Behind the Design: How We Created a Timeless, Inviting Living Room in an Updated Traditional Style

Hi cuties! I’m so excited to share the story behind one of our recent lookbook designs, Bedford Escape. I adore the way this living room design came together, from the warm, nostalgic setting and inviting seating arrangement to the mix of textures and decor.

"Our design team wanted to create a welcoming, layered, elegant space, and I think the final result totally knocked it out of the park." 

We designed this home with a specific sort of person in mind: well-traveled and a bit of a romantic, with a decidedly colorful personality and particular opinions on just about everything (in a charming sort of way, or so he swears). Let’s call him Rupert. A curator at heart, he’s a gentleman impressed with the finer things in life, who loves to live in a home where every piece is selected with intention, where every object tells a story. Nestled in the countryside, his Federal-style estate is a setting envisioned for refined respite, a place neither ostentatious nor ordinary, where friends are welcomed with open arms but quiet contentment is often preferred.

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A Setting of Storybook Charm

The heart of this home is the living room. It’s designed in an updated traditional style, emphasizing the finer points of traditional design with modern details infused throughout. The look feels timeless, collected, and polished with just a hint of playfulness (similar to Rupert himself). This is the room where Rupert enjoys a cup of tea each morning and where guests gather long into the night. It’s where his beloved English cream lab, Lord Cairo, settles down for a nap after a long day spent side-eyeing wildlife from the comfort of the back porch.

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A gorgeous panoramic landscape muralpaper by the insanely talented Susan Harter sets the scene, portraying the loveliest Cotswolds landscape in an earthy neutral palette. This is similar to the wallpaper I have in the entryway of my apartment—I loved it so much, I wanted to incorporate a version of it into another design!

"A reflection of the vast natural beauty mere steps outside the front door, this background adds just the right touch of storybook charm and brings incredible depth and warmth to the space."

The millwork and ceiling are drenched in a lovely neutral color that pairs beautifully with the mural. This charming backdrop is finished with handpicked pieces of artwork that feel storied and perfectly moody, and a graceful gold mirror with gentle curves along the edges.

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Designing with Comfort in Mind

Even though this is a formal living space, it still prioritizes comfort. We grounded the room with a natural jute rug and anchored the seating area with classic pieces that are traditional at heart with a bit of a modern twist.

"Our Rosehill sofa is a new addition to our custom upholstery collection, shown here in a soft performance velvet. She has a classic Chesterfield silhouette, designed with blind tufts for a cleaner look."

Rosehill features a custom poly fiber cushion fill that’s hypoallergenic and offers all the benefits of down (plush and perfectly cozy!) without all the fluffing. (You see, though Rupert is a meticulous sort of man, he enjoys the pleasures of a leisurely life and favors ease above all else.) Two classic English roll arm chairs and a pair of leather ottomans offer plenty of seating for everyday moments and lively gatherings alike.

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A mix of tables in a variety of materials and finishes ensure nothing feels too matchy-matchy—white marble, cast iron, and polished Cerejeira wood add the perfect amount of visual interest. The rustic wood cabinet puts keepsakes, vintage books, and decorative objects on full display (and keeps Rupert’s ever-evolving assortment of miscellaneous objects tucked neatly away behind two bottom doors).

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From Lighting to Decor, It’s All in the Details

A combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting make it easy to set the mood for any occasion, whether Rupert’s enjoying a bustling evening entertaining the weekend’s visitors or a quiet afternoon curled up on the sofa, reading near the warmth of the fireplace. The sculptural, tiered chandelier provides the perfect amount of filtered overhead light, while table lamps and sconces add to the inviting, relaxed ambiance of the space.

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We decorated the living room with a storied collection of pieces that infuse the space with interest and character. Think marble objects, the fluffiest throw pillows, a woven leather basket, and lush faux plants that provide the natural beauty of greenery with zero maintenance required.

"My favorite of the bunch? The antique bronze sheep statue, a pastoral muse reminiscent of the scenic landscape surrounding the country house."

And this is only a sliver of Rupert’s eclectic assortment of curious sculptures and objects—treasures found at vintage shops and in secluded villages on his distant travels. A chipped ceramic vessel in the dining room, a ceremonial gong in the entryway, a Peruvian rain flute on display in the den, and an antique velvet textile in the bedroom, to name just a few. I’m obsessed with elements like these that bring life and just the right amount of fun to any space, because design should never feel stuffy or dull.

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Peruse the Bedford Escape Lookbook

The best news of all is that we made it easy to echo Rupert’s style in your own home. Browse our entire Bedford Escape lookbook, filled with a curated assortment of living room furniture and decor pieces that feel timeless, warm, and oh-so-inviting.

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Kathy Kuo Studio