“I read not long ago that the most important thing that goes into decorating a home is knowing your source of inspiration,” said interior designer Susan LeSourd. “What a pleasure to have such an abundance of inspiration when I was called upon to help with a friend and her husband’s living room.” The house was built in 1920 and was beautifully designed. Three Palladian windows march across the front of the home. It sits on lovely, mature ground. If this were not enough, the owners maternal grandparents had lived here and her mother had grown up in the house. Many of the original furnishings remained.
LeSourd’s inspiration was clear: to work within the classic design of the rooms, combine the inherited antique pieces with new modern accents, and bring the space fresh, inviting life. The first thing to do was get the floor plan right. Furniture was pulled out from the walls, rearranged, and centered with the fireplace. A light neutral paint color offset the hardwood floors and antique Turkish rug. The upholstered pieces, also antiques, were brought to life with handsome neutral fabrics bringing a calm and updated feel. A pair of beautiful carved cain chairs received new cushions in a great animal print. Antique accessories were combined with newly purchased ones to bring needed interest. A pair of white alabaster lamps is another example of using a classic material in an updated design. Last but not least, possibly the client’s favorite part of the new design, was the introduction of a great looking Schumacher print fabric. This was used on the dining room windows and on a Lumbar pillow on the largest sofa in the living room. That fabric again combined the fresh and the traditional. “I don’t know if I was more thrilled when the homeowner told me she loved it or when the daughter told me she loved it,” says Susan LeSourd.
Interior Design: Susan LeSourd, Susan LeSourd Interiors | Lamps and Sconces: Nell’s Home, Gifts, and Interior Design
Fabric for Window Treatments and Lumbar Pillow: Schumacher | Throw and Floor Lamp: REVIVAL
Photography: Med Dement