STARTING WITH THE LEATHER CHAIR
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ROOM
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Afamilyroomand masterbedroom transitiontoeasyelegance
WRITTEN BY CINDY SCHWEICH HANDLER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESYOFCHRIS MARKSBURY
The kitchen is often called the heart of the home , but when there ’ s a great family room inthe house , the kitchen gets some competition for the title . Veronica Pluta , adesigner atWhite House Living in Wayne , knew that the Pompton Plains couple seeking her expertise wanted to make their family room an inviting space for entertaining family and friends , so she went for a “ transitional ” look , updating the three-quarters of the home ’ s first floor that didn ’ t include the kitchen and small dining room . She also redesigned the master bedroom as aquiet refuge for the couple , who have two young children . “ A ‘ transitional ’ style is between traditional and modern ,” Pluta says . “ It ’ s asimplified design .” Both areas that she reimagined now project asophisticated ambiance , with large pieces filling the open areas and decorative details that highlight the spaces ’ color and pattern themes .
STARTING WITH THE LEATHER CHAIR
( Top right ) The leather chair ’ s cognac color inspired Pluta to make blues and orange-inflected tones consistent throughout the open family room and nearby breakfast nook . “ When it comes to upholstery , I like to get inspired by the fabric ,” she says . The medallion-like ogee pattern on the decorative pillow ( at right ) is another theme that she continues on the upholstered chairs surrounding the breakfast table ( bottom row , far right ). Pluta designed the sectional sofa based on one the couple liked at White House Living . “ Everything here is big ,” she says . “ The ottoman , which was chosen because you can put your feet up on it or serve guests using the tray , is 5feet by 5 feet .” A short wall sporting photos of the family ’ s travel destinations distinguishes the family area from the ( unseen ) kitchen table and chairs behind it . The custom-crafted wall unit includes a gas fireplace surrounded by brick ; its shelves hold accessories of blue and shades of orange , “ which are opposites on the color wheel ,” says Pluta . ( Left to right ) A copper box and decorative star-like orbs ; copper-bound books and blue glass brighten shelves ; a bold carpet with large navy squares ; the breakfast nook table , which seats six comfortably .
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