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Lorié Interiors - Miami, FL Interior Designers

LORIÉ INTERIORS BLOG POST

A Timeless Transformation: A Living Room Reveal

  • Writer: Veronica S. Restrepo
    Veronica S. Restrepo
  • May 5
  • 4 min read

The entryway welcomes guests with warm wood French doors that frame a console table styled with blue ceramic accents against Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW7008) walls. The rattan pendant light and cane detailing on the table enhance the tropical colonial aesthetic. Photo by Jackie Knabben Photography (@jackieknabben).
The entryway welcomes guests with warm wood French doors that frame a console table styled with blue ceramic accents against Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW7008) walls. The rattan pendant light and cane detailing on the table enhance the tropical colonial aesthetic. Photo by Jackie Knabben Photography (@jackieknabben).

At the core of why we do what we do is the home. This is where we find peace, make memories, and store our most cherished belongings. Sometimes, we are called to refresh a space and find to our delight that the client wants to incorporate furniture they already have.


That's exactly what our scope consisted of in our Tropical Splendor project in Kendall, FL. While the space was a bit drab with low lighting and underutilized, it held promise and had good bones. The client had invested in beautiful Plantation shutters and wanted to incorporate some beautiful blue wingback chairs which were a family heirloom and a nod to their Norwegian roots.


Strategic styling details like the statement bird of paradise plant, gold lamp, and wooden side table create visual interest while maintaining the functional reading nook requested by the homeowner. The blue chair fabric connects to other blue elements throughout the design. Photography by Jackie Knabben, www.jackieknabben.com.
Strategic styling details like the statement bird of paradise plant, gold lamp, and wooden side table create visual interest while maintaining the functional reading nook requested by the homeowner. The blue chair fabric connects to other blue elements throughout the design. Photography by Jackie Knabben, www.jackieknabben.com.

We were called to elevate the space by painting the walls, adding lighting, and introducing modern furniture, while incorporating the heirloom chairs—essentially honoring the past while embracing the current times.


The Design Process


Client Consultation


The client was a couple who were empty nesting until recently. They wanted to use the space more often to entertain and host family and friends. Additionally, the husband, being an avid reader, wanted a cozy space to snuggle up with his books.


Design Concept Development


The dining area continues the tropical colonial theme with warm wood tones and blue accents that complement the living room's palette. Carefully selected artwork and decorative blue and white ceramics unify the space while celebrating the client's Norwegian heritage. Photo credit: Jackie Knabben, www.jackieknabben.com.
The dining area continues the tropical colonial theme with warm wood tones and blue accents that complement the living room's palette. Carefully selected artwork and decorative blue and white ceramics unify the space while celebrating the client's Norwegian heritage. Photo credit: Jackie Knabben, www.jackieknabben.com.

The family heirlooms, which included an old writing desk, served as inspiration for our concept design. We were drawn to the bygone era of tropical colonialism where natural textiles are used hand-in-hand with cane and rattan, dark wood mahogany furniture, and artwork to add elegance and pops of color to an otherwise neutral base.


The Transformation


Living Room


We began with a neutral base, using Sherwin Williams' Alabaster (SW7008) to brighten the space. This warm white paint created the perfect backdrop for both the modern and heritage pieces. A minimalistic, modern rug was laid down that tied in with the dark furniture, placed on top of an oversized jute rug for added visual interest and textural contrast.


The transformed living room showcases the blue heirloom wingback chairs that honor the client's Norwegian roots, paired with a crisp white sofa and layered natural fiber rugs. The blue tapestry and ceramic accents create a cohesive color story throughout the space. Photo credit: Jackie Knabben (@jackieknabben).
The transformed living room showcases the blue heirloom wingback chairs that honor the client's Norwegian roots, paired with a crisp white sofa and layered natural fiber rugs. The blue tapestry and ceramic accents create a cohesive color story throughout the space. Photo credit: Jackie Knabben (@jackieknabben).

A chaise lounge chair with a wooden frame featuring cane elements and beige upholstery further nodded to the colonial inspiration. Since the heirloom chairs were blue, we decided to incorporate that into the color palette throughout the space, creating a cohesive look.


Small Details That Make a Big Difference


A detail of the antique writing desk that inspired the design concept, featuring blue and white chinoiserie, vintage books, and a gold bamboo-frame map - elements that thoughtfully blend Norwegian heritage with tropical colonial style. Photography: Jackie Knabben, www.jackieknabben.com.
A detail of the antique writing desk that inspired the design concept, featuring blue and white chinoiserie, vintage books, and a gold bamboo-frame map - elements that thoughtfully blend Norwegian heritage with tropical colonial style. Photography: Jackie Knabben, www.jackieknabben.com.

The transformation wasn't just about the main furniture pieces. We carefully selected accent pieces, throw pillows, and artwork that complemented both the modern elements and the cherished heirlooms. Plants were strategically placed to bring life and freshness to the room.


The Final Reveal: A Modern Vintage Haven


The transformed living room showcases the perfect balance of heritage and modern design, featuring blue wingback chairs against Sherwin Williams Alabaster walls. The rattan furniture and natural textures create a tropical colonial aesthetic that honors family heirlooms while embracing contemporary style. Photo by Jackie Knabben Photography (@jackieknabben).
The transformed living room showcases the perfect balance of heritage and modern design, featuring blue wingback chairs against Sherwin Williams Alabaster walls. The rattan furniture and natural textures create a tropical colonial aesthetic that honors family heirlooms while embracing contemporary style. Photo by Jackie Knabben Photography (@jackieknabben).

The result is a space that feels simultaneously fresh and timeless. The heirloom pieces now have a new context that celebrates their history while allowing them to participate in contemporary family life. The client now has a multi-functional space that serves their needs for both entertaining and quiet relaxation.

This transformation showcases how thoughtful design can breathe new life into cherished pieces while creating a space that meets modern lifestyle needs.


Design Tips


If you're looking to incorporate heirloom pieces into a modern design, consider these approaches:


  1. Use neutral backgrounds to let vintage pieces stand out

  2. Echo colors from your heirloom pieces in modern accessories

  3. Balance heavier traditional pieces with lighter, more streamlined modern furniture

  4. Create conversation areas that encourage both socializing and quiet activities

  5. Layer textures to add depth and interest to the space


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Conclusion


This project exemplifies our belief that the most successful designs honor both past and present. By respectfully incorporating pieces that carry family history while creating a fresh, functional space for today's lifestyle, we've created a living room that truly reflects the people who live there.


The Tropical Splendor project reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful design elements are the ones that already exist in a client's home—they just need the right setting to shine.



Are you looking to transform your space while incorporating meaningful pieces from your past? Contact us for a consultation to discuss how we can help create a home that honors your history while embracing your future.



 
 
 

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