KDHamptons Design Discussion: Your Living Room..…Is it appealing and approachable, or a lonely wasteland?

To find out how to answer this question, we went straight to famed interior design gurus Robert S. Brown and Todd Davis [below], of Brown Davis Interiors. In 1994, Todd and Rob joined their shared passion for classic architecture, discerning environments, and extraordinary craftsmanship to create Brown Davis Interiors. Rising stars in the elite environs of Washington DC, Brown Davis has designed two residences for the Clintons, President and Secretary of State, The British Embassy residence and an array of exceptional projects involving contemporary and historic renovation.

Always seeking inspiration and growth in artistic styles and influences, The Brown Davis aesthetic is a uniquely American perspective, fusing the traditional roots of classicism, with an exuberant, sensual vitality. I have design dreams of a bright sunny living room like the one above, but husband still needs some convincing. I asked my new haute Hamptons pals for a few tips to share with KDHamptons readers on how to design the perfect living room….Robert [CEO of Brown Davis] shares this incredible KDH Design Diary below:

“Let me ask you………when you want to read the paper, watch a movie, or when a friend drops by……what room in your home do you head to? I’ll bet few of you say the Living Room.  What is it about these rooms that we reserve for use of special gatherings and generally walk by on our way to the Kitchen? [Dr. Kot~ guilty as charged!!] Certainly, we tend to have finer elements in these rooms to differentiate them, but is there a way to make them more appealing  for simpler use?  Must they only be used for a large or formal gathering or is it possible to use these rooms by ourselves and still enjoy their heightened style?”

“Let’s face it,  in order for us to use our Living Rooms, first they have to be visually appealing…the difference will be if it is compelling & inviting, or lovely but off-putting. One of the most powerful ways to create approachability is the furniture arrangement.  I’ve watched groups of happy gatherers in a room, and they tend to pair off or break down into twos and threes.  My guests and family have been know to move chairs and ottomans so that a conversation is more natural.  Next time you have a gathering, watch where the first guest sits and notice after the gathering [large or small] if the furniture has been moved.”

“No mater the size of the room or style, creating a cozy and approachable environment is essential. Even in the most clean and sophisticated room, approachability can be achieved with the furniture placement.  Chairs paired off for a tête a tête, or a sofa with a chair or two [either at 90 degrees or close by] offers people an option to feel comfortable and connected.  Offering a stylish but firmer chair for mature visitors, or those with a back problem will be appreciated.  With a nod to more “edited” design styles today, a sofa doesn’t have to be filled with decorative pillows to look inviting.  However, at least one or two pillows and an indulgent cashmere throw [even if its the same color as the sofa] will soften the appearance.”

“Many of us face all of the furniture inward even when there is a stunning view or simply a handsome tree outside the window. Try placing a pair of chairs [not necessarily of the main seating group] close to window and angle them so they face out.  Its fun to head to those chairs with a friend or alone and discover a new use for the room.”

“Above all and the biggest complaint I hear from people is the lack of table space to place a drink, hors d’oeuvres, or a snack.  Provide a stylish drinks table by each seat and resist the temptation to decorate the surface!  Consider leaving it empty and readily available for that glass of wine or tea cup.  Next time you’re alone and have the time, take a coffee mug or a drink and sit in every seat in the room. Take in the view, proximity to other seating….and if there is table space for your drink!”

“The lesson here is try to create more than one central seating group in a room and make the room usable. Even in a smaller room where there is really only room for a central seating area, add a small writing desk. Think of why some hotel rooms are so enjoyable…all the functional elements are there, but consolidated and attractive.  Consider adding a comfortable chair, small ottoman and lamp in the corner so that you might just head there to open your lap top.  Don’t forget the drinks table!”

“Stop next time you have some computer work, or book to read,  and head to your Living Room! Enjoy the intrinsic and extrinsic reward of the “best” room in the house.
Notice next time you have guests where the first person sits and if they move furniture to engage in more intimate conversation.  Consider leaving the arrangement as it was left!”

“Try turning a pair of chairs to the window for a new and appealing place to sit.
Break the seating groups up into more that just one.  In a smaller room, add a comfortable chair in the corner to encourage reading and napping. Always have smart-looking, available table space for drinks next to every chair. Consider adding a bowl of raw unsalted almonds to the coffee table…it promotes a sense of life and freshness.”

“Do you dare take the wild step and add a small TV? At lease keep in mind that you can watch a movie on your lap top or iPod in this room for a fun change. If having food and drink in your Living Room prohibits you using it…try my old trick….no red wine or cranberry juice and NO SALSA [instead, provide clear drinks, almonds, drained olives, simple small cookies or small pieces of vegetables and consider skipping the dip!  [It’s also OK to have a small stack of little paper napkins nearby].”

Soooo, KDH has to ask~ now that Robert has shared these fantastic tips……are you ready to do some “LIVING” in YOUR Living Room?

Contact Brown Davis Interiors, Inc.:
Website: www.browndavis.com Office: 305.401.7565
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/browndavisinteriors
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brown_davis
Blog: http://browndavisblog.com/

Thanks guys!!