Creating a living room that satisfies both traditional and mid-century modern (MCM) preferences can be a rewarding design challenge. Our latest project aimed to combine the tastes of a couple into a single, cohesive space. She loves the traditional look with a cleaner color scheme and has a passion for traveling, desiring some worldly touches. He loves the lines and materials of mid-century modern furniture and style. Here’s how we accomplished a harmonious blend of both their styles in a space that feels both unique and inviting.

 Worldly Flair and Traditional Silhouettes

Using textiles to create a sense of approachable sophistication:

We a collected look we added layers of linen in a mustard color for the Eurosham and paired it with a damask pattern with elaborate florals in a luxurious gold and white fabric made India. This was punctuated with a stunning lumbar pillow in charcoal, beige and gold made of velvet intricate Zari word and hand embroidery.  At the foot of the bed we added a bench upholstered in Persian Killian in beige and brown tones with turned legs for an antique and vintage appeal and of course extra seating.

 Chandelier:

The centerpiece of the room is a chandelier with a handmade quality, featuring a multi-tier silhouette, wooden dowels, and curved iron arms. It serves as the crowning glory of this eclectic and varied space.

 Feng Shui Elements

 To bring in traditional Feng Shui touches, we included two symbols of love and longevity: the Double Fish and The Infinity Knot. These elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also imbue the space with positive energy and harmony.

New Traditional Design Selections

 Window Treatments:

We opted for boxed pleat drapery in a blue with a beige background. This subtle pattern along with the classic appeal and clean lines of the  boxed pleats maintain a traditional feel without being fussy adding just the right amount of depth and character to the room.

 Table Lamps and Nightstands:

We framed the bed with Reflective brass base table lamps contrasting beautifully against stunning walnut wood nightstands. This mix of materials highlights the room’s blend of traditional and modern elements.

Artwork:

This diptych artwork entitled “George I & George II” by fine artist Mande Calhoun provides a delightful focal point. The broad and expressive brush strokes give this piece a sense of movement and texture.  We took the sophistication up a notch by framing them with   stunning turned-walnut picture frames designed by Sheila Bridges.

Creating Zones for Functionality

 Seating Area:

We created a cozy seating area with a grey accent chair in a modern silhouette, framed by a vintage industrial-style down-bridge pharmacy floor lamp. A wine-red leather and velvet throw pillow pulls from the color scheme of the Feng Shui artwork and the rich tones of the walnut nightstands.

 The metal sculpted end-table in a modern silhouette with a beautiful "patina" relates to the creates that textural accent similar to brush stroke style of Mande Calhoun’s art pieces, adding a touch of artisanal to the space.

 Rug:

The abstract transitional rug in off-white, blues, golds, and greys pulls the entire color scheme of the space together, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

 Achieving the Perfect Blend

 We accomplished the goal of creating a room that is an updated take on traditional design, enhanced with mid-century modern touches and worldly sensibilities. The result is a space that perfectly balances masculine and feminine elements, making it a true reflection of the couple’s combined tastes.

 By thoughtfully combining these elements, we created a bedroom that is both functional and stylish, providing a perfect blend of traditional charm and mid-century modern sophistication. This room not only serves as a upscale space but also as a testament to the couple’s unique tastes and shared love for design and travel.