Bauer/Clifton Interiors is an interior design firm located in Juneau, Alaska. Jeremy Bauer and Jason Clifton, the principals of Bauer/Clifton Interiors, are designers that share a passion for creating stylish, organic, and contemporary spaces.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This living room makeover was a part of an extensive remodel of the main floor of the home and so it was the client’s wish to bring this space up-to-date but still maintain its original essence. While this room was once used extensively for entertaining guests, it was now rarely enjoyed and the commanding mountain views were merely being passed by and hardly ever seen through the small hallway pass through. Per the designers’ proposal, this space was opened up to the adjoining rooms and incorporates new and inviting features that will carry this client’s lifestyle into the next chapter of life!

CLIENT NEEDS & WANTS:

• Achieve a sophisticated design and layout that can be enjoyed in both formal and casual settings

• Maintain a neutral color palette for art and antique collections to be displayed within

• Achieve a barrier to protect furnishings from the three dogs (an alternative to the baby gate)

• A gas fireplace to replace the original wood burning fireplace that was never used

• Replace plush carpeting with new

• Incorporate a television that can be hidden away during formal gatherings

HOW THE CLIENT NEEDS & WANTS WERE MET:

• The new furniture layout creates a more intimate setting for the homeowner and maintains enough seating for a number of guests. Intimacy within this large room was also achieved by framing in the new carpeting; creating a smaller foot print for the furniture layout and relocating the circulation path around the room.

• Full-lite pocket doors with beveled glass were added between all rooms to increase circulation and to also capitalize on the mountain views and natural lighting.  These doors are also used to close off each space from one another; achieving a chic alternative to baby/dog gates.

• A neutral color palette was maintained throughout the furnishings, carpeting, and wall color to direct focus to the art and antique collections.  The new gas fireplace, accent tables, and display/media cabinetry introduce an added sense of warmth to this monochromatic setting, while greatly updating this space as well.

HOW DOES THE PROJECT ENHANCE THE STRUCTURE’S FUNCTIONALITY?

• The wood flooring border establishes a clear circulation path around the furniture setting and increases the visual connection and flow between this living area and adjoining rooms.

• A gas fireplace switches on instantly at the touch of a button.

• The grand scale of the floor lamp provides adequate task lighting for the client’s preferred seat and its transparent glass base minimizes any obstruction of view.

• The large, curved sofa is proportional to the room, provides ample seating when entertaining guests, and is the perfect piece to stretch out and comfortably watch television from.

HOW DOES THE PROJECT ENHANCE THE STRUCTURE AESTHETICALLY?

• The symmetrical furniture layout is counterbalanced by the asymmetrical placement of the lamp, accent tables, & antique curio cabinet.

• The darker stained wood hearth and mantel directly relate to the built-in cabinetry, accent tables, & antique curio cabinet.  This repetitive stain color also contrasts nicely against the off-white furnishings and carpeting.

• The fireplace facade is further transformed by the porcelain tile in a rustic metallic finish.  This industrial tile directly relates to the new lighting and hardware found throughout the home and pays homage to the homestead; situated above Treadwell Mine.

• The 42” diameter coffee table serves as an additional surface for displaying floral arrangements and other treasures.

EVIDENCE OF SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP:

• Wood flooring is installed in a picture frame layout that borders the inlaid carpeting

• Tiled fireplace with custom wood hearth and mantel; individual tiles were hand chosen to achieve continual flow of pattern.

• Custom pillows were made in a mix of complimentary patterns, textures, & trims visually break up the grand scale of the sofa

• The sofa, chairs, and coffee table are all custom designed and handmade in the U.S.A. by Kravet Furniture and Drexel Heritage.

• The custom designed built-in cabinetry with mirrored backs was built in place by contractor.

OBSTACLES OVERCOME:

• The original monochromatic setting lacked intimacy, visual interest, and was a complete departure from the rest of the home’s design.  Rich materials and varying textures provide contrast within the new setting and achieve continuity with the rest of the home.

• The client’s dislike of painted walls was overcome by incorporating new doors, cabinetry, and a fireplace in contrasting stain colors to break up the pre-existing off-white wall color.

• The wall of windows and commanding views are counterbalanced by the mirrored backs of the built-in cabinetry and a collection of antique mirrors that reflect the majestic view & natural lighting.

• The client’s wish to maintain plush carpeting and the designers’ insistence of integrating the same wood flooring found throughout the rest of home was balanced out quite nicely.

The studio of Bauer/Clifton Interiors- a local source for quality products & materials- is located Downtown at 119A 2nd Street.  Additional photos of their projects can be seen at www.bauerclifton.com or on Facebook & Houzz labeled under Bauer Clifton Interiors.