BOBARN DRIVE | PENN VALLEY, PA
Before tackling this project, the homeowners had a petite dining room that didn’t let in much light and a large disorderly playroom. Sometimes it’s important to think about your spaces without preconceived notions, and by doing so, you are freed up to gain more functionality. In this case, we reversed the functions of the two rooms and widened openings to both. We added a large window and custom built-ins to what used to be the dining room. It is now a perfect den, and while still petite, has so many sweet areas to sit that a group of ten can easily converse in the space. The space is also used for reading and music lessons.
By putting the dining room function in what was formerly the play room, the large extended family now has lots of room to gather around a long custom dining table. To make this large room feel more cozy, we added wainscot and used a deep wall color above it. We anchored the long table with a sparkling linear pendant light fixture above. Luxurious dining chairs are situated at each end of the table, but the side chairs are more utilitarian and cleanable (yet still stylish) so there’s no worries about kids spilling on or staining them. A pair of buffets under the window gives a long surface on which to serve food and drinks, and a bar cart in the opposite corner provides additional storage as well.
Aesthetically, our job was to marry modern American style with the family’s Persian roots. In the powder room, the wallpaper was a nod to traditional Persian textiles. Actual Persian rugs and pillows are featured in the den alongside with mid-century modern furniture, and Persian plates create unique wall art in the dining room and are juxtaposed with patterned drapery that also has a Middle Eastern feel.