Date:  December 30, 2019  |   Story: Stephanie Maxwell Newton  |   Photography: Rett Peek  |   Styling: Stephanie Maxwell Newton  |  

Designer Georg Andersen finds inspiration in a favorite period of French design for a Northwest Arkansas living room upgrade

With geometric patterns, metallic finishes, and an air of drama, Elizabeth Hardwick and David Mee’s formal living room would have been right at home in 1930s Paris. That’s thanks to designer Georg Andersen, who transformed the previously dark, outdated space into a glamorous sitting room for his clients. “My inspiration for this space was minimalist French Art Deco,” Georg says. “Someone I’ve always admired is foremost French designer Jean-Michel Frank, and there’s a lot of his influence in this room.”

Since the room sits between the home’s grand entry and more casual living spaces, a neutral palette helps the design flow seamlessly from one space to the next, while layers of texture—including a shimmering beaded wallcovering—and patterns add interest. The design also plays on symmetry; identical mantels and mirrors anchor both ends of the room, each with their own sitting area around matching coffee tables. “Even the plume-like chandeliers are French-inspired,” Georg says, noting that every piece was chosen to reinforce the room’s Deco feel. “I am always prepared to give everyone 50 choices, but we went with Choice A every time,” he says. “Elizabeth has a very keen eye and is a great editor.”

To this end, the designer was also able to incorporate some of the couple’s collected art into the design, including a large gold medallion that serves as a focal point on room’s main wall. “When people have an art collection they admire, I admire it too. It made me happy their pieces are so carefully selected,” Georg says.

Black Tie Affair
This room’s proximity to the kitchen, a wet bar, the entry, and doors opening to an outdoor living space make it the perfect gathering place. “It’s a room that’s meant for black tie—and denim, on occasion,” Georg says. “It’s for entertaining and sharing with friends.”

A glimpse of the foyer’s abstract Lee Jofa wallcovering is visible from the living room, adding another dimension to the overall design.

Design Resources
Interior design Georg Andersen, Georg Andersen Associates Accessories, art, fabrics, furniture, lighting, rugs, and wallpaper Georg Andersen Associates Upholstery Joe Ellis Upholstery Wallpaper installation Elenbarger Designers