Some people are strict modernists. Others, pure classicists. But I’d guess most people would fall somewhere in between, just as Boston-area interior designer Ana Donohue’s clients did. They were looking a space that “would be appealing to both a contemporary and traditional aesthetic, with a kid friendly twist.” To achieve this, Ana combined shapes, patterns and fabrics with bold colors in a unique and playful way.
In the living room (pictured above), Ana combined Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs with a traditional wingback chair, contemporary sofa and ottoman — all upholstered in solid fabrics, or ones that would read like solids. “The excitement of the room,” says Ana, “comes from the punches of color and pattern. The drapery is a bold print with lots of color, which connects every other element. We used bold color and different scale patterns for the throw pillows — and of course the pop of yellow for the oh-so-kid-friendly ottoman.”
The dining room (below left) is attached to the living room, so it had to maintain a visual connection to it. “We also wanted to give the room its own contemporary edge with the green lacquer buffet,” says Ana, “Again it all works and stays warm and inviting because of the darker rugged feel of the chairs and table.”
The library (above right and below) was formerly open to the rest of the house — and therefore seldom used. To remedy this, Ana “designed a custom bookshelf/entry door into the office to house cookbooks on one side and business books and accessories on the office side.” Smart use of otherwise dead space. “We also wanted to use a wallpaper which would add a subtle graphic element that would give the office an edge. Along with the contemporary glass table and very traditional wood chairs we have another warm, fun and inviting room.”
All in all, a combination of classic and modern that I think most of us could be happy with. What about you?
(photos: Michael J. Lee)
