These New Jersey homeowners were recent grandparents, and therefore decided that their living room needed to be "baby-friendly." But they also decided that while they were making changes, they would create a handsome new decor as well. Their goals were to reduce hard, sharp furniture edges, maximize seating and comfort, and add more color.
Room designer Connie Thompson of Interiors by Decorating Den took on the project, and her first furniture change was to remove the large framed sectional sofa, replacing it with two settees and an apartment-size couch. The sectional had been great for maximizing the amount of seating in the room, but it was never really comfortable. The two settees differ in both shape and color from the new sofa, but a careful choice of style and pattern creates a harmonious complement for each other. The units share the same low profile, straight lines and relatively narrow arms. Their reduced scale allows room for two ottomans, plus coffee and end tables, yet provides the same amount of seating as the original unit.
A patterned area rug and side chair were also added. The fabrics selected for the upholstered pieces and pillows are colorful, but don't overwhelm the room. The new soft ottomans are used to strategically block off areas from the toddling granddaughter when she visits. The room is now babyproof, calm and relaxing, and much more interesting.
