Guest Picks: Let 'Starry Night' Inspire a Formal Living Room
Use van Gogh's masterpiece to create a living room that's a work of art
One of my clients asked me to help design a formal living room based on the classic "Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh. It's one of their favorite pieces, and they will be displaying it in a beautiful custom frame. Their formal living room is already home to a grand piano, which we will also incorporate into the design theme. The objective is to maintain the room's formality, while also making it comfortable and inviting for guests. — Jami from Imagine
This classic and timeless piece of art by Van Gogh is the centerpiece and focal point of the design concept for this room. My clients and I love the deep, rich colors. Some may think it's overplayed (think dorm room posters), but because I'm framing it in a beautiful custom frame, it's classic beauty is bound to shine through.
Chloe Fabric Sofa, Stone
Does everyone know about Macy's furniture? They are one of my go-tos for inexpensive pieces that don't sacrifice style. This ivory-colored sofa has everything I'm looking for in a sofa for this room: a light color to contrast with the dark art and accessories, a tufted back and curved arms.
Elisabeth Michael Trellis Hampton Royal Blue 20-inch Decorative Pillow
I wanted to add some texture by incorporating throw pillows on the sofa and side chairs with colors pulled from "Starry Night." This trellis pattern in a classic color combo will stand the test of time.
Two-Tier Oval Coffee Table
The room has a wall of curved windows, so I wanted to repeat that curve in furniture pieces to create a similar but subtle theme. This beautiful oval coffee table does just that. The golden brass base lends a touch of class, and the white surfaces provide a blank canvas for accessories.
Arteriors Zena Oval Iron/Glass/Mirror Cocktail Table
Here's anther option for the coffee table. I like the oval shape that mimics the curve of the window wall, and I also feel like the base of small ovals looks like planets in orbit.
Regina Andrew Antique Mercury Brass Small Hurricane
I wanted to add some stars in this "Starry Night" room without being too obvious, so I thought this little gold star hurricane would be perfect. I like the tarnished finish because it feels vintage.
Erin Blue Geometric Decorative Pillow
I wanted to make sure this room didn't feel too stuffy or uptight, so I layered on different patterns to bring a young vibe to the space. Staying with the royal blue and white color scheme ensures continuity.
Blazing Needles 18-inch Twill Throw Pillows with Cording
The stars in "Starry Night" are yellow, so I decided that a pop of yellow was necessary. I think these propped behind the white and blue throw pillows will add just the right amount of color to the space without going overboard.
Supreme Thermal Pinch-Pleat Patio Panel, Dress Blue
OK, I'm going to admit that I've never been a huge fan of blue until this room! Sometimes when you're pushed out of your comfort zone, good things evolve. I'm loving these royal blue pinch-pleat drapes. They are so presidential and will drape nicely on either side of the curved window wall.
Chloe Fabric Velvet Metro Living Room Chair, Ivory
Here's the sofa's partner! Isn't she a beauty? I just love the elegance this chair and its matching sofa portray. I feel like they are a nice mix of contemporary and traditional with their clean lines and tufting. They're great for a formal living room that isn't trying to be too formal.
'A Lone Starry Night' Plate Throw Pillow
This guy might be a little too theme-y, but I thought it was cute. I think it would look great on the accent chair. Throw pillows are easily interchangeable, so swap them out for a fresh look.
DwellStudio Odin Side Table, Ivory Shagreen
I also used this table to subtly incorporate the star shape. Not only does the gold base flare out like a starburst, but the tabletop has a subtle burst pattern as well. It's perfect for guests to set their drinks and snacks on.
Alameda Royal Blue | Shop Ten 25
I think this royal blue and white Greek key rug will really ground the "Starry Night" living room. The ivory furniture is going to pop against this beautiful blue base.
Arteriors Lisbon Vintage Bar Cart
I insist that every formal living room have a bar cart. It's an entertaining room, and what better way to entertain than to pour a couple of cocktails? Fill it with your favorite spirits and add some pretty glassware for instant glam. This gold/brass bar cart has slim lines, so it's not overwhelming. It even has wheels, so you can move it around depending on your arrangement.
Blue Ripple Stem Glassware
Stemware on the bar cart is a given, but how about glasses with blue stems to go with "Starry Night"? Perfection! I love the shape of these glasses. They look like a cool ripple of water. What a fun accent and a nice way to add some color.
1920s Odeon Glass Fringe Flush-mount
A room is not complete without a beautiful light fixture. So much of a home's mood hinges on its lighting. For this room, I needed a fixture that hugged closely to the ceiling and also had a substantial width to command presence as the focal point. Finding something to fit that mold is a lot easier said than done, as most flush-mounts are not wide enough or, honestly, attractive enough. The price is definitely steep, but I think I hit the jackpot with this beautiful 1920s-inspired glass fringe chandelier.
True Green Special Edition
I had another wall to fill opposite of "Starry Night," and I didn't want to install anything that would compete. I needed something that would enhance Van Gogh's classic look, so I chose this piece, accompanied by its two counterparts. They all are contemporary abstracts that embody similar colors of "Starry Night."
True Yellow Special Edition
This is the yellow piece from the set of three that I think would look really nice in a row above the ivory sofa. Not only does this palette pull colors from "Starry Night," but it also reminds me of some of Van Gogh's other works of art, like "Wheatfield with Crows."
True Blue Special Edition
Here is the third piece in this contemporary art series. Green, yellow and blue are all dominant colors in Van Gogh's "Starry Night," and placing these pieces opposite it will really tie the whole room together. Color plays a major role in a design scheme, and creating continuity with color is of utter importance.
Van Gogh's Van Goghs
I thought it might be nice to wrap it all up in a single book on the coffee table and pay homage to the great works of Van Gogh. Not only does it have a pretty cover so my clients can display it on the coffee table, but it will also give guests something to thumb through while visiting.
Next: My Houzz: Global Art Inspires a Windy City Home
Next: My Houzz: Global Art Inspires a Windy City Home