Edina Living Room and Sunroom

It may seem paradoxical to fill the interior of a 1913 English Tudor–style home in Edina with Asian antiques and contemporary art, but minimal ornamentation inside the heavy-handed structure keeps the scale understated and the overall effect grandiose.

Interior designer Jim Noble saw the distinctive architectural personality of the house designed by architect William Dryer as an asset. The different spirits of the conjoining living room and sunrooms challenged him to create two rooms that flow together without compromising their distinct purposes. “The architectural style of the house didn’t really affect the interior,” says Jim, “Asian influences work nicely with English Tudor style. They are clean and complementary.”

Using ebony, mahogany, and romantic vanillas, Noble created a canvas of contemporary colors for the Asian–inspired décor. The fine classical moldings, original coffered ceilings, and the neutral palette allowed the designer to play the dark against light, easing the tension between them throughout the two rooms with the effortless flow of color and natural light. The antique Souruk Oriental rug spanning the floor of the living room provided the accent colors of midnight and pinot noir. The tones from the rug are repeated in the deep blue walls of the sunroom and come full circle, popping up again on the navy accent pillows set against the ivory linen-blend sofas.

Adding a contemporary edge to the fairly monochromatic rooms are antique Asian end tables and original art, resulting in a space that is elegant yet approachable. “You just want to plop down and enjoy the room,” says Noble, “but really you are enjoying the art. The color comes from the art and rugs.” Noble’s keen attention to detail and respect for size and scale assure that the Asian–inspired influences aren’t slighted and result in a space that is timeless, warm, and inviting, with clean lines showcasing the homeowners’ fine collection.