a Fresh start - Mother’s Living Room - the design
When my mother decided to sell our home after 30+ years of residency, I was happy for her fresh start. When I think of her as a woman with her own feelings, insecurities, hopes, and dreams, and not as solely my mother, she was 32 when she moved into my father’s childhood home. What must that have felt like for her? A home with a family history already. The home had seen my dad and uncles grow. Had seen businesses developed at the kitchen table. Even death. We made it our own and filled it with many happy memories. There was also sadness with divorce and the death of my grandmother who lived with us at the end of her life.
Now in her 60s, she was ready for a new beginning closer to her sisters outside the city limits. I wasn’t so happy she wanted to move out to the suburbs where every house is a cookie cut replica of the other in a builder grade shade of yawn; yet here we are and we are designing her new space! It is most rewarding for me to be able to help her cleanse and start fresh for this exciting chapter of her life.
Everything in her old living room was tossed except for her Chesterfield sofa. Armed with stacks of shelter magazines, Mom and I ripped out pages and pages of living and dining rooms, materials, and furnishes she liked for inspiration.
I began the process of designing a transitional space - a more contemporary mix of furnishings with a splash of her beloved antiques befitting of her new home. Working with her budget, the space took on a life of its own but is still reminiscent of the original plan:
A Bokhara rug because the octagonal motifs are also known as an elephant's foot - the elephant is Mom’s favorite animal
Skirted arm chairs
Rattan baskets for texture. Mom has always loved and collected rattan
A contemporary wrought iron glass top coffee table to contrast the antiques and add another layer of texture and interest
Pops of chartreuse and florals
Lighting because the overhead ceiling fan isn’t a favorite choice but one she didn’t want to switch out
Chests of drawers to flank the fireplace
A Samsung The Frame tv to look like art over the mantle because that is where she wanted her television
We visited local rug and furniture stores so mom could see and touch in person before I ordered online (regardless of where we purchased, the pandemic ensured a months-long wait!). Next post I will show you our progress!
