Remember as a kid how there seemed to always be one room in the house you were not allowed to go into? It had a dressy sofa and chairs, in a lighter color that tempted spills. The coffee table had a shiny brass finish with matching end tables, and the carpet was probably white. While this look has had its day, a new comeback of dressier furnishings in living rooms seems to be on its way.
Showroom: Hickory White Outlet, 828-327-3766 — Manufacturer: Hickory White — Collection: Lillian August
Perhaps it is because our society has become too casual – no one talks to each other anymore because we are too busy emailing, texting, or playing video games. A more formal room typically does not include a television and creates conversation by default. It appears we are returning to a more social era of entertaining, where guests gather around comfortable seating in an inviting atmosphere.
The idea of a more dressy area is appealing on many levels– it gives importance to areas of the home by making them look more finished and pulled together. The interior decorating world is mimicking fashion in response to clients’ requests for more tailored, elegant pieces. Perhaps it could be compared to dressing up your dark denim jeans with a pressed shirt, heels, and well chosen accessories.
Today’s formal doesn’t mean overdone, shiny, “museum-like” spaces. Simply put, it is a return to the more sophisticated lines instead of slouchy, rumpled, and overstuffed. The finishes are dressier, with more sheen and shiny surfaces. Tables are accented with gold or silver leaf, even if they are slightly distressed. Jewel tones of rich merlots, purples, navy blues, and robust greens join forces with golds, chocolate browns, and deep rust tones. Soft silk fabrics are embellished with embroidery as tone on tone fabrics gently pull together the mix of pattern and texture.
While casual decorating will never go out of style, a dressier room brings the home to a new level and shows respect for its contents. It gives your home a “show me” value, and puts a shine on an otherwise dull penny. Entertaining in this setting allows everyone to pay more attention to each other, stimulating a great conversation. When you stop into the North Carolina furniture outlets and showrooms at Hickory Furniture Mart, you’ll find exactly the right fit in discount living room furniture.