperies with white sheers that provide privacy yet still allow natural light to filter in.
Bespoke Built-Ins Provide Functional Beauty
Before, there were a pair of over-laden, brown-wood bookcases flanking the set of French doors that lead into the dining room. We replaced those free-standing bookcases with custom-designed built-ins (we recently chronicled the living room installation, including how those built-in beauties took shape).
The bespoke storage solution not only adds function, but it also provides a cleaner, more seamless look. The husband is a history buff; the shelves now house his (pared-down) collection of books and memorabilia.
To make the built-ins look like they had always been there, we added fluted embellishments on the stiles that nod to the existing fireplace details.
As I always say, the devil is in the details! And as a quick aside, the custom decorative pillows adorning the sofa are another example of how bespoke attention to detail can elevate a room design.
We chose a stunning flame-stitch fabric for the pillows. But here’s the inside scoop: In positioning the design, I wanted to showcase the textile’s vibrant shades of blue, gold and teal, while avoiding its brown tones. Our skilled and detail-oriented workroom did a stellar job executing my precise request!
Washington, DC, Interior Design: Elegance Meets Nature
Sharing a newly completed project is always a joy. We especially love when the Big Reveal includes a virtual tour. Click below and step inside our gardenesque living room design.
What makes this project – and all our projects, really – so special is that it reflects our clients and what matters most to them. For this couple, that meant three main things: nature-inspired design, ample seating for gatherings, and stylish storage for books and mementos. What matters most to you? Whatever it is, we’d be happy to help bring it into your spaces.
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