Gina Gutierrez, the principal designer and founder of Gina Rachelle Design, recently transformed a living room in a 1927 San Francisco home, which was underutilized despite its stunning architectural features. Although the space had dramatic windows and a curved ceiling, it felt cool and empty, prompting the homeowners to seek Gutierrez’s expertise to make it more welcoming.
The aim was to enhance the room's lightness and warmth while maintaining its original character without undertaking any significant structural changes. Gutierrez explained that the key updates included creating a comfortable space with generous seating, improving the balance around the fireplace, and selecting furnishings that complemented the room's natural views.
### New Color Palette Enhances Space
To breathe new life into the living room, Gutierrez first focused on updating the color palette.
The original yellow walls were replaced with a softer, neutral palette, creating a brighter atmosphere. The design featured a white sectional, a pale patterned rug, a sculptural marble table, large-scale art pieces, and restrained olive and tobacco accents. Tailored floor-length drapery, warm metal finishes, and layered lighting were also incorporated to elevate the space and highlight the architectural details.
### Built-In Bookshelves and Lighting Updates
One of the significant changes involved replacing outdated wooden bookshelves with built-ins and open shelving around the fireplace. This alteration not only showcased the original fireplace’s beauty but also provided a chic way to conceal clutter. Additionally, the dated wall sconces were replaced by table lamps for a more layered lighting effect, and a modern lantern-style fixture was added to enhance the room’s sophistication.
### Balancing Scale with Furniture Choices
Gutierrez noted that furniture scale was another critical aspect of the redesign.
The original furnishings were too small, which made the room feel cramped. To remedy this, she replaced smaller pieces with an oversized ivory sectional and a round coffee table, which improved traffic flow within the room. This thoughtful approach ensured that the space felt expansive yet cozy.
The final outcome was a living room that celebrates both its historical features and contemporary style, much to the delight of the homeowners. Gutierrez expressed her satisfaction with the balance achieved between the substantial sectional and the airy color palette, stating that she wouldn't change a thing about the transformation.
