Joe and Jean Emmi love the fireplace wall and merlot sectional in their Annandale living room. The other half of the 14-by-16-foot room? Not so much. They’re looking for a fresh update that will complement what’s already working well. (Leah L. Jones/For The Washington Post)
Joe and Jean Emmi love the fireplace wall and merlot sectional in their Annandale living room. The other half of the 14-by-16-foot room? Not so much. They’re looking for a fresh update that will complement what’s already working well in the space.
Instead of addressing only the problem area, designer Cheryl Lynn Doyle changes the furniture placement and palette to give the room a cohesive look.
Doyle (301-801-1285, www.doyleinteriors.com) is based in Washington.
Update existing items, such as the curtains and glass case, with new hardware, trim and paint. Paint the case Piston gray by Krylon.
A cheerful palette of aqua and gray complements the original sofa. The walls are Farrow & Ball’s Blue Ground.
Define the seating area with a rug.
Reorienting the sofa opens up the space and allows the fireplace to serve as a focal point.
Add a chair rail and picture molding for architectural interest. You can cut costs by limiting the molding to walls that aren’t covered by furniture.
Freshen table lamps with new shades. You can save money by keeping the original fixtures.
Furniture: Tufted ottoman in Linen Surf ($115, www.overstock.com); metal accordion side table ($74, www.urbanoutfitters.com).
Lighting: Brushed silver wall sconce with shade ($16, www.kirklands.com); medium drum lampshade in white linen ($44, www.potterybarn.com).
Accessories: Ballo decorative window hardware in nickel ($20 for rod, $8 for brackets, www.bedbathandbeyond.com); decorative drapery trim in verbena ($12 per yard, www.calicocorners.com); Quatrefoil mirror ($149, www.wisteria.com); Favorite throw in sky ($29, www.westelm.com); Largo rectangular tray in champagne ($40, www.zgallerie.com); Diamond lumbar pillow in turquoise and putty ($74 for cover, $24 for insert, www.serenaandlily.com); patchwork prints ($169 for set of nine, www.ballarddesigns.com).
Hanna chair in chalk and raffia ($2,496, www.andbeige.com).
Amplifica rug ($3,500 for 7-by-10-foot rug, www.abccarpet.com).
Marie armchair in natural herringbone ($389, www.homedecorators.com).
Moroccan shag rug in ivory ($300 for 5-by-8-foot rug, www.worldmarket.com).
See past room makeovers by local designers.
Tell us about your design challenge.
Send photos, room dimensions and contact information to makeover@washpost.com .
