This living room was envisioned as a serene yet expressive space—one that honors its coastal surroundings while serving as a refined gathering place for art, family, guests, and quiet reflection. The redesigned fireplace, clad in finely striated Carrera marble tile and integrated mantel ledge where Christmas stockings can be hung, forms the architectural and modern visual anchor. Above, a vibrant oil on canvas by Chris Hayman captures the abstracted energy of nature.
Organic elements are reflected throughout the space, most strikingly in the molten glass chandelier—a ribbon-like sculpture of cast glass and LED edge lighting, reminiscent of waves. Other lighting selections, including silver-leafed double-halo metal sconces with silk half-moon shades, create a warm, layered ambiance.
The primary challenge was the open connection between the living room and the husband’s office, which compromised both visual and acoustic privacy. The solution: folding screens inspired by 1950s Chandigarh architecture, crafted with wood frames and natural cane paneling. These can be opened or closed as needed, preserving flexibility while enhancing separation and visual interest.
Furnishings reflect the clients’ appreciation for craftsmanship and culture: a tailored two- cushion sofa with a plinth base is accented by a custom silk pillow made from an early 1900s Chinese embroidered textile. A trio of reactive blue-gray glass cocktail tables offer movement and function. Swivel lounge chairs allow for versatile conversation groupings, while a plum velvet reading chair, a grand piano, and a seafoam-glazed ceramic planter add depth and contrast. A burl wood desk for the mom of the family embraces the Long Island Sound views, framed by luxurious drapery panels with a pattern evoking clouds and waves.
This living room is at once artistic and inviting—a refined composition of materiality, color, light, and livable comfort that beautifully provides for the changing needs of the family.