The inaugural room in our new e-design series is the one that will be the most frequently used — the great room.  Like many contemporary homes, there is no formal living room so the great room acts as the hub of activity and serves as a multi-purpose space.  This is where the family will both lounge and entertain, where the kids will hang out before and after meals in the adjacent kitchen and nook, and where the main entertainment and media center will be housed.  With that in mind, our priorities in designing this space are:

• Ample, comfortable seating
• Kid-friendly surfaces for resting feet, food and more
• Efficient storage for media and more
• Work station

Floorplan/Layout:  Seating is a priority for a room that acts as the center of the home, so of course, we started with this comfortable sofa.  For flexible seating, we added a pair of upholstered side chairs that are cushy, streamlined, and armless, allowing for more flow within the space.  A pair of leather stools can be used when entertaining and do not block the view of the fireplace or the TV housed in the adjacent built-in cabinetry.  A large coffee table provides ample space for food, books, etc.  A simple Parsons desk and leather chair provide a work station overlooking the outdoor living space.  Finally, a plush area rug  defines the space and allows for ease of traffic between the adjoining rooms.

Decorating Elements:  In keeping with our design scheme, we stuck with neutrals and cleaner lines.  For interest, we added natural materials like the iron legs on the leather stools and the side chairs, the dark wood of the barrel side table, and the glass in the chandelier.  The inlaid wood desk and black leather chair connect the work station with the central seating area.  Lastly, subtle prints are found in the throw pillows and area rug.

If you are interested in sourcing any of these pieces, you may leave a request in the comments section.