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Beginning this design project with a strong vision was a real plus for a couple
residing in Lebanon, New Jersey. However, as with most home owners, they soon
discovered that their design abilities were stretched to their limit; and, in
order to complete their dining room, they required professional assistance.
Fortunately for me, I was the interior designer retained for the professional
services desperately needed!
When I began the project, the shell of the room was completed. This
included two new double hung windows with transoms, an elaborately designed
tray ceiling, picture frame moldings below a very chunky chair rail and a
large base board molding. The brushed nickel chandelier and matching sconces
were already hung. And, the two arched corner cabinets had been installed.
The most interesting feature of the room was the 11 foot circular stenciled
motif done with red mahogany and dark oak stains on the golden oak floor.
It was obvious that the clients' great taste had brought them quite a distance.
But now, it was my job to bring the project to the next level. They relied on my
trained eye and vast design experience to make their dining room worthy of
intimate entertaining. And, most importantly, it needed to flow well with
the rest of the home….the most difficult part for home owners.
I began with developing a color pallet that would blend with the floor.
With burgundy above the chair rail and camel below (both eggshell finish),
white trim would be way too contrasting. So, moldings on the walls were
painted a slightly darker camel color in a semi gloss finish.
The corner cabinet faces match the camel walls and their trim details
match the darker camel. The difference in shine between the two camel
paints accentuates the molding details. And, the cream paint inside the
open shelves is the perfect backdrop to display their accessories.
For the ceiling, I ran the lighter camel on the section that butts the
crown molding. Once again, the different paint finishes define the surfaces
and emphasizes the sculptural effect of the ceiling. The remaining ceiling
and medallion match the cream of the open shelves.
I selected a tone on tone harlequin patterned burgundy silk for the
pinch pleated drapery panels. A tassel fringe with camel, burgundy
and a touch of green thread adorn the leading edges. They hang on a
walnut wood pole. The walnut tone is continued on the custom 84"
round table (built by the home owner!) and to the frame of the 12
armless chair frames.
Three coordinating silk fabrics were chosen for the chair upholstery.
All 12 have a common textured camel and burgundy tweed seat back.
Six of the chairs seats are done in a fabric that has a camel background
with a burgundy vine pattern running through it.
And, the other six seats have the coordinating negative pattern
(burgundy background with a camel vine).
Of course, the art work and accessories are the final crucial elements.
While the client provided her own collection of items for the corner
cabinet shelves, it took my touch to place them artistically.
I provided the art for the walls which are hung at the appropriate
level…not at the height the husband suggested!
I am pleased to announce that the clients are thrilled with the
outcome of this joint venture! While I cannot take credit for
culinary delights offered in this room, I will take credit for
creating an elegant environment where the tastes can be experienced!
So, if you are in the midst of a design project and are bogged
down with beginning the next step, be sure to consult a professional
interior designer.
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