An Interior Designer’s Home Renovation: The Living Room

This article highlights five distinct homes, each showcasing a living room design characterized by welcoming aesthetics, comfort, and personalized style. These homes, submitted by members of the Dwell community, represent various architectural approaches and geographical locations, including Mill Valley, California; New York, New York; Seattle, Washington; and Grand Rapids and Saugatuck, Michigan. Each entry provides a brief description from the architects, emphasizing key design philosophies and functional elements. The first featured residence, HillSide House in Mill Valley, California, designed by Zack | de Vito Architecture + Construction, offers an open and spacious floor plan. The architects prioritized functionality and flexibility, allowing the house to adapt to the evolving needs of its inhabitants over time. This design ensures that the living space can grow and mature alongside the family. Next is a gut renovation of an 1880s townhouse in New York, New York, by Allison H. Reeves, R. A., titled "Brooklyn Upside Down With Views." This project involved a significant reorientation of the home's layout. A new vertical circulation system and a dramatic rooftop skylight were incorporated to draw natural light deep into the center of the house. The programmatic flip places private spaces and bedrooms on lower floors, while the open-plan living room, dining room, and kitchen occupy the third floor to capitalize on the high ceilings and expansive views. "House For a Mother & Daughter" in Seattle, Washington, by Robert Hutchison Architecture, was designed with specific client requests: a simple building form, square windows, and a gable roof. The design intentionally creates a series of contradictions, presenting an initial perception that then reveals a different reality upon closer inspection. From the street, it appears as a single-story farmhouse, designed to integrate seamlessly with its neighbors. However, upon entering the site, the house is revealed to be two stories, with doors that open the main living areas to a south-facing deck. The interior spaces are conceived as blank canvases, allowing the artist client to personalize them. The fourth home, Rogue River Residence in Grand Rapids, Michigan, by Lucid Architecture, features a warm, modern design achieved through a variety of material textures, both interior and exterior. The living space boasts a two-story height, anchored by a modern fireplace, which prominently frames the outdoor view. Given the clients' passion for entertaining, the design includes a large kitchen that fluidly connects to the living and dining areas, promoting ease of use and social interaction. Finally, the Pleasant Street Residence in Saugatuck, Michigan, also by Lucid Architecture, incorporates a distinctive design element where the front great room is intentionally public. A furniture-like wall, drawing inspiration from Mies’ Farnsworth house, provides privacy for all other rooms, even in the absence of window coverings. A notable feature is that no rooms have interior walls connecting with the outer perimeter of the house, a design choice echoing that of a 1958 E. Stewart Williams house in Palm Springs, California. These diverse projects collectively illustrate various strategies for creating inviting, well-lit, and functional living spaces that reflect both architectural innovation and homeowner preferences. #HomeDesign #LivingRoom #ArchitecturalDesign #ModernHomes #Renovation

This article highlights two residential design projects in Edmonton, focusing on how local designers transformed family living rooms into functional and stylish spaces that balance lounging and entertaining. The first project, led by Jehan Hamdan-Fayad of Modern Era Design, involved finishing a basement in a MacTaggart home for a family of four. The initial stage focused on presenting various options for mirrors, lighting, flooring, counters, and 3D renderings for a potential bar area. Once the client hired a contractor and completed the structural work, Hamdan-Fayad returned for stage two, which involved finalizing lighting choices, the overall color scheme, incorporating metal cladding wallpaper on a feature wall, and furnishing the space. A key element of this basement transformation is a full band setup, catering to the family's shared love for music, including guitars, drums, amps, speakers, and microphones. The space also features a wet bar, designed to accommodate guests during musical jams or karaoke sessions. Hamdan-Fayad emphasizes the creative freedom and potential for surprising clients when working with unfinished basements, aiming to create comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environments rather than typical 'dungeon-like' basements. The result is a basement that serves as a stylish music venue, complete with a large, comfortable couch and an industrial-chic aesthetic. The second project, undertaken by Tracy Fortin of Flawless Interiors, focused on renovating a Riverbend family's living area, which eventually extended to the entire house. The primary goal was to make the living room a more utilized space, as the family had previously underused it. The renovation involved reconfiguring the layout, moving a piano from a less-used front living room to a newly opened main floor area. This was achieved by transforming the original living room into a dining room and removing a small office wall. A significant change involved replacing a bay window with a new backyard-facing window and demolishing a wall, which paradoxically increased the amount of natural light in the space. Fortin also addressed the flooring, replacing the original dark slate with porcelain tile in a herringbone pattern, chosen for its functionality and scratch resistance, and offering a unique alternative to common hardwood or luxury vinyl plank options. Despite the children largely having grown up and moved out, the redesigned space remains family-focused, emphasizing activities like reading by the window over screen time, reflecting the family's academic interests. The room, which previously had yellow walls and a closed-in feel typical of early '90s homes, now presents a transitional and family-friendly environment designed for comfort and togetherness, especially when the extended family gathers. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LivingRoom #ResidentialRenovation #FamilySpace #InteriorStyling #BasementRenovation #FunctionalDesign

The recently launched book, "By Design: The World’s Best Contemporary Interior Designers," serves as a comprehensive guide to groundbreaking interior design. Dubbed the 'Oscars of the design world,' this publication showcases the globe's most influential interior designers. The article provides an exclusive preview, presenting an edited extract of nine exceptional living room designs featured in the book, offering inspiration for future home renovations. Studio Ashby's design for a private residence in London’s Floral Court development highlights a captivating color palette and unique pieces, including a burr-elm coffee table and a dining table with dried flowers. Studio Ashby, influenced by Anglo/South African heritage, incorporates contemporary shapes, art, and furniture, reflecting a fresh, modern, and welcoming aesthetic. Their design philosophy is characterized by a keen ability to combine antiques with modern furniture effectively. Romanek Design Studio, founded by Brigette Romanek in Los Angeles, showcases a family home in Malibu with an elegant yet modern small living room. The design expertly blends sleek contemporary furniture, bold colors, and sublime textures, demonstrating Brigette Romanek’s talent for integrating clients’ art collections and a fondness for greenery. Kit Kemp, creative director of Firmdale Hotels, presents a drawing room in a private London residence. Her designs are known for their vibrant and unconventional approach, often mixing seemingly mismatched patterns and using uplifting colors. Kit Kemp’s philosophy emphasizes organic materials and hand-crafted designs, encouraging a departure from traditional design rules. Grisanti & Cussen, a boutique design firm from Chile, features a contemporary apartment in Sweden that merges Scandinavian furniture's formal simplicity with Latin American vivid palettes. Their living room design uses broad stripes of dusty pink and Spanish blue, embodying their philosophy of fun, color, and vivaciousness through thorough research and sustainable materials. Young Huh Interior Design, based in New York, demonstrates a client’s home in Mantoloking, New Jersey. The design employs a timeless palette of crisp whites and apple greens, a Chinese silk rug, and a cloud-motif wallpaper on the ceiling. Young Huh's design philosophy is described as elevated and purposeful, yet also suitable for playful living. Daniel Romualdez, a New York City-based designer with high-profile clients, displays a living room in his own Los Angeles residence. This space features neutral, calming tones, with natural elements such as a geological specimen on a log coffee table serving as focal points. His design philosophy centers on calm, tonal colors combined with unusual textures and raw materials. Fawn Galli, known for her experimental style, presents a bar/lounge in a private residence in Short Hills, New Jersey. Her design is visually distinctive, incorporating acid yellow accents and Art Deco elements to create a space rich in beauty and wonder. Galli’s approach is characterized by old-world elegance paired with modern sophistication. Tom Scheerer, an American East Coast designer, showcases a living room in an East Hampton beach house. His design emphasizes comfort and elegance, utilizing a neutral palette enlivened by a blue hue. Scheerer’s philosophy aims for designs that are striking and serene without being intimidating. Humbert & Poyet, a design duo known for luxury and restraint, present a living room in Villa Odaya in Cannes, France. Their designs combine classical Modernism with a sharp, contemporary edge, reflecting their deep knowledge of design history and the artistic heritage of the Côte d’Azur. #InteriorDesign #LivingRoomDesign #HomeRenovation #DesignInspiration #ContemporaryDesign #LuxuryInteriors #DesignTrends #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeDecor

The article showcases 15 architectural projects that highlight the desired quality of connecting interior and exterior spaces, specifically focusing on living rooms. This connection is achieved through various design strategies, including the selection of outdoor coatings, the incorporation of large glass panels, strategic landscaping, appropriate furniture choices, and permeable facades. The examples presented demonstrate how detailed and inventive design can enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of living and meeting areas by blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments. The featured projects illustrate diverse approaches to creating seamless transitions. For instance, some designs utilize expansive glass walls or sliding doors that, when opened, fully merge the living room with an adjacent patio or garden. Others integrate natural elements directly into the living space, such as indoor courtyards or plant features that extend outdoors. The use of consistent flooring materials between indoor and outdoor living areas is a common technique to create visual continuity, reinforcing the sense of an enlarged, unified space. Additionally, the strategic placement of outdoor furniture mirroring indoor arrangements can further dissolve the distinction between the two zones. Landscaping plays a crucial role in these designs, often acting as an extension of the interior aesthetic. Thoughtfully designed gardens, water features, or patios immediately adjacent to the living rooms contribute to the overall ambiance and provide a natural backdrop. Permeable facades, whether through slatted screens or adaptive louvers, allow for controlled ventilation and natural light while maintaining a connection to the outside world. The selection of materials also contributes to this integration, with many projects opting for natural finishes that harmonize with both the indoor decor and the surrounding landscape. The article emphasizes that achieving this interior-exterior connection is not limited to specific room types, noting its presence in bathrooms and kitchens as well. However, in living and meeting spaces, this design principle gains significant importance due to these areas often serving as central hubs for relaxation and social interaction. By thoughtfully considering elements such as material palettes, fenestration, and the immediate outdoor environment, architects can create dynamic and inviting living spaces that maximize natural light, ventilation, and a sense of openness. Each of the 15 projects serves as a case study, demonstrating unique solutions tailored to specific site conditions and client preferences. These examples collectively illustrate the versatility and impact of design decisions aimed at fostering a strong relationship between the built environment and nature. The overarching theme is the enhancement of the living experience by bringing elements of the outdoors inside, thereby creating more serene, spacious, and visually stimulating environments for occupants. #LivingRoom #InteriorDesign #Architecture #Interiors #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #ResidentialArchitecture

Homeowners often envision various upgrades for their living rooms, inspired by current trends that might include bold colors, built-ins, or statement furniture pieces. However, many of these initially appealing choices can lead to regret when they fail to balance design with long-term usability and practicality. To avoid financial missteps and ensure lasting satisfaction, it is crucial to consider the potential pitfalls of popular living room upgrades before implementation. One common source of regret identified by experts is the excessive use of open-concept layouts. While these designs can maximize space and light, they often lead to a lack of defined zones and privacy, making the space feel unrelaxing for families with diverse needs or for entertaining guests. Partial walls, room dividers, or strategic furniture placement can offer a compromise, preserving an open feel while delineating distinct areas. Another frequently regretted choice involves bold colors and wallpaper. While vibrant hues can initially appear exciting and stylish, they can quickly become overwhelming, limit flexibility in accessorizing, and may become outdated, leading homeowners to wish they had opted for more timeless choices. Experts suggest incorporating bold colors through easily replaceable accessories like lamps or rugs, rather than committing to large, permanent features. Similarly, statement wallpapers, though initially striking, can become tiresome over time. Oversized furniture also frequently appears on the list of regrettable upgrades. While a large sectional or grand piece may seem inviting, cramming it into a small space can create a cluttered, uncomfortable environment. Prioritizing functionality and flow over excessive seating, and choosing appropriately sized furniture, is essential. Modular and multifunctional pieces can provide comfort without sacrificing space or aesthetics. Open shelving, while aesthetically pleasing in curated displays, often proves impractical for actual storage needs. Without meticulous organization, these shelves can quickly become cluttered, defeating their visual purpose. A balanced approach using a mix of open and closed storage is often recommended to combine style and functionality effectively. The pursuit of extreme minimalism can also lead to regret. While a sleek, ultra-modern look is desirable for some, an overly minimalist living room can lack warmth and personality, sacrificing coziness. The solution lies in balancing clean lines with elements that introduce warmth, such as wood accents, plush upholstery, or ambient lighting. Wall-to-wall carpeting, despite offering warmth and luxury, can be a high-maintenance and costly installation. It can become stained and worn in high-traffic areas or homes with children and pets, requiring significant effort for deep cleaning. Area rugs, which are easier to clean and replace, offer a more flexible alternative. Poorly planned lighting is another significant source of homeowner regret. Inadequate or poorly placed lighting can make a well-designed room feel gloomy and unwelcoming. Beyond aesthetic choices in light fixtures, the placement of lights and electrical outlets is crucial for creating a layered and inviting atmosphere that includes task, ambient, and accent lighting. Dark colors, while elegant, can make a living room feel smaller, more enclosed, and cold, especially in spaces with limited natural light. Similar to bold colors, dark palettes can quickly lose their appeal and contribute to a gloomy ambiance. Finally, investing in built-in technology for entertainment, such as projectors or integrated speakers, often results in regret. Technology evolves rapidly, rendering costly built-in systems obsolete within a few years and making future upgrades difficult. Flexible, easily replaceable technology is a more practical approach. In essence, the key to avoiding regret in living room upgrades lies in balancing current trends with timeless functionality, personal lifestyle needs, and careful consideration of long-term practicality and maintenance. #LivingRoomDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecorMistakes #OpenConceptLiving #FurnitureSelection #LightingDesign #ColorSchemes #SmartHomeTechnology

Living rooms, being central to entertaining guests, often receive significant attention during decorating. However, even well-intentioned efforts can result in subtle design errors that disrupt the space's flow and balance. These common mistakes, ranging from overly coordinated decor to improper furniture placement or a lack of natural elements, can make a room feel uninspired or less inviting. Interior designers identify specific issues and offer practical solutions to help create a more stylish and cohesive living environment. One prevalent mistake is over-coordinating cushions. While matching scatter cushions may seem appealing, designers argue that this approach can make a sofa and the entire room feel generic and flat. Instead, it is recommended to introduce variety by mixing cushions with contrasting colors, patterns, and textures. This layering technique adds depth and character, making the sofa and the room appear more dynamic and welcoming. By avoiding a strictly matchy-matchy aesthetic, the living space gains a more curated and interesting look. Another common pitfall is neglecting to accurately measure furniture before purchasing. When selecting large items such as sofas, armchairs, or bookcases, individuals often prioritize style and color over practical dimensions. This oversight can lead to furniture pieces that are either awkwardly oversized, dominating the space, or disappointingly small, failing to fill their intended area. Interior designers advise measuring dimensions twice and purchasing once, also considering tricky angles for fitting furniture to avoid installation difficulties. The absence of greenery is another frequently observed error. While books, candles, and vases are popular choices for styling, plants and flowers are often overlooked as essential finishing touches. Incorporating layered greenery, such as a tall floor plant, a small succulent on a coffee table, and seasonal blooms, can add color, texture, and a sense of vitality to a living space. Beyond aesthetics, some plants also contribute to air purification, enhancing the overall well-being of the room. Mounting a TV too high is a practical design mistake that can negatively impact viewing comfort and room aesthetics. While wall-mounting saves floor space and promotes a streamlined look, an improperly positioned television can cause neck strain and disrupt the room's visual proportions. The ideal viewing height is typically at or slightly below eye level when seated. Therefore, measuring seating height and viewing distance before installation is crucial for optimal placement. Finally, relying on a single light source is a common mistake that prevents a living room from feeling truly cozy and inviting. A single ceiling light can make a room appear flat and cold. To achieve warmth and ambiance, a layered lighting scheme is recommended. This involves combining task and accent lighting through various sources such as table lamps, wall sconces, and candles. Additionally, picture lights can highlight artwork or architectural details, adding an elevated and considered touch to the room's design. These deliberate lighting choices contribute significantly to the overall mood and functionality of the living space. #LivingRoomDesign #InteriorDecorating #HomeStyling #FurniturePlacement #LightingDesign #GreeneryInDesign #SpacePlanning

The article explores the concept of renovating existing spaces within a home's current footprint as an alternative to large-scale constructions. It highlights how rethinking spatial planning can lead to transformative results, improving functionality, flow, and the overall sense of space and efficiency in a home. The focus is on making the most of what a homeowner already has, rather than expanding outwards or upwards, which often involves significant budgets and extensive works. Interior designers Sonia Simpfendorfer of Nexus Designs and Natasha Levak provide insights and practical advice on enhancing living spaces. Simpfendorfer emphasizes that effective spatial planning ensures optimal natural light distribution, improves functionality, and simplifies daily living. She stresses the importance of considering movement within and through a space. Levak adds that a clever floor plan eliminates wasted space, making interiors both practical and aesthetically pleasing. These experts suggest that significant improvements can often be achieved by simple actions such as removing a wall or repurposing an under-utilized area, rather than complex structural changes. They also point out that sometimes, careful furniture placement alone can dramatically improve access, flow, and orientation within a room. The article delves into specific design tips for three key areas of the home: the living room, dining room, and main bedroom. For living rooms, selecting appropriately scaled furniture is crucial; large modular sofas can be too dominant, while combinations of armchairs, standard three-seater sofas, and roaming ottomans offer better space utilization and seating capacity. Anchoring furniture groups with rugs, sized correctly to extend partially under seating, helps define open-plan spaces. TV placement should allow for easy viewing without overwhelming the room, and furniture orientation should consider both the TV and potential outdoor views. In smaller living areas, delicate furniture with raised legs creates an illusion of greater space. The arrangement of seating for conversation is also addressed, suggesting right-angle placements over direct oppositions for better flow. For dining rooms, the article advises considering the interaction with other rooms, daily dining needs, and entertaining requirements. In confined spaces, extendable and slim dining tables are recommended for versatility. When using a rug in the dining area, a minimum of 90cm should be allowed from the table edge to the rug edge to accommodate chair movement. Table width recommendations suggest at least 1.1m for practical placement of platters. Oval and elliptical tables are favored for promoting conversation, while round tables work well in square rooms but require careful sizing to prevent wasted central space. Lighting is highlighted as a critical element, with low-hanging, adjustable, and dimmable fixtures suggested to create intimate atmospheres. Regarding the main bedroom, the importance of good design for an uplifting start to the day is stressed, particularly orientation towards natural light and views. Optimal bed positioning is opposite the door, with at least 75cm of circulation space around it. Proportionate bedside tables are essential to balance the bed's scale. In tight spaces, wall lights can replace table lamps, and bed bases with integrated storage are practical. For bedrooms with ensuites, the toilet should be discreetly located, with more luxurious fittings like baths or vanity sinks placed in direct view upon entry. A door separating the bedroom and ensuite is recommended for privacy and to mitigate steam. Finally, the article touches upon the costs associated with removing an interior wall. It outlines the need for an engineer to assess if the wall is load-bearing, which can incur costs between $500 and $2000 for assessment and documentation. The demolition and potential installation of a steel beam, along with plastering, rendering, carpentry, painting, and electrical work, are estimated to cost less than $5000. These costs are contingent on the wall's size and structure, differentiating between brick and timber frame constructions. #Renovating #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SpatialPlanning #LivingRoomDesign #DiningRoomDesign #BedroomDesign #HomeImprovement #RenovationTips

The article details the transformation of a conservatory in a historic home by Design Alchemy, a design team comprising Deborah Costa and Kristine Renee. The conservatory, originally an addition from a previous renovation, suffered from an unattractive HVAC bump-out and a dated circular column that could not be removed. The designers aimed to create a sophisticated yet approachable space, focusing on integrating these less desirable features into the overall design while emphasizing a musical theme, complete with a piano. Key design interventions included concealing ductwork within a wall of cabinetry, which also provided additional storage and camouflaged an interior window. The problematic circular column was cleverly converted into a high-top bar, suitable for impromptu cocktail parties. This approach allowed the designers to make previous architectural limitations appear intentional and functional, contributing to the room's elegant and rhythmic flow. The overall aesthetic embraced impactful color choices to elevate the space. The conservatory features distinct areas, including a sitting area designed to maximize the panoramic garden views. This area is furnished with identical sofas from Lee Industries, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere. The tented ceiling of the room was highlighted for its acoustic benefits, enhancing the musical theme. Remote-operated bulbs were utilized for lighting, addressing the lack of electrical hardwiring in the space. Another functional zone is the pantry, where floating shelves were installed to disguise existing interior windows, transforming them into purposeful design elements. The cabinetry, supplied by Trim Tech Designs with inserts from Architectural Grille, not only conceals ductwork but also offers storage for items like records and sheet music, and houses a Zephyr Beverage Cooler. A bar shelf further integrates the load-bearing column into the room's design. The dining booth, positioned in a corner of the conservatory, features a banquette by Lee Industries and a table by Serena & Lily, designed for more intimate conversations. This solution addressed the challenge of working with an irregular layout that lacked many straight walls. The article concludes by listing the specific brands and products used throughout the conservatory, including furniture from Lee Industries and Serena & Lily, rugs from Fibreworks, paints from Farrow & Ball, and lighting from Visual Comfort, providing a comprehensive overview of the design elements. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #ConservatoryDesign #SpaceTransformation #DesignAlchemy #HomeDecor #LuxuryInteriors

This article details the transformation of a 1950s split-level home's living room in Centerport, Long Island, owned by designers Adam and Kara Mendelsohn. After living in the home for eight years and furnishing it with a mix of existing pieces and hand-me-downs, the couple decided to update the space to better reflect their personalities and accommodate their two growing children. They enlisted interior designer Jeanne Campana to help create a family-friendly room that blended smart function with sophisticated style. Before the renovation, the living room was characterized by mustard yellow walls and a disjointed collection of furniture. Kara Mendelsohn described the house as lacking architectural details, feeling like a literal box, which made the space feel flat despite its desirable location and school district. The initial layout and decor did not provide the depth or character the family desired. Campana's design strategy focused on introducing architectural interest and creating a cohesive, family-friendly environment. A key change involved highlighting the fireplace by adding built-in shelves on either side. These shelves provided dedicated space for displaying framed family photos, books, and travel mementos, addressing the couple's desire to showcase personal items stylishly. Classic woodwork, including molding around doorways and decorative ceiling molding, was incorporated to add architectural depth and character, moving away from the previously flat aesthetic. The color palette and materials selection were carefully considered to achieve a neutral yet sophisticated look. Based on inspiration images gathered by Kara, Campana opted for earthy, organic gray walls complemented by white trim, which accentuated the new architectural details. This neutral backdrop was chosen for its versatility, allowing the family to easily change decorative accents seasonally. The furniture arrangement was also critical; two matching roll-arm sofas, upholstered in washable high-performance fabric, were placed directly across from each other with a glass-top coffee table in between. This layout maximized seating, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all family members. The Mendelsohns were keen on finding stylish yet affordable pieces. They sourced furniture from chain stores and online retailers, emphasizing comfort and practicality without excessive spending. A neutral sisal rug was added to ground the seating area and provide warmth, while end tables offered additional storage. A tall bookcase with an antique gold finish and a Hollywood Regency design added a touch of elegance near the entryway. Customization was also a feature, with the existing glass-top coffee table being converted into a shadow box to display Adam’s eyewear designs, seashells, and other personal mementos, serving as a unique conversation starter. Practical solutions were integrated throughout the design. The built-in bookcases included closed cabinets to conceal TV equipment, game consoles, and family photo albums. A large bay window was retained for natural light, with its frame repainted to match the new trim. Two ottomans, upholstered in ikat fabric, were placed under a console table below the window, offering flexible additional seating. Solid light blue cotton-linen throw pillows and custom throw pillows enhanced the comfort of the sofas. Lighting was addressed with a striking gold-finish iron orb chandelier for overhead illumination and a table lamp for task lighting at Kara’s desk area. Kara’s workspace, previously at the kitchen table, was improved with a dedicated desk, a comfortable zebra-print padded chair, and a gold-framed pinboard. Overall, the renovation successfully transformed a previously disjointed and architecturally bland living room into a sophisticated, functional, and personalized space that better suited the Mendelsohn family’s lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. #LivingRoomDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FamilyFriendly #ArchitecturalDetails #NeutralPalette #SuburbanHome #CustomFurniture #StorageSolutions

Redecorating a living room can be a daunting task, whether one is looking for a seasonal refresh or a complete overhaul. To simplify the process and provide actionable advice, interior designer Roxi Zeeman offers a comprehensive guide covering essential steps from initial planning to final touches. Her methodology emphasizes a structured approach, ensuring that homeowners can achieve their desired aesthetic without feeling overwhelmed. The initial and most critical step, according to Zeeman, is to establish a realistic budget. This foundational element helps maintain focus throughout the project and guides purchasing decisions. While the budget may evolve, having a starting point prevents overspending and helps in selecting appropriate retailers, ranging from high-end shops like The Conran Shop to more accessible options like Ikea. Following budget planning, creating a detailed floor plan is crucial. This step involves mapping out the furniture layout before making any purchases, preventing issues such as buying a sofa that doesn't fit the space. A floor plan helps visualize the placement of large items and identify empty areas that could benefit from additions like wall art or plants, thereby reducing feelings of being overwhelmed. Understanding the room's primary purpose is another vital consideration. Zeeman advises homeowners to think about how the living room will be used—whether it's for entertainment, a cozy family space, or a combination of both. This clarity ensures that the design remains functional and practical for years to come. Once the purpose is clear, curating an inspiration board becomes an enjoyable and effective way to gather ideas. This can involve collecting images from magazines, Pinterest, or even drawing inspiration from past travel experiences, hotels, and restaurants. These visual aids help in visualizing colors, textures, and shapes, and can evoke emotions that contribute to a personalized home environment. Social media platforms like Instagram also serve as valuable resources for discovering new ideas and designers. Prioritizing big decisions is the next logical step. Investment items, such as a fireplace or a new sofa set, should be chosen early in the process. Once these major elements are decided, the homeowner can then focus on layering decorative items, textures, and lighting. Zeeman specifically suggests incorporating lighting at eye level, using wall sconces, table lamps, or floor lamps, rather than relying solely on ceiling lights, to create a more inviting atmosphere. The final step in Zeeman’s redecoration guide is selecting the paint color. Contrary to popular belief, paint color should be chosen after all other elements have been finalized. This ensures that the wall color complements the furniture, rugs, cushions, throws, and artwork. After choosing the main wall color, attention should be given to the woodwork, including skirting boards, doors, architraves, and ceilings. Opting for a contrasting color, plain white, or matching the woodwork to the walls can significantly alter the room's overall look. By following these expert tips, homeowners can embark on their living room redecoration with confidence, creating a space that is both beautiful and functional. #LivingRoomDecor #InteriorDesignTips #HomeRedecoration #BudgetPlanning #FloorPlan #InspirationBoard #PaintColorSelection #FurnitureLayout #RoxiZeeman

This article showcases various home remodeling and interior design trends as implemented by Louisville Handyman & Remodeling. It highlights practical and aesthetic choices for different areas of a home, including bathrooms and kitchens, and discusses material selections and design philosophies. The remodeling projects emphasize both functionality and modern aesthetics, with a focus on creating cohesive and updated living spaces. In bathroom remodels, large-format tiles are gaining traction, offering a sleek and contemporary look. Another significant trend is the replacement of traditional bathtubs with larger, more accommodating showers in primary bathrooms, optimizing space and catering to current preferences. Barn doors are frequently incorporated into bathroom designs, serving to conceal walk-in closets while maintaining easy accessibility, adding a rustic yet modern touch. The overall design often leans towards monochromatic hues, providing a serene and unified visual appeal. Kitchen remodels demonstrate a preference for materials like quartz, used for both countertops and backsplashes to create a continuous and harmonious surface. This material is lauded for its popularity, affordability, and ease of cleaning, making it a practical choice for busy kitchens. To enhance the aesthetic and functional integration, under-cabinet outlets are utilized to avoid disrupting the quartz backsplash, maintaining a clean and uninterrupted visual line. Cabinetry design prioritizes accessibility, with drawers being a common feature for storing pots and pans, simplifying kitchen organization. Color coordination is also evident, as seen in instances where black island bases match beverage centers, contributing to a cohesive and intentional design scheme. The integration of new kitchen elements with existing furniture is also a key consideration, ensuring the remodeled space feels like a natural extension of the home. Flooring options also receive attention, with luxury vinyl plank being presented as a durable and cost-effective alternative to hardwood. This material offers a similar aesthetic appeal at a more accessible price point, making it a popular choice for homeowners seeking both beauty and practicality. The article also touches upon the design process, mentioning the use of professional home design software like Chief Architect, which enables homeowners to visualize 3D renderings of their remodels before final approval. This technology aids in decision-making and ensures client satisfaction by providing a clear preview of the anticipated outcome. The featured remodels by Louisville Handyman & Remodeling underscore an approach that combines current design trends with practical considerations, aiming to create stylish, functional, and integrated home environments. #HomeRemodel #InteriorDesign #LouisvilleHandyman #BathroomRemodel #KitchenRemodel #QuartzCountertops #LuxuryVinylPlank #BarnDoors #HomeDesignTrends

Jennifer Crystal Foley and her husband, Mike, hired interior designer Liza Reyes for their 1930s Hancock Park, Los Angeles home renovation. While the exterior, subject to local council review, largely remained unchanged, the interior was slated for modernization. Reyes, however, acted as a "protector of the house," advocating for the preservation of many original details in the front half, such as dining room ceiling moldings and ornate iron balusters, a sentiment the Foleys shared. In the foyer, Reyes initially envisioned a grand round table with an oversized vase, a "quintessential entryway." However, due to space constraints and the room's curved walls, she opted for a custom oak floating shelf by local furniture maker Taidgh O’Neill. This provided a practical spot for keys and phones for the Foleys and their two daughters, Ella and Dylan. On the opposite wall, Reyes thoughtfully displayed nutshell ankle shakers, a memento from the Foleys’ trip to Zambia, evoking cherished travel memories upon entering the home. Despite the absence of a console, Reyes commissioned a bespoke rug from Mexico-based company Mestiz, entrusting its creator, Daniel Valero, with minimal input beyond color proofs and a concept photo of a bird. The kitchen design, a collaboration with architect Daniel Rodriguez, incorporated Reyes’s signature rules: paneled dishwashers and pull-out trash cans to seamlessly integrate with white oak cabinetry, and dedicated storage for cookbooks within the island. A central stove was a key feature, specifically requested by Mike, the primary cook. This design allowed him to engage with family and guests while cooking, with convenient drawers for utensils and cookware flanking the stove. The kitchen's perimeter was finished with pietra cardosa, a durable and acid-resistant stone, chosen for its aesthetic appeal and low maintenance. Mike expressed his daily enjoyment of the kitchen, particularly when entertaining. An upholstered window bench around a corner was strategically placed as the first focal point upon entering the house. While it serves as a comfortable spot for reading or relaxing, Jennifer humorously noted its practical use as an excellent laundry-folding station. The primary bathroom features a vanity with a dip, originally intended for Jennifer to apply makeup, but in practice, it provides extra space for skincare products, with a ledge naturally dividing the space for Mike. The family room boasts a gallery wall that blends intentional design with spontaneity. Reyes curated the family’s artwork, including children's creations and pieces by Jennifer's great-uncle, artist Bernhardt Crystal. She created paper mock-ups to plan the layout and frame dimensions. Jennifer appreciated the unexpected combination of their baby pictures with their daughters' art, describing it as an "art quilt" of their family, highlighting the personal and sentimental aspects of the home's decor. The article showcases a home that balances historical preservation with modern living, reflecting the family's personality and practical needs. #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #LAHome #Renovation #LizaReyesDesign #CustomFurniture #KitchenDesign #WindowSeat #GalleryWall

The McGee Home Refresh details the second phase of design updates made to Shea McGee's family residence in Salt Lake City, Utah, serving as a practical design laboratory. The article outlines various enhancements across different areas of the home, focusing on adding layers, textures, and character to the existing structure. Each section discusses the specific changes and the designer's rationale behind them. For the exterior, the refresh aimed to create a timeless appearance. While the home initially featured classic lime-painted brick and stone, new elements were introduced to enhance its character. These additions included a columned porch with a copper roof, stepped flairs and decorative vents on the brick, custom bifold shutters for upper windows, curved garden walls, a bluestone walkway, an oval window, and gas lanterns. These details were chosen to make the relatively new build blend seamlessly with a neighborhood that features both old and new architecture. In the entryway, functionality and aesthetics were balanced. A vintage chest was incorporated to provide hidden storage for everyday items like socks and toothbrushes. A key aesthetic change involved mirroring the living room's plastered brick technique onto the entryway's brick, adding warmth and texture and creating a cohesive visual flow between the two adjoining spaces. The living room refresh focused on adding architectural interest, deeper tones, and varied textures. Structural modifications included plastering the brick fireplace, adding tongue and groove paneling to the ceiling, and installing a curved opening to separate the living room from the staircase, echoing the exterior's brick elements. This space also served as a testing ground for new McGee & Co. products and allowed for the display of Shea's antique collections. The dining room was enhanced to introduce visual drama and better define its space. Half walls with sidelights were added to provide separation from the open-plan kitchen without completely closing off the flow. This, combined with the existing coffered ceiling, gave the room a more refined and distinct feel. Pierre Frey wallpaper, featuring a growing pattern, was applied to the walls, and the furniture consisted of a mix of new and existing pieces, including the Orville Extension Dining Table from McGee & Co. and affordable cushions from their Target collection. The pantry refresh primarily involved a paint color change to create a moodier, more personalized atmosphere. Green shades from the dining room wallpaper were extended into the pantry, with "Inspiration" by Portola Paints used on all cabinetry to add character to the small, windowless space. In the primary bedroom, the refresh was largely a furniture and styling swap. New McGee & Co. pieces, such as the Walt Bed in praline velvet, the Philippa Settee, and the Tali Burl Wood Dresser, were introduced, allowing Shea to test products in a lived-in environment. Wren's room, belonging to the oldest daughter, received subtle updates to reflect her evolving personality. Key changes included a Roslin Hand-Knotted Wool Rug and new bedding like the Briony Gauze Quilt and Inger Gauze Coverlet. Ottomans were swapped for more mature Channel Ottomans, and a woven bistro chair replaced a vintage chair, paired with a ruffle cushion. Ivy's room, for the younger daughter, focused on incorporating patterns. Willow Boughs wallpaper by Morris & Co. was used, complemented by the Pimpernel Wallpaper in the adjoining bathroom. Furniture remained largely the same, with the addition of the Prudence Chair in mohair velvet and the Mackenna Dresser. Styling elements like the Tess Ceramic Table Lamp and Neutral Swan artwork completed the refresh. Finally, the upstairs nook was restyled to add depth and warmth. A vintage tapestry found at an online auction was paired with the Clemence Chair and Goodrich Side Table from McGee & Co., transforming what was once a simple bench into a cozy and inviting corner. The McGee Home Refresh showcases a thoughtful approach to evolving a home's design over time, emphasizing layering, texture, and personal touches. #HomeRefresh #InteriorDesign #ExteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RoomTransformation #DesignProcess #ArchitecturalInterest #FurnitureStyling #StudioMcGee

The article details the transformation of a 2003 family home in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, from a spacious but architecturally featureless property into a luxurious and personality-filled residence. Interior designers Mollie Ranize and Kim Serani of Dmar Interiors spearheaded the renovation, focusing on integrating character and style through various design interventions. The project involved replacing flooring, updating lighting, introducing new paneling and wall treatments, and adding two new staircases. One key aspect of the redesign was highlighting existing valuable features. The great room, for instance, possessed a double-height arched window, which was previously underutilized. Mollie Ranize capitalized on this by installing custom window treatments that extended from floor to ceiling, drawing the eye upwards and emphasizing the expansive backyard view. To infuse warmth and personality into the home, the designers focused on the homeowners' preferences for a modern yet warm aesthetic with glamorous touches, while ensuring it remained family-friendly and sophisticated. This was achieved through the selection of textured upholstered pieces and a consistent color palette, applied with varying saturation levels across different areas to create a pleasant flow and connection throughout the home. A significant transformation occurred in the dining room, where boldness and drama were introduced through custom wall treatments. A full drywall wall became a focal point with hand-antiqued mirror panels, flanked by black-painted custom wood slats with subtle spacing for depth. An accent ceiling with wallpaper and integrated lighting further enhanced the luxurious and dramatic effect, complemented by an oversized chandelier and statement wall sconces. Targeted improvements were made to existing furnishings, particularly in the kitchen. Recognizing the solid quality of the existing cabinets, Mollie opted for strategic updates rather than a complete overhaul. This included replacing the extractor hood, painting the cabinets, adding new quartz countertops, installing a patterned ceramic backsplash, and updating cabinetry hardware. These specific enhancements significantly elevated the kitchen's aesthetic and added personality. The kitchen island, often a central feature, was entirely replaced to provide an instant style upgrade and enhanced functionality. The old island, with an unnecessary second sink and an outdated design, was swapped for a new custom-built island. This new island offered more functional storage and expanded seating for four counter stools, improving the kitchen's utility and appearance. New flooring was a critical element in establishing a sense of flow throughout the home. The original great room had parquet flooring that did not extend into the family room or adjoining spaces. The designers unified the flooring by installing a beautiful mid-tone engineered white oak floor, adding warmth and movement that connected the various living areas harmoniously. Simple upgrades were also applied to elevate tired spaces, such as the home bar. While retaining the existing bar cabinetry for its masculine touch, Mollie updated it with black quartz countertops, a marble backsplash with brass inlay, new brass hardware, a new faucet, and three new pendant lights. This approach of applying luxurious touches to functional areas can be replicated in other utility spaces like pantries, laundry rooms, mudrooms, or powder rooms. The entryway, foyer, and staircase underwent a dramatic transformation from a dark and dated space into a luxurious and personality-filled area. The designers removed ornate and heavy railing systems, stone flooring, and purely ornamental columns. They then created a custom marble tile pattern for the floor, softened the walls with molding, rebuilt the staircase with stained wood treads and white risers, and relocated an oversized crystal chandelier from the great room. A clean-lined railing completed the grand staircase, contributing to an elegant and impactful entrance. Finally, the primary bedroom was updated to create a calm and luxurious sanctuary. This involved removing columns, installing consistent engineered wood plank flooring, replacing light fixtures, and painting all walls and ceilings. New furnishings and custom window treatments were then layered in, resulting in a contemporary feel with pared-back glamour that matched the overall luxurious aesthetic of the redesigned home. #HomeRedesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryInteriors #ArchitecturalCharm #HomeRenovation #KitchenUpdate #FoyerDesign #BedroomSanctuary #DmarInteriors

This article details the design choices made in an 8,000-square-foot new build in Alberta, Canada, owned by Rebecca and Brad Mclean. Designers Shannon McClelland and Brianna Hughes of Ministry of Interiors were brought in to infuse character into the newly constructed home, drawing inspiration from old-world European design. A key feature of the home is a glass atrium, which, while not part of the initial plans, was incorporated off the large foyer after Rebecca Mclean's insistence, requiring significant engineering adjustments. This sun-filled enclosure ultimately became a beloved element of the home. The design strategy involved juxtaposing traditional elements with modern twists. For instance, wrought-iron black doors are paired with a funky powder bathroom featuring reeded wainscoting painted in Farrow & Ball’s Bancha green, a pink stone vanity, and Technicolor marble herringbone floors. The kitchen, designed to be classic, rich, timeless, and French-inspired, features matte black cabinets and thin door profiles, providing a sense of heft and depth to the open-concept space. Calacatta Paonazzo marble was used extensively for countertops, the island, range hood, and backsplash, chosen by Mclean herself. The living and dining areas are illuminated by south-facing, floor-to-ceiling, double-height windows. A unique design element is the interior limestone wall, which matches the home's exterior siding, bringing the outdoors in. Porcelain Bocci light fixtures cascading down the stairs soften the robust look of the stone, and the fireplace is finished with a clay coating for an organic feel. The lower level of the home defies typical basement design, featuring a media zone clad in black porcelain terrazzo tiles from Julian, which helps integrate the TV into the decor. This level also includes a bar and secondary kitchen with a soapstone island and a fish-scale tile backsplash, strategically placed near a movie theater to allow for simultaneous viewing and entertaining. In the main bedroom, the designers opted for a rich, non-traditional color scheme, utilizing Benjamin Moore’s Salamander green for the walls, ceiling, and molding to create an enveloping effect. This bold color choice is balanced by the room's expansive windows and size. The children's shared bedroom strikes a lighter note with a decorative rock wall and a lofted play space, decorated in a dinosaur theme. The kids' bathroom features a unique falling block tile design by Clé called Diamond Twist, subtly referencing the climbing wall in the adjacent room, complemented by white accents like a terrazzo shower wall and matte plumbing fixtures to maintain a modern aesthetic. Throughout the process, Mclean found that trusting her initial design instincts proved most effective in keeping the project on track. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ModernHome #KitchenDesign #BedroomDesign #ColorPalette #LuxuryHome #ArchitecturalFeatures #Renovation

Heidi Lachapelle and Katie Judkins, co-founders of Heidi Lachapelle Interiors, undertook a rapid six-month renovation of a summer home in Georgetown, Maine, for a Brooklyn-based family. Despite the tight deadline, the designers were confident, noting the house's early 2000s construction with historical-inspired details like wood paneling, French doors, and thick window trim. The homeowners provided broad creative freedom, allowing the team to meet a July Fourth deadline. The initial focus was on optimizing the home's flow, which involved removing columns in the dining room, closing off a living room wall, and adding a full bathroom on the third floor. Beyond structural changes, a new paint palette, modern light fixtures, and updated furniture were key to transforming the house's appearance, making it feel more cohesive and polished. The kitchen's original layout was inefficient due to widely spaced appliances. Lachapelle and Judkins reconfigured the space to establish a functional "kitchen work triangle" by moving the sink to a new island and centering the range across from it. The refrigerator remained in its position but was paneled to integrate with the new cabinetry. A second window was added to the north-facing room to maximize natural light. In the dining area, a large yellow cabinet with a walnut countertop was incorporated to serve as a coffee bar, blending the look of furniture with practical functionality. To contrast the home's existing cottage-style elements such as a Dutch door, shiplap paneling, and antique storage, modern light fixtures like Workstead's sky blue Bole Pendant were chosen. The living room's transformation included closing off a doorway that led to the hall, which had little functional purpose. This alteration expanded the furniture layout possibilities, allowing for a daybed, armchairs, a sofa, and a games table. The abundance of seating provided an opportunity to introduce more color and pattern into the room. For the primary bedroom, the designers opted for a single hue, using Farrow & Ball’s Stony Ground paint, to create a serene and ethereal atmosphere, minimizing contrasting trim. Complementary elements included a sofa upholstered in Schumacher’s Tree of Life fabric and an olive green rug. Guest bedrooms also benefited from a "color drenching" technique, where walls and existing woodwork were painted in the same shade, such as Farrow & Ball's Mizzle, creating a visually calmer and budget-friendly refresh. In the primary bathroom, a small pedestal sink was replaced with a double vanity to better utilize the generous space. The shower stall, previously an unintegrated element, was made more purposeful by creating symmetrical openings for both the shower and the water closet. The shower was then clad in 12x24 inch Calacatta Viola marble tile, matching the vanity countertops. For the children's rooms, a timeless approach was taken. The nursery featured whimsical yet age-appropriate wallpaper, Soane’s Wilton Vine in Azure, which, combined with painted floors, created an airy and clean look. In the third-floor bunk room, existing paneling inspired the construction of four permanent twin beds, which freed up floor space for play and allowed the mattresses to double as daybeds. This integration of sleeping and lounging areas made the room feel more purposeful and was a particularly satisfying completion given the project's tight deadline. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #MaineHome #KitchenRemodel #LivingRoomDesign #BedroomRefresh #BathroomRenovation #KidsRooms #BeforeAndAfter

The article discusses the obsolescence of formal living rooms in modern homes, according to insights from over 15 interior designers. Historically, a formal living room was an elegant space for entertaining, typically furnished with high-end items and reserved for adult gatherings or special holidays, distinct from the more casual family room. However, contemporary lifestyles have rendered these spaces largely unused, transforming them into what designers describe as "museum spaces that gather dust." Designers Nancy Davilman of ND Interiors and Olivia Botrie of Dart Studio both highlight the significant investment often made in decorating formal living rooms, contrasting it with their minimal utilization. Davilman notes that the formal living room is a relic from a past era, cherished and protected but no longer aligned with today's more casual societal norms. Even clients with young children who initially request an "adult space" for themselves often find they rarely use it, preferring to congregate in kitchens, around islands, or in more casual great rooms, as pointed out by Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley. Despite the decline of the traditional formal living room, the article clarifies that this does not preclude having multiple distinct living areas within a home. Instead, interior designers advocate for a reimagining of these spaces to create more functional and regularly used rooms. Emily Rand of Emily Rand Interiors, for instance, suggests converting formal living rooms into practical areas such as bar rooms, cozy dens, or game rooms, which better serve the homeowners' needs. The emphasis is on designing multifunctional spaces that offer flexibility and can adapt to evolving daily life. Botrie reiterates this, suggesting that spaces designed to evolve, like a media lounge that can also function as a guest room, tend to be the most utilized. The overarching consensus among designers is to prioritize functionality and adaptability over outdated formality to ensure that every part of a home contributes meaningfully to modern living. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LivingRoomTrends #HomeRenovation #MultifunctionalSpaces #ModernLiving #DesignersOpinion