The INformalizing of the Formal Dining Room and Living Room

The case of the unused formal space is pretty common. This is an example of a home I recently did where a family in Cameo Highlands was looking to make better use of their formal living and dining room. They didn’t need the formal space, and it was going unused.

Their objective was to uphold the distinction between the entertaining area and the everyday family room and kitchen, while softening the space so that it became a relaxing place to read a book and take in the view. Truth be told, the husband was the one asking for a place to get away, and with a traditional “man cave” not in the cards, the couple reached a compromise. The designers at Studio Chameleon were able to re-imagine a space that fulfilled both her needs as a hostess, and his desire for a quiet retreat.

Features:

New arched doors provide an architectural element while further dividing the room acoustically and visually.  The chaise sofa parallels a wall of windows highlighting the home’s north facing views of the Pacific and Newport Harbor.

 The dramatic over-sized Joan Davis art piece creates a focal point that draws you into the room.

Occasional swivel chairs seat two, perfect for entertaining other couples and extra guests.  The photos above the TV are the husbands own, adding a personal touch that isn’t cliché.

Natural elements like fossil boxes, petrified wood, and a roughly hewn bronze sculpture give the room a more masculine, less fussy feel.