Every project is so unique and you just never know quite what to expect when you first start out. So when my clients, a fabulous couple we’ll call J&D, said they wanted color, I knew I was in for a fun adventure. And they were truly committed to color. They wanted to banish the beige of the new home they’d bought as empty nesters and create a space that was warm and inviting. Somewhere they could live and feel at home – somewhere that felt inspiring!
I’m not going to lie, in our initial meeting, when they were throwing out colors – blue, orange, red! – I was getting a little nervous. It’s doable, but pulling all those colors together can be difficult.
“Colors evoke feelings and if you’re limiting your palette, you just might be limiting your joy.”
Lauren Iannotti, Editor in Chief at Real Simple
The Rooms
This project encompassed four main spaces: the living room, the kitchen, the dining room, and the bedroom. This whole upper floor needed a little bit of personality. They were now empty nesters, so making these rooms their own, with character and functional areas that suited their new lifestyle, was a must.
And we had to start from the beginning.
Before
You can see the overwhelming color scheme here – the plain wood banister and monotone walls – and why J&D were ready for some color. We were also dealing with a closed-off floor plan that J&D wanted to open up. J&D were walking into this house as empty nesters, and they were ready to upgrade this home into a place that reflected who they are.
The Process
Just to list the things we had to do to create the home of J&D’s dreams, we had to: rip out carpeting, demo the fireplace, add additional recessed lighting, custom build a breakfast nook and cabinets, paint walls, update the railing, lower the island counter, add new cabinetry hardware, purchase custom furniture, and install window treatments that utilized their fantastic natural light.
This was a complete redesign involving construction that needed to renew their spirits when it was all said and done.
A Few Highlights
One of my favorite things to do is deliver something completely unexpected! So to make J&D’s home unique to them I dove into my creative tool box and pulled out some tricks that turned these rooms into the hub of the home.
Custom Breakfast Nook
We built the two cabinets flanking the breakfast table from scratch to specifically suit this space. They wanted an open feeling that is bright and welcoming. And what is more welcoming than an open floor plan (goodbye wall!) and a cozy breakfast nook? Once the wall was taken out, we updated the countertops (Quartz white ice) in the kitchen and painted the rest of the cabinets in a color called Online (SW 7072), and we updated the backsplash in a natural marble stone mosaic tile. This is now a practical and attractive kitchen that opens up into the living room so J&D can enjoy entertaining guests and family.
Hidden TV
Technology already takes up way too much space in our lives, and J&D were certain that they didn’t want their TV to be the centerpiece of their living room. So we hid it in plain sight. Can you see it? It’s hanging on the far wall, centered between floor-length curtains, disguised as a piece of art. This simple trick allowed us to integrate the TV into a clean and open living room where the plush cushions, statement chairs, art, and cozy vibes were the stars of the show.
Room to Dance
I don’t think we talk enough about making space for our hobbies in our homes. On a regular day, this room would probably go unused as a dining room, sunroom, or extra sitting room. But, convert it to an open space where J&D can practice their dancing, and you’ve got a practical, multi-use space! We honestly didn’t do much to this space besides installing custom valances, and adding nature inspired art but overall we wanted there to be enough room for them to Salsa, Cha-Cha, and Waltz. They compete as dancers, so you know this space will not go unused.
One of the best things about this room was its view. Right outside those massive windows was pure nature. There were no backyard neighbors to snoop (😂), so we chose leafy valance curtains that would display the view, let in as much light as possible, and play on the nature theme.
A Quick Look at the Bedroom
Blue is a calming color, so it’s perfect for bedrooms and areas where you want to relax. With new bedroom furniture, refreshed paint, lighting and accessories, it was transformed into a restful retreat. We think Refuge and Gossamer Veil from Sherwin-Williams were the perfect colors to achieve this aesthetic.
Shop the Details
Okay, so you’ve seen the pictures and you want it all! I completely understand. Here are a few items and details you can bring into your home to “get the look”!
Paint Colors:
The living room is painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Husky Orange (SW 6636). The Bedroom colors are Refuge (SW 6228) and Gossamer Veil (SW 9165), and the kitchen cabinets are painted with a color called Online (SW 7072)
Living Room Sofa and Chairs:
These are custom pieces from Bassett Furniture.
Living Room Chandelier:
The super cute and minimalist living room chandelier is the Dycus 6 – Light Sputnik Modern Linear Chandelier.
Other Lighting:
Other light features, such as those in the breakfast nook and dancing room area, are from Lighting New York.
Fantastic Art:
Art can be sourced from anywhere, but two of my favorite places to go for one-of-a-kind pieces are Leftbank Art and Minted. Both of these sites have a wide range of art from artists around the country and world, so you can find something to suit any taste (and you’re helping artists make a living!).
If you think your home is ready for a complete overhaul, let me know! I offer a free consultation so we can discuss the details and get your next project started.
Your partner in design,
This blog post may contain affiliate links, but I do not recommend products I don’t love and use!
