Before and after

The challenge UPDATE A CENTURY-OLD HOME'S DECOR WHILE RESPECTING ITS ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRITY

The designer JAY NUHRING OWNER OF RESEE DESIGN, MINNEAPOLIS, 612-229-1854

The approach: Although the living room was traditional in style, Nuhring mixed in a few modern pieces -- such as the clean-lined accent chairs and a glass-and-chrome occasional table -- to create a sophisticated look. "You can't turn your back on the period of the home, but all traditional looks heavy," he said.

Furniture placement: The original layout wasn't inviting, Nuhring said. "You didn't walk into the room; you walked into the back of a sofa." He used a pair of chairs instead. "They're less of a barrier." He also replaced the square coffee table with a round one, to invite conversation. "It allows you to move freely without bumping into a corner."

Art with impact: To create a strong focal point on the back wall, Nuhring used six vintage landscape etchings, rather than one large piece of art.

Setting the stage: The room needed a rug, said Nuhring, who added a hand-looped floral. "Rugs are really important for creating a stage for the furniture to perform on," he said. "The rug creates cohesiveness."

Color correction: The walls, painted in "dingy gold" faux finish, looked tired and artificial to Nuhring, who updated them with a fresher yellow. He also darkened the wood floors, from honey oak to rich walnut. "The original color was too much like the wall color," Nuhring said. "All the woodwork was enameled, so I wanted to break it up and add some contrast."

Reflective accents: The hammered silver bowl on the coffee table complements the shine of the mirror and glass occasional table, Nuhring said. "I like an element of sparkle. It looks polished and sophisticated."

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