 |
 |
The Challenge:
To quickly, completely, and elegantly furnish a condo almost
from scratch, keeping in mind that this is a rental apartment
with only one to two year's occupancy. The starting point: 2
French armchairs and an extensive art collection -- all in storage
and unavailable for viewing. The client requests only that we
incorporate an oversized zebra-print ottoman, formal dining for
6, and pink in the bedroom. |
The Vision:
Plush velvets, silks, crystal, mirrors, rich draperies, black
accents. |
|
The Process:
As for any rental, we hope to spend as little as possible on
altering the space. Fortunately, the existing neutral walls form
a suitable backdrop for our decorating scheme throughout.
For the living room, we take our cues from the style of the
client's chairs and specify small-scale seating pieces that are
a contemporary take on traditional styling. The fabrics we select
are velvets with a silken sheen, in a tone to blend with the
walls. Similarly neutral but luxurious silk draperies and a ribbed
wool rug complete the understated monochromatic envelope of the
room, allowing the client's vibrant artwork to "pop".
Rather than the usual side tables and lamps, we opt for dramatic
black floor lamps with glitzy mirror-trimmed shades to flank
the sofa. Additional black accents are strategically placed around
the room, playing off the bold zebra fabric that is at its centre.
Note that the fabric is used to upholster a cushion atop the
large coffee table -- a more functional and versatile alternative
to the ottoman that had originally been envisioned. For the space
between the new chairs opposite the sofa, a traditional server
inherited by the client fits right in with the eclectic decor
-- an unexpected saving. Even the kitchen pass-through becomes
part of the decorating scheme, with artful arrangements of flowers
and accessories on top, and a simple shelving unit for more display
below.
|
|
