What’s one way to add drama to a masculine space? Ground the rooms with graphic area rugs. That’s what Jennifer Jones did with the living and dining rooms she designed for a San Francisco bachelor/CEO.

“Using graphic area rugs in both spaces was a fun way to tie the rooms together conceptually,” said Jones. “They bring pattern and movement to the rooms, creating the perfect backdrop for contemporary furniture upholstered in solid tones.”

The CEO wanted a flexible getaway. “My client, a busy executive with a high-stress lifestyle, asked for a cozy and comfortable retreat where he could relax and entertain,” said Jones.

“The color scheme of greys, tans, and browns is warm, inviting and masculine,” said Jones. Living room furnishings includes manly textures like leather and dark wood, accented with polished chrome.

Neutrals continue onto the dining room walls where Jones kicked up the drama a notch. “The black and cream rug adds a lot of impact and sets the tone for the room,” said Jones.

The bachelor doesn’t dine out often due to dietary restrictions, and instead invites folks to his place. Jones said, “He hosts lots of dinner parties, so it was important to allow for as much seating as possible. I kept it simple with grey side chairs and taupe armchairs.”

The Rico Espinet Candelaria by Robert Abbey is Jones’s favorite piece in this space. She said it “really sets the tone for a modern twist on the traditional dining room.”

I wondered if she had the substantial, warm-wood dining table custom-made.

Jones said, “No, actually the dining table is from Crate & Barrel! I spent a long time looking for the right table: clean-lined and classic with the right wood tones. It’s made of solid walnut and is called the ‘Rohe.’ It’s a beautiful piece and really grounds the dining area.”

Jones is pleased with the bachelor’s new digs. “He wanted a space that was contemporary but also classic, a space that wouldn’t feel dated in 10 years. I think we achieved that.”

Jennifer Jones is designer/principal of Niche Interiors in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in contemporary design solutions for the urban home. She also shares her design expertise by writing articles for the San Francisco Examiner and providing tips on her blog.

 
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