PORTLAND ROAD
Recently, a previous client had contacted me to engage my services for their downsizing project.
I am not one for trends but this one is irrefutable. These empty nesters want less to maintain and a carefree lifestyle. They are also faced with emotional decisions, such as how decide what to give up or how to part with sentimental objects, family heirlooms and time traveled collections.
As an interior designer my job is “how to make it all work” with less sq footage and a different layout.
I just completed a project of this nature. My client was moving from a traditional home, where each room had its own distinction, to an Open Floor Plan concept style home.
With careful space planning and repurposing, a heartfelt talk with my client about priorities, I was able to come up with a plan.
For instance, the large buffet that had been in the dining room found a new home in the oversized entry. The chandelier that had hung over the breakfast table was also used in the entry. The fantastic stripe chest was moved to the loft area on the second floor. We were able to keep the breakfast room furniture and rug in the new eating area off the kitchen. I switched up the look to a more casual one with a new chandelier.
In the end the only item that didn’t make it was the oversized antique reproduction Oriental rug from the great room. It found a new home with a family member.
Keeping an open mind and treating this as a design challenge was part of my criteria. I was happy to be able to help my clients keep all of the beautiful art, furnishings and antiques we had brought together for their previous home.