We recently shared a project that involved creating custom draperies to fit a unique window, but today, we’re going to take a look at another aspect of the room makeover- decorative finishes by Kass Wilson.

Built-in cabinetry is a beautiful addition to any home, but often the contractor white finish makes these architectural details feel basic and bland. While the client’s home had plenty of potential, it still felt unfinished, and the white built-in bookcases and fireplace mantels in the family room and living room weren’t doing them any favors.

Family Room: Before

Living Room: Before

We decided to add some drama to the family room by taking the bookcases flanking the fireplace to rich black. The contrast in values helped to break up what had been a very long wall of white, helping to define the area.

 

Family Room: After

Instead of bright white, the fireplace now features a lovely warm taupe color that harmonizes better with the stone inset. The fantastic architectural details of the fireplace, especially the fluting, have been accented with a subtle glazing technique.

Family Room: After

In the more formal living room space, we chose to balance the dark furnishings by inverting the family room finishes, instead finishing the fireplace mantel in a deep black and the built-in bookcases in warm taupe.

 

Living Room: After

The black fireplace mantel integrates much better with the black stone surround, creating a bold focal point for the room. Gold accents bring out the details, and keep the black-on-black finishes from looking too heavy. Once again, skillful glazing brings out the details in the bookcases, highlighting their elegant arches and fluting.

Living Room: After

Working around the existing rug, but with completely new furnishings, window treatments, and paint finishes, we were able to help the homeowners achieve their goals for a warm, sophisticated home with character.

Our Gwinnett County interior design firm offers a number of services, from custom draperies and rugs, to furniture selection and reupholstery, to custom decorative paintings finishes that add depth and dimension to the room. Contact us today for more information about home design services from MJN & Associates Interiors.

 

photos: Emily Harris