This spacious room is brightly lit with eastern and southern facing windows. The coffered ceilings and the beautifully detailed fireplace add elegance to the space. Restoration efforts revealed the Batchelder tiles around the surround, which are quite rare.  Original Canadian beech hardwood flooring has been restored and refinished. French doors lead to the family room and library.

The Louvre doors in the photo below have been removed and the opening adjusted for better flow to the front hall.

Before

Old varnish yellows the original beech wood floors
Rare Batchelder fireplace tiles are covered with black paint

Removing large fluorescent lighting panels and wiring channels visible on the walls, made a huge difference. Getting a chance to see all the architectural elements without the blue paint and clutter, is a joyful moment. The fireplace mantel is deep and wide, perfect for decorating for the holidays.

After

Even though formal living rooms are no longer essential in modern day homes, I love the fact there is no television here. The only entertainment is the baby grand piano. Many Christmas morning memories are created here.

Cottage white paint accentuates the trim and coffered ceiling. The neutral Cochise paint provides minimal contrast, enough to show off the room’s details.

Soft blues appear on the window drapery, the antique wing chairs and the throw pillows. A very calming space with gorgeous eastern light.