WHERE IT BEGAN: To meet the spatial challenge presented by this long, narrow living room in a new Denver townhouse, interior designer Andrea Monath Schumacher of O Interior Design used two elements to define the space: smoky mirrors and dramatic contrast.
The elegant and playful décor was inspired by a stunning black lamp from AERA Studios selected by homeowner Will Essin and a green, cut-velvet dragonfly fabric his wife Rebecca fell in love with.
PERFECT TOUCHES: Against the sophisticated black-and-white palette, crisp green accessories pop. Black welting gives the sofas dimension and an upholstered ottoman repeats the high-contrast theme. (Schumacher custom-designed the streamlined furniture to get just the right scale for the narrow room.) Lush fabrics such as ultrasuede and velvet soften the tailored look, while a cut cowhide rug adds texture and subtle pattern underfoot. Traditional damask wallpaper takes on a modern edge when presented in an oversized scale.
STYLE TIPS: "Splurge on the little things for a rich look," says the designer, who uses expensive, high-end fabrics sparingly on the pillows and lower tier of the draperies. Choose a neutral palette—which makes it easy to change the entire look with fresh flowers and different color accessories—as the backdrop for a space. "Just imagine this room with red pillows or hot pink flowers," she says.
A work of sophisticated geometry, this sofa pairs boxy cushions with square wooden sides in an espresso finish. ashleycampbell.com.
Clean lines with a twist distinguish the lightweight Oslo table in jet black lacquer. northruphouseinc.com.
The graceful curve of a burnished horn with ivory finish makes this lamp distinctive. ashleycampbell.com.
Don't miss the tufted upholstery or the intertwining half-circle legs—pure elegance. townstudio.com.