Before and After Living Room Makeover

An artsy family’s sense of whimsy and passion for collecting unique art was lost in a drab living space that was weighed down by a busy patterned rug and dated wall adornments. We came in to help create a refined adult retreat that was functional and kid-friendly and simultaneously could serve as a space for the family to show off their one-of-a-kind paintings.

By updating the dark khaki walls with a soft, warm white paint color and refreshing the white molding, the room immediately feels substantially lighter. To continue with this fresh theme, we covered up the dark wood floors with a creamy natural fiber area rug that is both kid and dog friendly.

A simple glass coffee table keeps the space light-hearted and airy, while reflective lamps, vases, and accessories maintain the breezy vibe. Matching mirrors and dark chests on either side of the fireplace balance the room while creating the illusion of an even more open and bright space.

Tying in colors from the family’s amazing art collection into the chairs, pillows, and drapes helps to achieve a playful, yet unified atmosphere. For example, the patterned pillows resting on the blue armchairs reflect a design similar to that of the painting between the drapes, while the bunny-printed bolster pillow maintains the same sweetness as the nearby bird painting. Sprinkles of green in pots on the mantel, in the form of a tableside succulent, or arranged creatively on the coffee table give additional nods to the natural world and keep the space from looking overly pristine.

Combining sleek shapes, organic textures, and the family’s distinctive artwork, we transformed this living room from a dark den into a vibrant, light-filled space perfectly suited for family life, artistic inspiration, and perhaps even a little quiet reflection and reading time.

Get the look!

Let There be Light: A Bright and Airy Bathroom Makeover

After living for many years with a first floor layout that included a bedroom and a study with only a small bathroom, two empty nesters decided it was time for a change to better suit their lifestyle now. Eliminating the study made way for a major bathroom makeover (and for the addition of a walk-in closet). The resulting room is a bright space filled with tactile and visual details that give the room an abundance of personality.

Key to keeping the sleek serenity of the space is the crisp yet inviting color palette. Choosing a soft neutral for the walls and under-the-sink cabinets makes the space feel bigger, calmer, and soothing.

To shed light throughout the new space, Sara doubled the room’s natural lighting by adding another sight-line window. In addition to overhead recessed lighting, she also added plenty of shine-reflecting bling in the finishes.

Pops of color and texture add intrigue and enliven the space. For example, the painting above the mirrored chest is a sea of organically crafted and warmly colored brushstrokes, painted by Sara herself,  while the ushak floor rug creates a cozy, lived-in feel.

A vintage relief sculpture of a woman in a hat adds an artistic dimension to the wall.

Despite its luxe appearance, the shower was finished with tiles in a marbled design in taupes and greys in lieu of actual marble. Tile doesn’t require the maintenance and care (or cost) of natural stone, but still offers a natural, polished look. A panel with a design breaks up the shower area and adds another layer of texture, while the glass door makes the space seem bigger.

With elements toggling effortlessly between the modern and the eclectic, we transformed the bathroom into a bright, relaxing, and soothing oasis that the homeowners will enjoy for years to come.