Warm Up
Dark wood has built-in coziness. The walnut cabinets and paneling are complemented by other deep hues and sophisticated textures, like the mauve leather armchairs.
Find the Bright Side
To keep the dark wood and leather from taking over, a light rug is key. “Blue works with most color schemes. It’s like denim, which can be worn with practically anything,” Malka says. Bonus: The rug’s gridded pattern echoes the coffered ceiling.
Make Tiny Tweaks
A contemporary element or two prevents an old room from becoming a stodge-atorium. Here, the swiveling brass bases of the armchairs and a Sputnik-style chandelier do the trick.
