Photos by Chad Lundquist/Nevada Appeal The finished remodel has transformed the living room from a dark Victorian style to a bright Tuscan motif.
Why we did it
We wanted to achieve an updated look for our home built in 1906 on Carson City's east side. To do this, we used transitional design, a blending of traditional and contemporary that is simple.
The wonderful thing about transitional design is that it can easily be converted by changing accessories. It also gives you the opportunity to make transitional changes from one room to the other, beginning with painting the woodwork and walls, changing furniture, window treatments etc.
Transitional design also has a cost advantage in that you can do one room at a time. Not disrupting the whole house also makes the job easier.
From contemporary furniture to the traditional chair, end table and ottoman, one will find a lamp and mirror that blends the transitional combination into the contemporary feel of the room.
Light, airy, warm, inviting and elegant now best describes this 100-year-old home.
What we did
Began with the fireplace - the focal point of the living room:
• Covered brick with travertine tile
• Changed the hearth to granite
• Added a larger mantel with columns supported by an arch
• Faux painted arch to blend with stone on the fireplace
• Replaced traditional logs in fire box with glass and geometric shapes
• Added flat screen TV above mantel, faux painted to coordinate with fireplace
On the walls
• Removed wallpaper, then painted the walls a cream color
• Added large crown molding
Woodwork
• Painted all woodwork white - what a change from the dark brown
Window coverings
• Stained wooded shutters were replaced by Luminettes, a window treatment that combines the look of a sheer drapery with the ability to close for total privacy
• Built a cornice box which now serves rather than a valance
Lighting
Replaced a chandelier and lamps with:
• Recessed lighting above the fireplace
• Indirect lighting on top of the crown molding
• Wall sconces at each side of the fireplace
Finishing touches
• Custom-made metal calla lily sculptures above the fireplace and window
• Art work
• Throw pillows and a soft white plush area rug.
• DVD aquarium back drop
Who we are
Lofty Expressions
Interiors by Doreen
Doreen Mack
311 N. Pratt St.
Carson City
885-2444
www.loftyexpressions.com