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DESIGN

A GOOD ROOM TURNED GREAT ROOM

I'm Erika Ward

Over a decade ago, I exchanged my corporate life in building construction for an opportunity to enhance your personal home via decoration and renovation.  My mission? To help busy professionals make their homes their sanctuaries.

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Two story great rooms are some of my favorite to decorate. What I love most about these larger than life spaces are the challenges they present. Here are a few common questions you may have about your own great room:

What is the best window treatment option for my room?

How do we address the expansive wall space?

How do we make this room (often the first one you see) stunning yet approachable?

great room before

BEFORE

It’s a great room! Create windows that wow!

A lover of window treatments, here is where I like to start first. Floor to ceiling drapery would have been jaw dropping but the window’s proximity to the fireplace, for me, eliminated that option.

Instead I chose a fabric with modern embroidery for luxurious custom Roman shades. Though gorgeous by itself, I added a cornice to elongate the windows. This also allowed us to fill the space between the top and bottom windows. Black was the perfect color for the cornice which punctuated the design and added another touch of sophistication.

Add or emphasize existing architecture

To make the millwork appear more substantial we painted the area above the fireplace the same color as the existing trim. See the difference it makes?

Make a style statement with art

Next we decided on the artwork. Sometimes this is the toughest part of the job. In a room with 18-foot ceilings we knew that we’d have to go big. We also wanted the artwork to embody the personality of the homeowner. Fate had it that fellow designer Michel Boyd debuted Sophia and Isabella at High Point Market last April. Instantly we recognized this regal pair as the winning selection after the homeowner fell in love, too.

Remember that comfort is key

With custom drapery, phenomenal artwork, sky high ceilings, and grand trim moulding, how did we make this room approachable?

For one, a television says, “Hey, have a seat and watch this!” I admit I was not a fan of a television in this room however, the homeowner had a brilliant idea—The Frame by Samsung. It’s a TV when on, and art when its off. Anyone could find something they’d love in Samsung’s expansive art catalog.

Exquisitely tailored, yet comfortable furnishings also provide an invitation to sit and stay awhile. The sofa has a down blend cushions while the black spool chairs provide a firmer option. There’s a comfortable seat for everyone.


Download our free ebook Windows that Wow!

Design Inspiration for Your Two Story Great Room


If you’re looking to take your home’s decor to the next level, then we’d love to design and decorate a home that best suits to your style. Please visit our services page for more information. After deciding which service best fits your needs, please take advantage of our convenient scheduling platform.
We hope to hear from you soon!
xo,
Erika

 

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  1. Your interior is simply STUNNING. I really love the aesthetic of the great room with the cool fireplace. Kudos to you.

  2. Melissa says:

    Yes.

DESIGN OBSESSED, ATLANTA GO-TO GIRL, STYLE CHAMELEON, BEACH LOVER. 

HI,
I'M ERIKA.

Over a decade ago, I exchanged my corporate life in building construction for an opportunity to enhance your personal home via decoration and renovation. My mission? To help busy professionals make their homes their sanctuaries.

Learn more