The once-cramped living room of a late-19th-century home gets a fresh update for a family of five.
The living room of a late-19th-century rowhouse gets a complete overhaul to open up the space, requiring a new layout, storage solutions, all while adhering to the traditional heritage aesthetic.
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Living room design: Modern heritage
Living room renovation
"We gutted the main floor and removed a wall between the living and dining rooms," says the designer, Laura Stein. "That allowed me to create a larger space and layer in storage options and traditional details."
Living room design: Modern heritage
A casual, contemporary vibe
The heritage aesthetic is tempered by a casual, contemporary vibe. "By carefully balancing traditional architectural detailing with natural materials and comfy furniture, I was able to restore some of the home's lost charm and create an elegant yet family-friendly living room," says Laura.
Living room design: Modern heritage
Decorative elements
Embroidered beige and blue linen drapes echo the colour scheme while adding a layer of softness and subtle pattern. Laura had custom toss cushions finished with grosgrain ribbon. "It's a simple way to reinforce your palette," she says.
Living room design: Modern heritage
The layout
Laura mounted the TV above the fireplace to free up floor space and grouped the furniture in the centre of the room to improve traffic flow. "The original layout required you to zigzag around the furniture, inevitably leading to bruised shins," she says.
Living room design: Modern heritage
Reno materials
Adding rustic elements - such as reclaimed elm flooring - to the mix keeps the look informal, a must for the homeowners, who didn't want a fussy space. Paint was crucial to faking an expansive feel, with the cream, blue and grey colour scheme extending throughout the first floor for a seamless effect. Extras, like the wainscotting, moulding and the fireplace mantel, channel the home's heritage, while custom cabinetry and lidded ottomans increase storage; and durable upholstery can stand up to kids and the family's two dogs.
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