If there is one thing that I like to do is style a bookshelf! I love the challenge. Give me a bunch of random things that don’t go together and let’s make them – force them – to work together for a cohesive composition.
Were you able to see the kitchen reveal at the Lilywood Project? This is the other side of that beautiful room. We totally gutted both the kitchen and family room, down to the studs. We took out all the built-ins and added new, beautiful, custom built-ins created by our amazing cabinet contractor. His expertise lead us to the build out of the classic columns that hold the light sconces yet recess into the simple bookshelf display. The details are classic, simple perfection.
As always, I like to start with what the homeowner has already laying around the house: books, framed photos, bowls, vases, etc. After the first rendition, we decided we needed a more “neutral palette”. Where do I like to go for affordable display items? HOMEGOODS! We headed to Homegoods and found those great natural woven baskets, the faux plants, and a few white cake stands which I always love for layering! White photo frames were also purchased and the homeowner had black and white family photos enlarged and inserted into the frames. I did a quick search and found the stacked pearl boxes and the mini seagrass boxes on Amazon.com. The final display is now a nice mix of neutrals that have texture and interest.
Details
The details are really what make each project unique. The front of this home is a classic colonial with black shutters. To keep the consistency with the entire house, we chose very classic fixtures and finishes.
Flooring & Tile
We had the floors refinished in a mid-tone oak which is consistent with a colonial home that would have been built 100+ years ago. For the fireplace surround, we chose Calacatta marble, in a herringbone pattern and chose a coordinating marble for the hearth. Originally we quoted the tile out through our favorite all in one store: Contract Furnishings Mart but with lead times and a lack of inventory, we needed to find an alternative. And sure enough, since it was a small area, we were able to get just enough product right down the street at good ol’ Home Depot! Herringbone tile and the like marble flooring were both in stock. With Contractor Steve at my side, we chose the best tiles for the project and he got to work!
Lighting
Lighting was easy. Brass is a favorite finish in a time-honored design. Simple sconces from Circa Lighting with a classic linen shade flank the “artwork” over the mantel. Were you fooled? That artwork is the newest ingenious picture frame tv by Samsung. We also wanted to give a moment to the artwork the couple purchased on an anniversary trip they took. By adding the brass library light over the art piece, it really is the first thing you see when entering this room from the foyer.
As I say, “It’s in the details!” Subtle details 😉
Now…want to see the bar area?!!!! That post coming SOON!
Have yourself a wonderful day!
xo, Melis
Melissa K Manos Designs 