Living in Berkeley: the beauty and grace of modernity and history
Expensive dark woods, massive furnishings, tiered lighting and artwork give the Californian living room a cozy elegance. After 13 years of living in a house built by a renowned architect in the last century, the owner decided to remodel an unusual living room to start a new milestone in her life..
Interior designer Keith Farley has refreshed the architectural details of the space, focusing on décor as well. Her goal was to make the living room warm and functional, so that family members and friends could gather here with pleasure..
Short information:
The house is home to: a writer and screenwriter, her two teenage children and two cats
Location: Berkeley, California
Dimensions: 46.8 m2
Designer: Katy Farley (ArtDecor)
The client wanted the living room to become a place where it would be nice to get together, have fun and talk for a company of 8-10 people. Farley has set herself the goal of integrating modernity and history in such a way that décor, architectural features and interiors are organic. She renovated the oak parquet floor in the living room, and repainted the walls with textured plaster, while retaining unique architectural features, including a walnut wood ceiling with wide beams, arched shuttered windows and a decorative fireplace..
Berkeley Living Room by Katie Farley
Farley found a handcrafted pink woolen rug and chose it as the client’s favorite color. A yellowish carpet enlivens the interior, along with other carpets – they are like floor painting.
The room is decorated with a large simple sofa. For the upholstery, the designer opted for a neutral palette, including gray, bronze, copper and steel. All decor elements are perfectly combined, all elements are scaled correctly. The oversized coffee table will perfectly fit magazines or snacks. There is a group of four cozy armchairs by the fireplace..
Bookcase npo customized
Besides the music center, another key element is the custom-made bookcase. Behind the glass is a library with the client’s books, evidence of family history. In addition, the living room is decorated with items of Mexican art..
After the room was furnished, Farley brought the décor to life with art and accessories. Basically, she used items already in the client’s collection. In addition, the designer inserted the client’s children into the framework of the work and also decorated the wall between the windows with them. On the wall behind the sofa is the only new contemporary painting by Michael Shemchuk. She modernized the living room and became a link between the past and the present. Art objects make the room look rich.
Collection of household works
Instead of paintings by famous artists, you can exhibit a collection of household works or a collection of stones, anything that will give the room individuality. The main color scheme of the paintings is reflected in the cushions and carpets. Farley has mixed textures and styles to create a cozy space with thoughtful design.
Thanks to the multi-level lighting, the room is well lit. The main light source in the dark is a chandelier, wall lamps, floor lamps and table lamps of different heights and brightness are responsible for creating an appropriate atmosphere.
By mixing styles, new and old things, the designer managed to create a cozy, practical living room with its own unique history..
