Kirkland Interior Furnishings Refresh

Over and over, these clients impressed upon us their desire for spaces that were soft and cozy. We opted for a design that highlights traditional shapes, a modern color palette, and patterns reminiscent of a Pacific Northwest lodge, forming a unique style that prioritizes comfort and relaxation.

Unifying the living and dining rooms, foyer, and office, is the rich red tone of the original Brazilian cherry hardwood floor. Though prone to compete with other colors and materials, we worked to incorporate the right tones in the new furniture and textile pieces to infuse a palette of cooler colors into the already warm-toned space.

This is especially apparent in the foyer, which the client frequently referred to as “the lobby” — an apt name for a room that was previously used primarily as a pass-through drop zone.

A combination of light, medium, and darker wood tones harmonize within the space, bringing balance to what was a large, open room with little interest. We brought the foyer into scale with the addition of a central table, chandelier, and soft textiles to create a usable room with a welcoming feel.

The layout in the living and dining rooms also presented a challenge. With very specific entertaining goals and several parties hosted each year, the clients needed a space that could accommodate large gatherings while still feeling right-sized for everyday living.

We experimented with several options for a sectional before determining the appropriate size — one that fits the living room but allows for the dining table to extend and accommodate additional chairs without moving the sofa. The other living room furniture is modular in nature, easy to move and shuffle when the need arises.

Custom pieces feature heavily, creating a truly one-of-a-kind design. We “test-sat” multiple furniture options with the clients to find their perfect level of soft-and-cozy right for them, and all upholstery is specifically selected to amplify the overall design concept. The rugs also feature hand-picked colors, poms, and patterns. It took three strike-off tests from the manufacturer before we were satisfied with the final selections.

Within all the textiles, pattern, scale, and color were priority considerations, as were dog-friendly materials. We selected performance fabrics and natural wool for easy cleaning and care.

The window treatments were a surprise success for the clients. Though full of windows and natural light, the home felt dark and dim. Worried curtains of any kind would augment these attributes, it took trust for us to persuade the clients that adding window treatments would bring lightness and airiness to the space.

The resulting linen drapes and roman shades are essential to creating the desired soft and cozy space, while maintaining a grounded, natural style.

Almost all accessories have a story and are personally meaningful to the clients, including two family heirloom paintings, which feature prominently. These paintings were reframed and incorporated into the design so they can continue to be enjoyed in the refreshed spaces.

This project is an excellent example of alignment between client and designer. The clients were focused on quality, invested in the design process, and trusted us to make decisions and find solutions in service of the vision.

After walking through their refreshed spaces for the first time, these clients expressed to us their delight at discovering just how light, bright, and welcoming it feels. And, how much like them it feels, too.