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Tall Tales: Ideas for Two-Story Great Rooms
Make a Great Room Grand With Windows, Balconies, Art and Dramatic Ceilings
In the South where I live, one of the latest home building trends has been the inclusion of the two-story great room. Traditionally found in older homes, a great room is positioned in the center of the home and generally serves several functions. It's commonly open to other parts of the house including the kitchen and hallways on the upper level.
A space that is as wide as it is tall can be intimidating from a decorating standpoint. For those unfamiliar on how to tackle such a task, this ideabook provides examples of great rooms along with ideas and advice on how to turn such a large canvas into a masterpiece.
A space that is as wide as it is tall can be intimidating from a decorating standpoint. For those unfamiliar on how to tackle such a task, this ideabook provides examples of great rooms along with ideas and advice on how to turn such a large canvas into a masterpiece.
Drapery alternatives: When choosing window coverings for windows with substantial molding, consider an inside mounted treatment. These roman shades provide the privacy the homeowner desires while still allowing one to enjoy the trim.
Arched windows: It would be criminal to cover these arched wood clad windows. The richness of the wood grain preserves the home's timeless appeal.
Window dressing: Dressing the lower half of the window places more emphasis on room's furnishings and intimacy of the space.
Explore the 5th wall: Paint ceilings a darker color to create a more intimate setting in a large room. Coffered panels painted espresso brown visually lowers the ceilings and simultaneously becomes a secondary focal point.
Custom furnishings: As they say, "go big at home" — or is that "go big, or go home?" Either way, large rooms are designed to accommodate oversized furniture. To get this look commission a custom furniture company to match the quality of your furniture to the quality of your custom-built home.
Grand chandelier: Take your great room to new heights with ceiling with trim and a cathedral-size chandelier.
In lieu of drapery, the homeowner opted for mechanical shades for a streamlined look as well as light control.
In lieu of drapery, the homeowner opted for mechanical shades for a streamlined look as well as light control.
Interior balconies: Modern Romanticism perfectly describes the style of this great room. Open to the foyer, I love the 360 degree views from the second floor with the help of these classic twin Juliette balconies. Fully functional, these beauties trump any faux exterior balconies seen on building facades.
Expansive windows: Mother nature showcases her colors against steel framed windows in this minimalistic, monochromatic great room.
Dramatic materials: Behold the luxurious interpretation of an island hut. The three ceiling fans virtually disappear against a hand-crafted grid of mahogany beams accented by seagrass.
