Velvet-Covered Doors Lead to a ‘Ladies Lounge’
A designer brings her idea for upholstered doors to life in a calm sitting room in North Carolina
She worked with Baity’s Custom Upholstery to design and produce the purple velvet-covered doors.
Luckett recommends using upholstered doors in low-traffic environments since cleaning them is more difficult than a more traditional door material. “A simple hand vacuum when cleaning should keep them pristine for years to come,” she says.
Luckett recommends using upholstered doors in low-traffic environments since cleaning them is more difficult than a more traditional door material. “A simple hand vacuum when cleaning should keep them pristine for years to come,” she says.
The client initially hesitated on installing velvet doors, but now it’s the client’s favorite part of the redesign, Luckett says.
Pro tip. If you like the idea of upholstered doors but velvet doesn’t seem like a safe choice in your home, Luckett says, you could choose tougher, easier-to-clean fabrics.
Pro tip. If you like the idea of upholstered doors but velvet doesn’t seem like a safe choice in your home, Luckett says, you could choose tougher, easier-to-clean fabrics.
After. The new “ladies lounge” gives the client a space to read, watch TV, work and relax with friends, Luckett says.
Gallery wall. The designer grouped the client’s existing framed art to create a focal point behind the sofa. When you’re creating a gallery wall, it’s important to work with the client to ensure that you’re including the most meaningful pieces, Luckett says. In this case, the client wanted to include all the pieces from her father.
Color. A mix of lavender, green and cream come together to create a calm yet funky look in the sitting room. The client was especially drawn to lavender, which you can find on the doors and sofa.
Patterns. Luckett, who loves to incorporate patterns into every project, chose the edgy animal print rug and the lavender drapes with a trellis pattern to balance out the solid-colored doors and sofa.
Bench: Tuesday Morning; chandelier: Pottery Barn; browse animal print rugs
Gallery wall. The designer grouped the client’s existing framed art to create a focal point behind the sofa. When you’re creating a gallery wall, it’s important to work with the client to ensure that you’re including the most meaningful pieces, Luckett says. In this case, the client wanted to include all the pieces from her father.
Color. A mix of lavender, green and cream come together to create a calm yet funky look in the sitting room. The client was especially drawn to lavender, which you can find on the doors and sofa.
Patterns. Luckett, who loves to incorporate patterns into every project, chose the edgy animal print rug and the lavender drapes with a trellis pattern to balance out the solid-colored doors and sofa.
Bench: Tuesday Morning; chandelier: Pottery Barn; browse animal print rugs
Sofa. The lavender sofa, which is a slightly lighter shade than the doors, helps connect the doors with the rest of the room. Luckett also likes this sofa because it has traditional lines that give the room an elegant look, but the velvet makes it more fun.
Lighting. To save space, they mounted lights on the wall by the sofa. These task lights supplement the overhead and natural lighting.
Display space. The étagère in the corner is a space for the client to display some of her favorite collectibles.
Sofa: Duralee; wall light: Robert Abbey Lighting Store
Lighting. To save space, they mounted lights on the wall by the sofa. These task lights supplement the overhead and natural lighting.
Display space. The étagère in the corner is a space for the client to display some of her favorite collectibles.
Sofa: Duralee; wall light: Robert Abbey Lighting Store
After. Drapes and shades allow the client to control the amount of light entering the space.
Luckett incorporated many of the client’s original furnishings, such as the dresser that the TV sits on in the corner. This sped up the redesign and saved the client money.
Luckett incorporated many of the client’s original furnishings, such as the dresser that the TV sits on in the corner. This sped up the redesign and saved the client money.
After. Even though the client doesn’t work from home any more, she wanted a space to pay bills, check her email and write letters. Luckett paired the existing desk with a new chair and added art to make it a more enjoyable little space.
On the wall, they installed an ornate candelabrum but decided to not put candles on it.
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Decorating 101: How to Start a Decorating Project
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On the wall, they installed an ornate candelabrum but decided to not put candles on it.
More
Decorating 101: How to Start a Decorating Project
Find an upholstery professional
Shop for living room products
Sitting Room at a Glance
Who lives here: A woman who downsized and relocated from the Atlanta area to be closer to family
Location: Mooresville, North Carolina, near Lake Norman
Size: 200 square feet (19 square meters)
Designer: Cheryl Luckett of Dwell by Cheryl Interiors
The client’s mixed-use room is just off the entry of her home in Mooresville, North Carolina. She wanted a space that was not only more functional, but also more beautiful. She hired designer Cheryl Luckett to help her repurpose furniture and art, and bring in new pieces that would finish the design.
Statement doors. The most dramatic design change happened to the doors leading into the room. Luckett had been playing around with the idea of installing upholstered doors for a while, and this project felt like the right opportunity to do it.
“They make a statement on an otherwise nondescript, usually forgotten surface,” Luckett says. “Open or closed, they are a simple but dramatic addition.”