Project Reveal: Client Backyard Coyote - Living Room

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We are so excited to finally reveal the living room from our Client Backyard Coyote Project in West Hills, CA. When our client approached us for this project he wasn’t really sure what exactly it was he was looking to do, he just knew that he wanted us to take his dated living room and freshen it up with a more updated, modern look.

One of the first things we noticed when we arrived to the project and stepped into the living room was the fireplace. It was the focal point of the room, but definitely not in a good way. The fireplace surround had this awful “crackle” faux-finish that was just begging to be sent back to the 1980’s, and was inset with a very boring and dated ceramic tile that also covered the hearth.

The next thing we noticed was that while there were these beautiful dark mahogany built-ins flanking either side of the fireplace, with the beige walls and dark wood flooring throughout, the room just felt very dark and heavy overall. To remedy this situation, we chose to do a complete fireplace remodel, as well as re-finish the existing built-ins and add a fresh coat of paint to the room with something lighter and brighter to really bring the space back to life.

For the fireplace, since we wanted this to really be the focal point of the room, we installed a custom finished 8 ft solid reclaimed wood beam mantel, which the guys and gals at Rustic Wood Accents did an amazing job with, and took it from built-in to built-in. For the surround we wanted to go with a more modern, but still textured vibe, so decided on a concrete-look plaster finish, which we also ran the entire length between the built-ins. To add even more visual interest, we wrapped the hearth in a beautiful grey and white patterned cement tile, and to finish it all off installed horizontal shiplap above the mantel and ran it up to the ceiling, which adds another layer of texture and visual interest. We couldn’t be happier with how this fireplace remodel turned out, and it truly has become the focal point of the living room, but this time in the best way possible!

For the built-ins, we were originally planning to re-finish them all white, but at the last minute opted to bring in a little bit of color to liven up the space, which after seeing how it turned out, we’re so glad we did! We chose this beautiful shade of blue that has these subtle grey undertones for the lower cabinets, and replaced the existing knobs with some gorgeous matte brass pulls that have this amazing knurled finish detail, which just adds yet another layer of texture. We finished the upper shelves off with the same crisp, clean white that we used on the walls to really let all of the amazing accessories that were hand-selected for this project shine. This finished off a complete transformation of the built-ins and really added a fresh warmth and brightness to the space, creating a light and airy feel that was previously missing.

For the rest of the living room, my client already had a neutral sectional sofa that had been recently purchased that he wanted to use, so we added a bit of texture and pattern with some great throw pillows. We layered a large natural jute rug with this amazing black patterned rug to bring in even more texture and pattern, and really give some warmth to the space. We added some beautiful artwork above the sofa which ties in with the blue cabinetry, and created a cozy little reading nook by pairing a great leather occasional chair and antique-brass end table off to the side of the room.

Overall the room has taken on an incredible new feel, with a modern, yet casual vibe that creates the perfect area for entertaining or just sitting back and relaxing with a good movie and glass of wine (or two)!

Stay tuned for the entryway and dining room reveal…

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Photography courtesy of Jessica Alexander