Skip to content
Guest House — just the words can conjure up many soothing images — a place of respite, a cozy retreat, a home away from home. Imagine a place filled with natural light, warmth, and comfort, and brimming with artwork that reflects the Southern graces of charming and beautiful Louisiana. At Brumbaugh’s Furniture and Design, we helped Central Guest House, a Louisiana skilled nursing and long-term care community, achieve just that. Their vision? To create a modern, inviting, and lively living space for their residents — an elegant place that feels more like home than a healthcare facility.
Our designer, Elizabeth Brumbaugh Quirk, helped transform the property, from common areas to conference rooms. The fusion of contemporary aesthetics and traditional materials creates a captivating environment that resonates with all who enter the space. The Guest House is more than just a commercial installment of furniture and artwork — it serves as a testament to Louisiana’s vibrant artistic community and its enduring connection to the land.
Here’s how we used furniture, artwork, and design elements to evoke a sense of happiness, fun, and comfort — an upscale space the residents would be proud to call home.
A Modern Twist on Southern Comfort
Central Guest House desired a modern twist on Southern charm. This meant striking a balance between sleek, contemporary furniture and warm, inviting textures. But the true stars of the show were the numerous artworks we installed throughout the facility. Each piece, carefully chosen, symbolized the region’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to sustainability. The artwork wove a captivating narrative of Louisiana’s raw beauty from the central masterpiece that anchored a common area to the smaller pieces scattered throughout hallways and rooms.
The Art of Cohesive Design
When installing furniture, creating the perfect ambiance involves more than just arranging pieces. It’s about curating a cohesive design theme that speaks to the occupant’s taste and style preferences. In this case, the design theme exuded sophistication with a touch of warmth, catering to individuals seeking comfort and elegance in the space.
We strategically placed sleek yet comfortable furniture around these artistic focal points, inviting residents to relax and engage with the space. The result? A captivating environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. It’s a testament to the power of art to transform a healthcare facility into a place that truly feels like home.
Textures, Colors, and Fabrics: Bringing the Design to Life
The chosen textures, colors, and fabrics played a pivotal role in bringing this design vision to life. Let’s take a closer look at the elements that contributed to the overall aesthetic:
Textures
Incorporating a variety of textures adds depth and visual interest to the space. For a similar theme in your own space, consider textures such as:
Natural wood: Incorporating wooden furniture pieces or accents brings warmth and a sense of nature indoors.
Textured rugs: Layering rugs with different textures, such as a wool rug over a jute one, adds dimension to the floor space.
Satin or silk: Adding soft, silky throw pillows or drapes creates an elegant and tactile experience.
Colors
The chosen color palette sets the tone for the entire community, evoking a sense of tranquility and sophistication. For a similar look, try utilizing:
Neutral tones: Shades of beige, taupe, ivory, and gray serve as the foundation of the color scheme, creating a serene backdrop.
Soft pastels: Subtle pops of pastel hues like blush pink, soft blue, or mint green add a hint of color without overpowering the neutral palette.
Warm accents: Infuse warmth into the space with accents of rich colors such as terracotta, mustard yellow, or deep burgundy for depth and contrast.
Fabrics
We used fabrics that enhanced both comfort and style, ensuring a cozy yet upscale ambiance. Selecting the right fabrics is about creating a cohesive feel that complements the artwork and furniture. Consider textures such as:
Linen: Lightweight and breathable, linen upholstery lends an air of casual elegance to furniture pieces.
Chenille: Soft and plush, chenille fabric adds a cozy touch to sofas, armchairs, or throw blankets.
Tweed: Incorporating tweed accents, such as throw pillows or upholstered ottomans, introduces texture and visual interest.
Faux fur: Adding faux fur throws or accent pillows infuses the space with tactile luxury, perfect for cozying up during colder months.
Artwork
The key to this transformation? A curated collection of artwork by local artists. These weren’t just decorative pieces; they were the heartbeat of the space. Each piece told a story, reflecting Louisiana’s heritage, its stunning landscapes, and its vibrant artistic community. Bursting with color and vibrancy, art served as a focal point within a calming neutral color palette. This thoughtful balance created an environment that was both stimulating and serene.
A Spark for Your Own Space
This focus on local art is a lesson we can all take home. Consider incorporating bold, colorful artwork by local artists into your own space. Each piece you choose can be a conversation starter, a window into a different world, and a source of energy and personality. Don’t just decorate your walls, tell a story with the art you choose.
Weaving Comfort and Beauty Together
Welcome to the Central Guest House. Soft textures soothe your touch, calming colors ease your mind, and beautiful artwork whispers stories of the land around you. At Brumbaugh’s Furniture and Design, we helped create this haven at Central Guest House. By carefully selecting colors, fabrics, and artwork, we didn’t just design a space — we crafted an experience that resonates with the soul.
Emulate This Style
Ready to Create a Space That Feels Like You?
Schedule a consultation with a Brumbaugh’s designer today!
