Today, I’m giving you a look into the design process for the main room in our new house, the double parlor. It’s been fun to pick out furniture, paint colors, lighting and fabrics for the new space. But to be honest it’s also scary since this is my very first design project (typically I’m just adding pieces of furniture here and there)! I’m not sure what I would tell my husband if none of the furniture fit. And this was a legit concern (even though I measured five times) that I used blue painter’s tape to map everything out on the floor. My husband thought that I was crazy but it helped reassure me that everything will fit just fine. We all need a project to push ourselves, right? Anyways, I put together a design board to give you an idea of the design plan and color palette so that you can follow the design process from beginning to end.

Existing Space.
First, here are some pictures to show you the space. The two windows are located in the front of the house and the set of two French doors lead to the dining room. And, ya’ll, look at those hardwood antique Pine floors! Each wood plank is the entire length of the double parlor!

Color Inspiration.
Our St. Simons Island home is very white and crisp so I really want to incorporate color into this home. On our last trip to France, I really fell in love with a hotel there, Hotel La Mirandé a five-star boutique property in Avignon. It’s such a precious property filled the most beautiful combinations of French blue, blush pink and pale green. I still dream about this chic hotel so it’s only fitting that I used this place as inspiration for our entire home starting with the double parlor. You’ll see varying shades of blue, pink, green and yellow in the plans.

Furniture Layout + Choices.
A double parlor is a space with two adjacent living rooms which is very common in Savannah and is how our home is designed. The entire space will have a sisal rug to blend the two ‘rooms’. I decided to opt for a daybed by CR Laine to separate the two living rooms while still providing a nice open flow. They daybed will be a light blue (Chit Chit Glacier) and will have two greek key pillows in blush pink. Our family heirloom baby piano will sit in the corner next to a large and cozy swivel chair from Hickory Chair. The swivel chair really brings everything together because the floral print includes every color from the room’s color palette. There will be a round tufted ottoman in a light green leopard print in front of the daybed to complete the informal sitting area. I’ll be sure to add cocktail tables, window treatments, artwork and greenery to complete the look. But those are the finishing touches that I want to take my time to find unique and local treasures.

The next living space will be where we spend most of the time lounging and binge watching the newest season of GoT. This might sound silly but I had to choose the sofa because of my dogs. Riley likes to sit on the back cushions of my couch which is all fine until the cushion starts loosing shape. So I had to find a sofa with a tight back (hopefully it encourages him to lay on the dog bed) and I really wanted something skirted to add a touch of softness. I found the PERFECT sofa by Mr. and Mrs. Howard. Their Winged Lounge Sofa will be upholstered in beige with a diamond knot fringe by Fringe Market. I came across the Fringe Market on Instagram and found out that they’re based in Georgia — so I had to include their trim in my design. Then I ordered two chairs in a blush pink velvet from CR Laine to flank the fireplace. The chairs will have light blue piping to match the daybed. And instead of a formal coffee table, I chose a rectangular tufted ottoman in a grey blue leather to complete the look and add a bit of texture. Lastly, this ‘room’ will have a colorful wool carpet from Dash and Albert.

Lighting.
Currently the space has absolutely no lighting, not even in the ceiling. To me, lighting is the most important part of any design because it really sets the mood. I’m also very big fans of dimmer switches! So we’ll add recessed lighting and ideally a chandelier in the center of the first living space. On my way to the coffee shop every morning I pass Circa Lighting on Whittaker Street. I’m one of their best window shoppers and my heart is set on their Calais Chandelier! It’s absolutely darling and would be a great addition to the space. I’d also love to incorporate switches from Forbes and Lomax because I absolutely love details! Their brass plates and switches would definitely elevate the space.

Layout Drawing. 
Please don’t pay attention to colors, icons and such. This is just a drawing to give you an idea of furniture placement to help visualize the space.

Well there you have it! I’d love to know if you have any tips or tricks for decorating a space! Lord knows I could use it!

Images by Tamara Gibson Exclusively for Lavin Label