When our clients, both musicians, moved from New York to Greenwich, Connecticut, they found themselves in an unfamiliar dilemma: they almost had too much space. At least, that was the case in their home’s grand, double-height living and dining room, which seemed perhaps more suited to a bygone era of formal balls and banquets. Our challenge was to figure out what to do with all that space—to keep the gigantic room’s elegance, while making it approachable and fun. We brought the room into the 21st Century, striking an ideal high-low balance through color, pattern, and scale. Naturally, we added a Baby Grand piano for jam sessions, a dining table for hosting, and clean, comfortable seating around the imposing fireplace. Original paneling and chandeliers preserve enough period-appropriate drama, while newer sconces and richly textured rugs—a series of woven mats from Rush House that we sewed together to fit the space—bring a contemporary feel.

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