Interiors

A Colonial Living Room with a Secret

Traditional living room in a 1920's Colonial home with fireplace.

The original plan for a refresh in this traditional living room included replacing tall bookshelves that were flanking the fireplace. But when the old shelves were removed, original window openings were discovered: the windows had been removed and covered up by bookcases in the 1960s.

The clients loved the idea of returning to the home’s original design, so they consulted an architect about adding new windows to the old spaces, and we redesigned the bookshelves and fireplace surround to incorporate this change.

dated living room with yellow walls, a fireplace, and bookshelves.

BEFORE

Now, glass-front low bookshelves and a new mantel and fireplace surround provide a grounding foundation for the new windows. A vintage LaBarge mirror reflects additional light into the room, and a creamy white wall and trim color (carried into the adjoining dining room, detailed here) creates a classic canvas for traditional layered textiles

Stickley armchair in the corner of a traditional living room with cream walls and glass-front bookshelves.
Traditional living room with a fireplace, glass-door bookshevles, and new windows. A sofa, ottoman, and two chairs form the center the room. A custom plaid ottoman, striped Stickley chair, and traditional rug complete the seating area.
A vignette of a fireplace mantel, with antique candlesticks and a vintage LaBarge mirror. A brass wall sconce is next to the mirror.

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