From The Detroit News:
I was recently invited by the RJ Thomas showroom at the Michigan Design Center to participate in the March Madness event. Twelve designers in six showrooms went head-to-head to create their own interpretations of a theme starting with three similar basic furnishings.
The Apple of Our “I”
A relaxed and inviting family room designed for today’s modern family that borrows inspiration from the world of computer technology.
The room setting is a family room. The Webster definition of “family room”, shortly after WWII, “is a space designed to be a place where family and guests gather for group recreation like talking, reading and watching TV”. All of those tasks can be done today, but have expanded with the help of computer devices. Now, we can watch a movie, talk and skype Aunt Betsy in Denmark, research a term paper, write a speech, read a book, all while playing a friendly game of angry birds together.
Todays modern family has iPads, iPods, iPhones, and a few I don’t knows. Sure TVs are still around, but the “I”can double as that function.
The function, as well as, the color scheme of these devices influenced this family room. Inspiration from these devices is reflected in the color scheme of gray, silver, and white. The texture of the silver beaded curtain and chandelier mimics the metal textures of the computer components. Also, the featured etagere becomes a calming art piece with the repeating of the white wooden spools. This piece would also, be great to display a book collection or other collected pieces of the family. The featured chair is softend with a yellow, green chenille throw.
Relaxed wood finishes warm the space, while the comfy sofa is accented with punches of color, in yellow and of course, green Apple.. Photos of today’s modern family accent the tables, along with the featured crystal lamp.
Lastly, a family room would not be a farmily room without a fireplace. The fireplace was built on site in a white gloss finish. Since, we could not install a gas line or a chimney, metal zinc sculptures emulate a fire. The fireplace is an architectural focal point in the space, which brings a family together to reflect on the days events.
The family room is not just a family room, but is quickly becoming the everything and everyone room.
Photo by Beth Singer Photography
