My Design: Library

Recently, I completed a library for a client. Previously, the wood paneling was painted a dark gray, which appeared to me to have a purplish undertone. When talk of redoing the room first started, the client was extremely reluctant to have her walls repainted. Eventually I wore her down and we had the paneling antiqued in this gorgeous cream color with the ceiling painted a pale green shade. The old upholstery was dark gray and the window coverings were Roman shades of big black and white buffalo checks. The two chairs were traditional clubs. The rug was a black sisal with a patterned border. Today, this library couldn't look more different than the original decor. It's a complete and total transformation.

Originally, the client wanted taupe upholstery with pale pink pillows. She was very reluctant to pick out a printed fabric. She was torn between playing it safe and maybe going a little more daring for her with some pattern and bolder colors. After many weeks, the scheme was changed to pale celery green linen on the upholstery and a beautiful Bennison print for pillows and draperies. A Chelsea Editions check was chosen to be the third fabric.

The chairs are reproduction French and the stools are Swedish antiques purchased on 1st Dibs. The sconces, mirror, and framed botanicals are from M. Naeve in Houston. The coffee table came from Neal and Co. Note: The pillows are temporary, fabric shortages held up production of Bennison pillows and Travers linen pillows in dusty pink. After the installation, the client was thrilled that she chose the more vibrant color scheme as opposed to the "safe" taupe and light pink.