This stylish, downtown living room in Austin’s Amli on 2nd building began with a minimal shell: white paint, unstained concrete floors and ceilings, and an existing accent wall painted a muted goldish-green color. As a rental unit, there were a few design restrictions: we were unable to change the paint or alter the concrete ceiling and floors. The client asked Room Fu to create a sleek space that would still be warm and inviting…colorful, yet masculine.
Before
After
Our decorating concept starts with the perfect button-tufted sectional, which is both casually elegant and lounge-y. Colorful carpet tiles are an easy and inexpensive way to create a graphic area rug that warms up the floor and is soft underfoot. Chunky, stepped side tables and a spacious coffee table complete an arrangement that efficiently provides seating for several, and effectively divides the living space from the dining space. Block-style table lamps are decidedly low, so as not to interrupt downtown views.
To liven up the decor, we bring in a chartreuse bullet planter, a sculptural bird of paradise, and retro-patterned pillows for the sofa. Vintage Mexican movie lobby cards are framed and grouped together for a dose of kitsch.
Looking toward the new media cabinet, you can catch a glimpse at the master bedroom’s design.
The adjoining dining area features ladder-back chairs that allow the view of Republic Square Park to peek through and a double-drum arc lamp that offers a modern lighting solution for a space where we’re prevented from hanging a conventional fixture from the ceiling.
Leather keyhole chairs break up the seating arrangement and add a touch of sophistication. Colorful table linens accent new earthenware.
A balcony off the dining area offers a comfortable vantage point with classically striped furniture. Super-fun outdoor carpet tiles in eye-popping orange and featuring diamond cut-outs cover an otherwise dull concrete floor.
View other rooms in this downtown apartment:
Guest Bedroom/Office
Master Bedroom
