The Great Room will most likely become part of Phase 4 (The knockdown portion where the kitchen and garage are now). The entrance to the space will be two off-center openings from the front entrance. The space will be about 23'6" x 26 feet, and then it will be open on the right to the Dining Room and to the left into a Screened Porch. The spaces should feel quite large once they are grouped together. These are the prime formal entertaining spots in the house, and they will all take advantage of the outdoor view. For this reason, I think it is really important to have a plan from the beginning for furnishings (indoor and outdoor), blending colors, window design, and even landscaping that will all lend to a cohesive result, rather than a competition. This, in a nutshell, is why I need help.
We like spaces that have multiple furniture groupings, or conversation spots. This is a photo of the great room from the Hampton's house in the movie "Something's Gotta Give." I love how approachable the room seems to feel. Lots of nooks for reading and conversation within a grand space.
Our old house has a Great Room that measured 21'x30'. We had a main grouping around the fireplace, a bar area, a game table with two chairs, and a four chair table near the bar. The room was really nice for entertaining. Our hope is to recreate that open space with intimate gathering spots in this house.
The architectural trim of the room is very important. We want to use wainscoting and beams, similar to other rooms in the house. This room will have a vaulted ceiling, so we can do something a little different in here.
I love this room. I love the trim and the lamps everywhere. I love the more traditional furnishings with the glazed wainscoting that make this new house feel old. I love the doors and transoms, and the window treatments. We would not have an opportunity to do a balcony above as in this room, but the photo below gives an idea of how it could be finished as a vaulted ceiling.
The photo below shows a great ceiling, and a fireplace that I love. The exposed stone also lends a nice feel. I do not like any of the furniture. It is far too glamorous for us.
A Barry Dixon Great Room....
and another example of rustic stone and beams with traditional furnishings. Love it.
This is a spec house at Spring Hill Farm in Mclean.
I like the space. It is about 24' x 24'.
This is a ceiling with cream painted planking and old timber beams. I really like this combination.
This room was done by San Francisco designer, Linda Applewhite. She frequently uses these colors, which I love. Reds, golds, beiges, greens, and even blues, but everything is muted. Mixed patters and textures too. I also love that there is a rustic feeling, but traditional lines to most of the furnishings. Her fabrics choices keep things youthful without seeming too whimsical.
