Interior design ideas: make a living room a real multifunctional space

Newly married clients of Georgia Zikas asked her to transform the living room of their West Hartford condo into a beautiful multipurpose space for entertaining, studying and relaxing. Given the small size of the room, the design needed to be effective and eye-catching. “One of my superpowers is spatial planning,” says Zikas. “When I saw the corner, I thought: bench.” To create a collectible feel, the designer started with a 1920s Heriz rug. ‘a classic rock concert.’

1 Freestanding bench with U-shaped seams serves as both a dining table and a desk. “It can be reused in a foyer, breakfast room, or at the foot of a bed if they move to a larger location,” Zikas says.

2 A 48 inch marble top table replaced a large wood that dominated the room. “The pedestal has a nice glow and ties in with the mirrors,” Zikas explains.

3 To take advantage of the only window in the room, Zikas hung a large shimmer above the bench. The gold frame infuses an old world vibe. The drum shade holds the gold frame lamp feel relaxed.

4 Velvety performance fabric on the sofa stands up to the couple’s two cats, while the dark blue color adds visual weight. Local maker Oak & Velvet’s leather storage ottoman holds throws, sheet music, and more.

5 Partial to using small-batch textiles to elevate a space, Zikas curated a mix of custom products pillows then swiped one at HomeGoods. “If you’re using feather-filled inserts, it’s hard to tell which ones are the most expensive,” she says.

6 The designer took the couple to the J. Namnoun Rug Gallery in Hartford to find the antique rug which launched the sensation of space.


Marni Elyse Katz is a regular contributor to Globe Magazine. Send your comments to [email protected].

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