It’s been a while since I’ve done a “scaling down the design” post. I’m changing the name but the concept is the same. I take a designer room that would probably feel a little beyond most people’s comfort zones and break down how you might simplify the design for your home, taking some of the elements and using them in different ways. This dark green living room designed by Melanie Turner (and featured in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles) is bold, cozy and has a lot of great elements to play up.
I love the way she covered every surface (walls, trim and fireplace) with the moody green, using high contrast accessories, warm wood tones and modern art. I can envision a scaled down version of this room also being perfect for a small study or home office.
I’d play up the yellow gold in the original design with a pair of small slipper chairs and keep things more casual by foregoing the drapery and using woven shades, also in a gold tone. (These are the same ones I used in my house.)
The original room uses a chocolate velvet sofa. I substituted a dark brown leather one because I’m sure some of you have something similar you’re trying to work with and again, because it gives off a more casual vibe.
The high contrast art is important. I found a couple of examples from Minted that you can order as oversized prints.
There are several touches of brass throughout. I used this pretty (and affordable) pineapple chandelier that looks vintage.
I love the burl wood coffee table, but they’re pricy and hard to find. I substituted trays instead, layered on a clean white coffee table.
With so much going on in the room, I’d duplicate the simple woven rug, using something like my go-to jute.
And a reminder that you can always take inspiration from a space, but put your own twist on it. . . Here are a few other accent colors besides gold that that you might try with this color scheme. (As you can see, I think the tiger print works as a neutral.)
RK says
January 16, 2019 at 1:22 pmGreat post! Thank you for breaking this down into something the “average “ person can use. I look forward to more of these types of articles.
Sharon says
January 16, 2019 at 1:43 pmNailed it! Love your color combos at the end.
Kate says
January 16, 2019 at 3:51 pmLove this!
jackie says
January 16, 2019 at 4:36 pmTHIS is why we love you! (well, one of the reasons!) :)
Meryl says
January 16, 2019 at 5:08 pmI’m such a fan of these posts Emily!
MaryK says
January 16, 2019 at 6:40 pmLove! My living room is green. More sage. ♡
Aimee says
January 16, 2019 at 7:46 pmLoved it and the other variations at the end! Loved the way you broke down the elements of the room and mapped out how you can incorporates the elements in a simpler, more accessible way! Fantastic post!
Caroline says
January 16, 2019 at 7:46 pmI also really enjoy these posts–please keep doing them.
Karen says
January 16, 2019 at 9:26 pmHmmm….I like your design better!
Mary says
January 17, 2019 at 7:36 amHi Emily,
I love this type of posts!
I personally love your idea of pairing the navy chair with the green walls.
Rikki says
January 17, 2019 at 11:17 amHomerun on this one Emily! Your design ideas are so awesome!
Beth Christoff says
January 19, 2019 at 2:22 pmEmily, you see everything – the trees AND the forest! An FYI – we decided to go w/leather loveseats in a den. Well… old house woes, they wouldn’t have fit through the door! So we went with “bonded” leather, which is some real leather and some faux (Fancy French for fake, right?). With four kids, husband, dog and cat, they’ve help up nicely. Thought your readers may want a lower-budget option to leather couch featured.
Rebecca says
January 27, 2019 at 6:31 pmI love many things about about your blog, but these posts are some of my favorites. Keep up the good work!
Jody says
February 6, 2019 at 2:56 pmThis is so helpful. My dining room has brown walls currently and I have been thinking how I can bring in green. You are always so timely!