Mood Board

Historic New Jersey Colonial

Honoring the architecture while breathing new life into a storied living room.

Location

New Jersey

Scope

Living Room Design

Style

Traditional · Transitional

Focus

Furniture & Color

The Project

A Room Worth Coming Back To

This historic Colonial presented a compelling design challenge: the original architecture — dark wood wainscoting, stained glass transoms, and high ceilings — demanded to be respected, not erased. The goal was a living room that felt genuinely transformed while still belonging to the house.

Two paint directions were explored: Sherwin-Williams Frosted Fern, a soft sage that reads as fresh and botanical, and Storm Cloud, a sophisticated mid-tone grey with blue undertones. Each direction was paired with coordinating Roman shade and wallpaper selections to create a cohesive window treatment story. Furniture selections lean traditional in silhouette — tufted wingbacks, velvet sofas, skirted chairs — but are curated with a restraint that keeps the room from tipping into period pastiche.

Frosted Fern · Storm Cloud · Cognac · Cream · Espresso

Scope of Work
  • Paint Color Selection & Specification
  • Sofa & Seating Selection
  • Wingback & Accent Chair Curation
  • Coffee Table & Ottoman Options
  • Lighting Selection
  • Space Planning & Floor Plan Options
  • Materials & Textile Coordination

01 — Inspiration

Traditional With Intention

Inspiration — traditional foyer with dark wood and staircase Inspiration — layered traditional living room with warm textiles
Inspiration — classic living room with wallpaper and upholstered seating Inspiration — traditional foyer with arched entry and floral wallpaper

02 — The Existing Space

Where It Started

Existing foyer with stained glass transom and original dark wood wainscoting Living room during paint testing phase — walls in transition Living room with original blue walls and floral wallpaper ceiling

03 — Color & Materials

Paint, Roman Shade & Wallpaper

Materials board — plaster finish sample
Direction A — Roman shade and wallpaper with Frosted Fern SW9648 paint Direction B — Roman shade and wallpaper with Storm Cloud SW6249 paint

04 — The Vision

Mood & Setting

Living room mood board — brown velvet sofa, wingback chair, brass chandelier, floral rug

05 — Sofas

Velvet & Volume

Sofa options — multiple brown velvet sofas, traditional roll arm and track arm silhouettes Additional sofa options — cognac and deep brown upholstered seating

06 — Accent Seating

Character in Every Chair

Chair options — barrel, tufted, and skirted accent chairs Wingback chair options upholstered in damask fabric

07 — Tables & Lighting

Finishing the Room

Coffee table and ottoman options — upholstered, carved wood, and metal tray styles Lighting options — four glass and brass pendant and chandelier fixtures

08 — Floor Plans

Three Layouts, One Room

Floor plan option 1 — furniture arrangement with sofa facing fireplace Floor plan option 2 — alternate furniture arrangement Floor plan option 3 — third furniture arrangement with conversation grouping
Start a Project

Ready to Design Your Space?

Whether you're starting from scratch or refining what you have, Alexandra brings a considered eye and a clear process to every project.

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