Many homeowners want their rooms to be cozy and comfortable, especially here in Michigan, where summer gives way all too soon to an extended period of shorter days and colder temperatures. With the holidays just around the corner, we thought it appropriate to highlight some top designers’ favorite spaces that are always popular gathering places for friends and family.
“Natural materials are essential to create ultimate comfort. In the lower-level cigar room, the warm tones of earthen bricks and knotty stained wood, the soft hand of tanned leather, and the warmth of the finest wool underfoot combine with some favorite indulgences.
In the great room, we used layers of soft fabrics to add warmth and created a circle of truly comfortable chairs around a shared ottoman. A foursome can gather for intimate conversation or swivel the chairs to join the rest of the crowd.”
– Colleen Farrell, Colleen Farrell Design
Upholstery fabric and leather: Tennant & Associates
Drapery fabric: Schumacher
Great room area rug: The Ghiordes Knot
“When my clients remodeled their home, they wanted their once-contemporary den, with its laminate built-ins, to become a cozy and warm traditional space where the family convenes to watch TV. Fireplaces have an inherent calming effect with their soul-soothing flames. The one in this room was given greater status by surrounding it with both an exotic granite and custom dark wood cabinets. A deep, rich saturated color was chosen for the walls (Sherwin Williams #6179 Artichoke) to further create a sense of warmth and relaxation. The overstuffed coral sofa, a buttery gold leather recliner and the floral skirted swivel chairs say ‘come sit’ and add to the casual comfort of this gathering space.” – Linda Shears, Linda Shears Designs
Sofa and chairs: RJ Thomas, Ltd.
Sofa fabric: Schumacher
Chair fabric: Tennant & Associates
Pillow trim: Designer Furniture Services and Fabrics
“What better way to warm up a room than with walnut floating shelves on a fireplace and a sectional known to feel like a cloud! Adding layers and pattern to this once-streamlined canvas was key for this client to feel as at home and cozy as she did when she lived in Savannah. From the eclectic mixture of shapes, the classic navy and gold additions, and the warmth from the wood elements, this main living space is now the homeowner's favorite place to cuddle up in at the end of a long day.” – Rachel Nelson and Lauren DeLaurentiis, RL Concetti LLC
Pillow fabric and window treatment: Rozmallin
Sconces: City Lights Detroit
“A cozy loft area was created for our client’s as a space to get away and relax. The perfect spot to read a good book or snuggle up with your baby, we added soft and luxurious details such as the rug and blanket. The ottoman allows you to put your feet up and really unwind on a chilly fall day!” – Jane Synnestvedt, Jane Synnestvedt Interior Design Inc.
Side table and accessories: Decoroom and Lighting Resource Studio
“The open living/dining room space allows for visiting family and friends to pull up extra chairs at the dining room table to enjoy a meal while others can gather in the cozy, conversation-friendly living room area. In the two-story great room, my clients’ large family often congregate on the floor, chairs, and sofas for games and conversation.”
– Lois Haron, Lois Haron Designs
Living room sofas and table: Designer Group Collection
Great room chairs, throw pillows, and artwork: RJ Thomas, Ltd.
Great room window treatment fabric: Pindler
Area rugs: The Ghiordes Knot