Music was the main objective when it came to the design of this Brookline living room. “Rather than make a television the focus, the idea was to create a place for listening to music, for conversation, for slowing down,” says Tiffany LeBlanc of LeBlanc Design. The room features furnishings that exude a mid-century modern vibe as well as an array of textural finishes: Bleached walnut built-in bookcases are prominent, along with a striking copper ceiling pendant. “We chose a palette of livable neutrals such as pale blues and oranges that have a sophisticated downtown vibe,” says LeBlanc. Layers of materials strike a balance between rough natural finishes and softer elements. At first, says LeBlanc, the decor seems subtle, “but when you look closely, it’s apparent how much dimension and interest the room has.”
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1. A pair of A. Rudin chairs upholstered in orange-and-blue wool fabric add a refined, modern element.
2. A blue painted table with brass hardware nestles between the chairs.
3. Neutral-toned Holland & Sherry drapes with a subtle geometric pattern frame the large window beautifully.
4. Built-in bookcases don’t stretch all the way to the ceiling. “We didn’t want the shelves to feel too heavy,” says LeBlanc. “This way, there is a much lighter feel to them.” The floating fireplace mantel is crafted of the same bleached walnut as the shelves.
5. The room’s showpiece is a corrugated copper and glass pendant by McEwen Lighting Studio. “When the fixture is illuminated, the copper creates an orange tone that looks like a sunset,” she says.
6. The Donghia wallpaper looks like grass cloth but isn’t. “The vinyl doesn’t have the seams of traditional grass cloth, so it’s much less busy,” says LeBlanc.
7. Clean lines prevail on the leather A. Rudin sofa, which has chenille cushions.
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8. On top of the sisal carpet, an antique rug adds interest.
9. The custom coffee table is wrapped in linen, adding another dash of textural flair.
10. A Romo wallcovering with the look of stone sheaths the fireplace surround. “We thought stone would be too cold and towering,” says LeBlanc. “We used the wallcovering, which has an Asian-inspired feel, to layer in softness.”
11. Stones and favorite books, along with the controls for the room’s substantial sound system, add interest to the shelves.
12. Subtly patterned pillows are Turkish and pair well with the room’s mid-century aspects.