Q: We have just added a family room to our house, which will allow us to use the living room as a more formal entertainment space. We have a pretty good idea of the furniture layout for the new room, but choosing the actual pieces is proving to be a problem. What sort of styling would make sense for a casually elegant look? A friend suggested that we build around a piece of art, but we're not even sure where to hang it.
A: You sound like the perfect candidate for consultation with an interior designer. Many of my clients know what they want but are unable to put it all together.
Assuming, though, that this is to be a do-it-yourself project, here are a few ideas to mull over.
A work of art may indeed provide a good foundation. But don't think solely in terms of a painting on the wall. "Art" can also mean a sculpture, a decorative rug, or even a large and beautifully designed piece of furniture. If you do have something that qualifies, it could serve as the room's focal point.
The style of the piece need not be consistent with the room's overall styling. It's often better if a large decorative item contrasts with the furnishings, as long as its scale and color don't overwhelm the room's design.
The clean lines of upholstered contemporary seating can be fully compatible with reproductions of more elaborate 18th- and 19th-century accent pieces. Similarly, large-scale decorative objects from Asia have long served as attractive accompaniments to European-style furniture. These kinds of combinations will help give the room an elegant look.
In the accompanying photo, a reproduction of a tall, two-part Chinese cabinet serves as the room's focal point. It also plays an important functional role, because the interior contains a television set, a CD player and a large selection of discs and tapes. Cabinets of this kind usually have adjustable shelves, which can be arranged to meet individual needs.