Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Contemporary Living Rooms

Upscale, contemporary hotels in L.A. were the inspiration for this home, which features a variety of seating areas spread through the space to allow frequent guests to sprawl out and socialize.

An accomplished advertising business executive inhabits this urban dwelling. This room allows the owner to pursue his media interests, which includes music, film, as well as, a serious art collection. Photo by Michael Robinson.

The white concrete fireplace commands the center of visual attention in this living room, while an indigo blue wall creates a dramatic backdrop.


The juxtaposition of the celadon wall in the background and the sundried tomato wall that separates the family room from the home office set the scene in this comfy lower-floor family room. French doors open to the views of the Potomac River.


This large open living area was divided by specific furniture arrangements. Everything is tied together by the subdued palette of warm grays and lavenders, accented with butter yellows. The reflective hues of the surrounding city buildings at dusk were inspiration for the color palette. Asian antiques and art further the zen mood.


The stone fireplace surround with the hanging flat-screen monitor is the focal point of this family room. Extra cushy loungers allow for long movie viewing in comfort. Beyond the sundried tomato wall with the pocket doors lies the guest bedroom and home office.


A Wenge wood wall with vertical and horizontal cutouts glowing with light, incorporates the fireplace and flat screen TV, as well as abundant space for AV equipment. A low profile sectional sofa and ottoman over a Cha-Cha wool and silk area rug defines the primary sitting area, while a Cha-Cha concrete table occupies part of the reading area by the window.


The color palette of rich ochers and rusts combined with lots of warm woods and natural materials helps to fight off that damp, musty basement stereotype. In addition, the mirrors flanking the windows help to brighten things up by reflecting daylight inward, giving the illusion that you are aboveground looking out through a full bay window.