Spending much time at home these last few days has given me plenty of time to ponder and re-think how certain spaces in our home function, or the lack thereof.
One space is our living room. We spend a lot more time in our family room than we do in the space that is also designated for sitting and relaxing. It does not give off the vibe of come sit down and take a load off. And let's have a conversation over coffee and dessert. Or I want to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea here.
Those are examples of what I want our living room to convey. When we moved into our current home 5 years ago, it was my intention to create this type of space. I had it set in my mind that 4 chairs surrounding a round coffee table would present the ideal conversation pit.
Here is a photo that represent what I am looking for.
Designed by Interior designer Henry Brown and featured in the October 2009 issue of Traditional Home magazine, this photo brought immediate delight to my eyes. The caption reads "The living room's bar area is defined by an antique French frieze fragment repurposed as a mirror frame. The radial arrangement of four wing chairs creates an instant coziness." Instant coziness. I like that.
The height of the table and chairs are dead-on in what I am seeking for a conversation pit. And the nailhead trim underscores the perimeter with all the classic details I love about a wing chair.
As I searched the 'net for more inspiration, I discovered chairs featured in a space designed by Candice Olson on the Art Dreams Home website that also exhibit the ideal height and appearance of comfort I very much admire.
To me, the chairs give a lean-back-and-relax type of vibe. Again, it is something I really like in a chair. Not too stiff yet welcoming and exudes comfort.
This environment reminds me of a grown-up version of a tea party. Four chairs surrounding a table. And if you were to take it to the same level as Mr. Brown did in the first photo by including a bar in the living room, you could serve a splash of martini instead of a spot of tea.
Here's the headline on the invitation "Martini Party at the Conversation Pit". Truthfully, I envision many nights curled up in a chair with a cup of tea and a good design book.
This is what makes home design so much fun. Dreaming up ways to create the perfect environment in your home.
