Right-On Richmond Refresh
I love this project because the before-and-afters really show what a difference that “finishing 10%” can make! The cherry on top, if you will. This sweet family undertook a large-scale remodel and initially decided to furnish their home themselves. After living in the space for a while, they came to Goldenbird Design with the feedback that the space just didn’t feel finished. GBD was more than happy to help! In the initial consultation, I worked with the family to understand what existing pieces were important to them. From there, it was an exercise in repurposing existing furniture, seamlessly incorporating new pieces, and in some cases, identifying areas to pull back and simplify – ultimately creating a more calming, inviting and elevated space.
Keep reading because I’m sharing before and after photos and breaking down this project room by room for you! Hope you all will find some inspiration here…
Living Room
This home is so open, and I do love a good open floorplan! That said, it is important to create distinct spaces within an open floorplan to make the space feel approachable and invite gathering. That was the whole goal for this room. A larger rug was brought in to anchor the room, and a structured boucle sofa was placed opposite the existing leather sofa to create a space for conversation. Structural elements like the amorphic coffee table and sculptural floor lamp (that gives off the most amazing light!!) added subtle visual interest without being overwhelming or distracting.
Dining Room
The dining table is the heart of the home for so many of us. This was no exception here, so the goal was to make it really shine at the center of everything. Simply put, both the existing table and rug were too small for the space. We added a new rug (pro tip – always get a rug that extends far enough from the table that you can pull your dining chairs out and they will still be on the rug). Instead of getting a new table, we opted to use the existing leaf to give us an extra 3 feet. Always a big fan of re-using instead of re-buying where we can in design. The center of the home also deserves some visual interest. This was achieved by swapping out the light fixture for a more streamlined piece that was much easier on the eye yet still visually arresting. Some stop-you-in-your-tracks head-of-table chairs were also totally necessary. GBD had fun sourcing these ones in an alluring shape and sexy velvet. Furniture that doubles as art? Win win in this book!
TV Room
White is so clean and classic. A staple, if you will. But sometimes a room can just be too white and it falls flat. This was one of those rooms. This area was begging for something to ground the space. So, we came up with an accent wall painted in Farrow and Ball’s Sulking Room Pink – the most perfect powdery, dusty rose. This added just the right amount of moodiness and depth while still maintaining the Japandi vibe that our clients loved.
Breakfast Nook
Beautiful work was already done here, and I can’t take credit for much. This just shows that some dark paint (Benjamin Moore Anchor Gray 2126-30), artwork and pillows can really up-level a space. Call me a broken record, but promise me you won’t underestimate that “finishing 10%”!
Kids’ Playroom
I don’t play favorites, but if I did, I had the most fun dressing up this space. This family already had an awesome play area, but it lacked a splash of color and whimsy that I feel is so important to any kids’ space. GBD’s goal for this room was to bring in some design elements that would foster imagination and inspire creativity. The balloon ceiling pendant and poetic spring-garden Boråstapeter wallpaper do just that. And when the afternoon sunlight pours in, it dances so magically across this whimsical print. Call me smitten.
I popped by for a visit shortly after completing the project and was so happy to hear that the whole family gathers in the kids’ room now to play games, watch football and just be together. I truly believe that good design can bring people together and foster moments that turn into lifelong memories. That’s why I do what I do, and I wish this family many great memories for many years in their refreshed home!
xx, mckenzy golding