Transforming A Cave Into An Oasis

"This room is like a cave. It's dark, and I don't like spending time in here. I want color" Barb told Hoffman & Albers Interior Designer, Diane Pelzer.

Barb lives in a gorgeous historic Kentucky building, which has been converted into condominiums. The main floor boasts of 18' ceilings adorned with beautiful (and original) fresco crown molding. The windows are huge and allow light to pour into the rooms. However, the lower level, which is home to Barb's master bedroom, has lower ceilings and recessed windows. The many pieces of dark cherry furniture and purple walls drew the light from the room.

"Working with Barb is always fun", said Diane, who had worked to design a warm and comfortable home for Barb when she had first moved into her condo. It was now time to create an equally warm and comfortable lower level.

"Barb has a love for art and gardening. It was easy to be inspired by both loves", Diane explains. We chose a bright blue, with a leaning toward periwinkle, for the walls. The name of the color is "delectable"; and, as you can see in the photo, it is exactly that! Painting the trim white and adding white wood blinds highlight the blue beautifully. The room immediately doubled in size visually.

Next came the furnishings! We decided to go with a clean look, leaning on the French side. "I have always wanted a brass bed" Barb told Diane. We chose an iron bed finished in antique brass to replace the heavy look of the dark cherry bed. The height of the headboard brings the eye up to catch the "dazzle" of the beautiful, yet simple, crystal chandelier we installed...the perfect compliment to the bed below.

The light and airy French floral fabric used on the bedside table adds a burst of color and pattern and brings Barb's love for gardening into the room. The yellows, pinks, and greens bounce off the wall in a bright display of color. The demilune console flanking the opposite side of the bed is treated in a gold-leaf finish, thus completing the fresh and light look we wanted to achieve.

Adding a Renoir over our new bench gave Barb the perfect finishing touch. And that "blank" space over the bed? Well, that has been reserved for sepia portraits of beautiful children and grandchildren!

Barb's feeling on the project...."I never liked coming into this room. Now I love spending time here"!

Diane R. Pelzer
Hoffman & Albers Interiors
513-793-9100
513-702-4374
dianep@hoffmanandalbersinteriors.com