Color and Texture Create an Elegant Living Room
A python-embossed fireplace mantel, Venetian plaster and custom fabrics elevate this restful New York living space
The design for the room got its start with the Nero Bilbao marble fireplace mantel, which has a python pattern embossed onto it. The next purchase was the gray cashmere rug. “Those two luxe items started the room,” Wade says. “We quickly started looking at textiles and patterns, which is something I really love to do.”
Wade brought texture to the walls by having them coated with Venetian plaster, a laborious process that took the workers (one or two of them depending on the day) two weeks. Though it doesn’t show well in the photos, in person the plaster’s gray and brown undertones come through. “She wanted it to remain looking light and bright so whatever art she hung would stand out,” Wade says of her client.
The bookshelves are new built-ins. Wade had the backs lined with suede to give them elegant texture and a custom look. The mirror above the fireplace was something the client already had.
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Wade brought texture to the walls by having them coated with Venetian plaster, a laborious process that took the workers (one or two of them depending on the day) two weeks. Though it doesn’t show well in the photos, in person the plaster’s gray and brown undertones come through. “She wanted it to remain looking light and bright so whatever art she hung would stand out,” Wade says of her client.
The bookshelves are new built-ins. Wade had the backs lined with suede to give them elegant texture and a custom look. The mirror above the fireplace was something the client already had.
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Wade found fabric for the sofa and chairs and worked with a furniture company that can use a customer’s fabric. The sofa is 84 inches long and has black rattan trim and cotton-linen blend upholstery.
The art is from the homeowner’s collection. The side tables are stone and very heavy.
Side tables: Noir, Homenature; sofa: McGuire; sofa fabric: Zak + Fox
The art is from the homeowner’s collection. The side tables are stone and very heavy.
Side tables: Noir, Homenature; sofa: McGuire; sofa fabric: Zak + Fox
The swivel chairs also feature linen fabric selected by the client. The art is from the homeowner’s collection.
Chairs: Ferrell Mittman; chair fabric: Zak + Fox
Chairs: Ferrell Mittman; chair fabric: Zak + Fox
The coffee table is semicustom with a navy-stained wood top and legs and sides wrapped in leather.
Coffee table: The New Traditionalists; see more wood coffee tables
Coffee table: The New Traditionalists; see more wood coffee tables
Though the apartment had a dining nook, Wade and her client decided to bring the dining table out into the main room. They considered placing a desk in the space instead, but decided having the dining table there made the space feel more inviting.
The window treatments throughout the room are custom.
Drapery fabric: Zak + Fox
The window treatments throughout the room are custom.
Drapery fabric: Zak + Fox
The dining table has an iron base with a lacquered and cerused white oak top. Both the table and the chandelier were designed by Gregorius Pineo.
Wade also added a built-in window seat where the homeowner can read, enjoy a glass of wine or watch people on the street below. The seat covers a heating and air-conditioning unit and has vents on the bottom and top.
Drapery and chair cushion fabric: Zak + Fox; dining chairs: McGuire
Wade also added a built-in window seat where the homeowner can read, enjoy a glass of wine or watch people on the street below. The seat covers a heating and air-conditioning unit and has vents on the bottom and top.
Drapery and chair cushion fabric: Zak + Fox; dining chairs: McGuire
This photo shows the cerused and lacquered texture of the table and a close-up look at the chandelier, which has an almost hammered-like appearance.
Browse chandeliers
Browse chandeliers
Wade used to be a makeup artist and says her knowledge of working with color, honed in that career, helps her create spaces that are coordinated but not matchy-matchy.
Fabric for window seat and two front pillows: Zak + Fox; back pillow: Homenature
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How to Decorate a Living Room
Find living room furniture and accessories on Houzz
Fabric for window seat and two front pillows: Zak + Fox; back pillow: Homenature
More
How to Decorate a Living Room
Find living room furniture and accessories on Houzz
Living Room at a Glance
Who lives here: A Texas art collector when she visits New York
Location: Upper East Side of New York
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Designer: Raychel Wade of Raychel Wade Design
The owner of this polished living-dining room in Manhattan wanted a restful, welcoming space where she could relax and entertain friends. When she purchased the Upper East Side apartment, the walls were peeling and the floors were in need of refinishing. “It needed a giant face-lift,” designer Raychel Wade says.
The decor is full of custom details, from Venetian plaster on the walls to the fabric chosen for the furniture and draperies. Wade paid special attention to pattern and texture to make the understated space feel special.
Rug: ALT for Living; leather bench in front of fireplace: Serena & Lily