Dream Team

The Lounge

The Challenge: Create a usable, striking environment out of an awkward interior space.

Major issues: The room has 3 doorways and no windows. This is a common challenge with many of the city loft spaces for both hip urbanites and empty nesters moving back into the city. In addition, there is also a large closet, and the space is the second room one enters, so it must be both dynamic and functional as clients are paying a premium for space. Annotations: Since the space is interior it should be a room primarily for evening where light is not an issue. Given the 3 doorways, the space has great access and therefore good flow from the other rooms, i.e.,great for entertaining!

Solution: Remove the unneeded closet to expand usable floor space. Add a bar to create an exciting lounge type setting that gives a specific identity to the space that is both engaging, yet has a rhythm to the flow of the chic city loft. The "client" is well traveled and the room is reflective of the experiences and things they have both been exposed to and returned with. Deep earth tones become the background for expressive jewel hued accents and found objects all combined with a French Art Deco foundation to give a glamorous edge to the room. Pull up a chair and have a martini!

Biography

Michael Barnum's design career began in Buffalo, NY where he worked as a visual merchandiser creating store windows for the city's largest department store. "After studying the fundamentals of architectural and interior design, applying these principals to store windows was a great training ground as they are constantly changing."

In 1992 he formed Barnum + Company Inc. and has been designing high-end home interiors for over 15 years throughout New England and around the country. In addition to residential interiors, Barnum + Company has designed several retail stores and office and professional environments. Most recently the firm completed a three-year project building and restoring a 170-acre horse farm and training facility with several homes in southern New Hampshire.

Barnum's philosophy has always been one of collaboration with both his clients, as well as the many vendors who make up the "company" side of the business. He is perhaps best known for his keen sense of color and scale, a hallmark of his business. He also has a strong belief that art and accessories are as integral to the success of a project as the floor plan and furniture. His in-depth knowledge of design history keeps him blending and adapting styles from all eras for each individual project.

Additional work