A lot of people would look at this small room and say: ok, we can fit two chairs, an ottoman, maybe a chest of drawers, but it’s more impactful and much cozier to go with fewer, larger pieces. I wouldn’t normally push a sofa against a wall, but here it’s unexpected and inviting.
Living Room In Full Bloom
Ellen Kavanaugh
Interior Designer
Ellen Kavanaugh, principal of her namesake firm, designs spaces that invite passionate living and lasting comfort. Guided by her creative vision, Ellen Kavanaugh Interiors delivers a highly personal, attentive experience—blending functionality with soulful style to bring each client’s dream home to life.
Ellen Kavanaugh, principal of her namesake firm, designs spaces that invite passionate liv...
We wanted a deep, loungey sofa, but since we didn’t have the space to make an extra deep seat, we chose loose back cushions that are down-filled, so you can really sink back into them. The slipcover fabric is 100% Belgian linen, a material I love for when I want a really casual feel.
Yes, the terra cotta floors have a finish that makes it feel old and weathered and the wood ceiling is historic, original to the house, and both are warm and textured. Though I didn’t shy away from a highly patterned wallpaper, I did choose a cool color as a warm tone would have been too much.
This is in Palm Beach and having a rug would have made this room too warm. The exposed floor, rattan table, and unlined shades also help it feel “old Florida sunroom” versus a traditional furnishing living room.
I have the unpopular opinion that drywall should only be white — Benjamin Moore Super White and Simply White are both clean and gallery-like. Otherwise, I like my walls textured, plastered or wallpapered versus painted drywall. That said, I always paint ceilings a pale pink or blue!
Interview by Sophie Donelson