Updating the Past

Our Project House designer cleverly combines old with new for a cozy living room.

- KRISTIN DOWDING

OPEN CONCEPT. An open floor plan connects the living room and kitchen, so the two areas needed to have a similar color palette for a successful flow. The sofa and mirror frame complement the brass lighting and Emtek hardware in the kitchen, and the white oak Mullican Flooring hardwood floors are the same in both spaces for continuity. Kara chose this vintage gold sofa from Arhaus and the green and teal Élitis pillows to bring a bit of color to the living room, while sticking with a mostly neutral palette.

BRICK BY BRICK. Because it used to be the master bedroom, this space didn’t originally have a fireplace. Using bricks salvaged from the demo, Kara and Matt were able to build a fireplace that appears old. Their team cut the bricks to make them thinner, allowing them to use genuine brick indoors.

STAPLE CENTERPIECE. If you’re ever in need of a centerpiece for your coffee table, add a mix of moss and potpourri to a pretty bowl or tray. The effect is pleasing to the nose as well as the eyes. “It gives off a beautiful fragrance,” says Kara.

There’s so much to love about older homes,