Classic with a Twist

I’ve been working with a client to create a usable space in her attic to house a golf simulator and sitting area. Standing in the space for the first time, I immediately felt inspired by the unique shape of the sloped ceiling. I thought to myself, “This would be the coziest place to have a sitting room!” Although we won’t have room to use her space exactly in this way, I knew I wanted to flesh out the ideas that were rushing into my brain.

I’ve really been leaning into the renaissance of classic style lately, mostly because it has been my go-to for my own aesthetic for most of my life. There are certain fabric and wallpaper patterns you see used repeatedly. Some might shy away from that. I, on the other hand, have been itching to use some of those patterns for years, so I realized, “This is my chance! I’m going to take this unfinished attic space, drape it in one of my favorite patterns from Pierre Frey, and roll from there.” I spend many hours flipping through pages of cocktail table books by my favorite designers, and most of them have used these and various other patterns from textile companies like Schumacher, Pierre Frey, and Cowtan and Tout in some way in several projects. Who am I to call it boring?

That tangent aside, let’s walk through this room together.

Immediately upon landing at the top of the stairs, the first space you walk into is a corner. That corner has been taken up by a vibrant and inviting green velvet settee that is begging to be sat upon. Trimmed in a new twist on Greek key, this piece is dotted with pillows of various complementary shades like soft pink and vibrant yellow, each showcasing its own unique trim details. Above it rests art in antique gold frames, flanked by the most stunning and simple sconces of brass and yellow silk.

Directly in front of the settee is a gorgeous burl wood and brass inlaid cocktail table: the perfect spot on which to set your glass of wine or book before dozing off on the settee. Opposite this table is a pair of channel-back chairs covered in a classic Schumacher pattern that always reminds me of the beautiful shape of dried coral. They sit slightly lower than normal, which I find very comfortable for conversation. You don’t always need huge furniture to fill up a room. Very often, using smaller furniture in more groupings is more inviting. If you look closely, you’ll see a beautiful curve detail at the front of the seat and little pin-drop feature at the top of each leg.

Over the black marble fireplace, I selected one of my favorite mirrors that I’m lucky enough to have in my own home. Its temple-shaped frame features a tortoise shell eglomise finish, which is created by hand painting glass and using the reverse side as the front. It is sadly discontinued, but I think it adds the perfect flair to this room! I flanked this mirror with a larger version of the same brass and silk sconces from across the room.

To the left of the fireplace is a chaise lounge covered in the same fabric as accent pillows on the settee. You might notice a trend of repeating materials, a favorite trick to bring continuity to your space. Off to one side is a Mouile floor lamp that provides perfect light for reading and a tiger pin shell inlaid garden stool as a place to set your glasses. I love the juxtaposition of these items together, all coming from different periods and combining to enhance this reading corner.

Everyone loves a card game, or these days mahjong! To the right of the fireplace is a game table and bamboo chairs, also covered in one of the pillow fabrics from across the room. The table features pullout drink holders on each corner and beautiful white oak and brass details.

Simple window treatments of reeded bamboo add texture to the dormers and beautifully filter light when closed. Softening the wooden floors is a custom-cut seagrass rug, a classic choice and one that is inviting for bare feet. An antique inspired lamp table featuring various accessories that feel collected rounds out the corner just behind the main sitting area. An antique style chest of drawers between each dormer provides storage for glassware, blankets, and favorite magazines and books.

Overall, I love how this space turned out! It is full of classic and often-used patterns and textile companies, yes… but, as I always say, “if you love it, it never goes out of style!”