THE TAILORED LIVING ROOM

This living room transformation proves you don’t always need all new furniture to achieve a fresh look. By reworking the layout, updating accessories, and refining the color palette, we gave this space a sophisticated, transitional style — elevated, timeless, and completely reimagined.

 

A FRESH TAKE ON A STUCK SPACE

Some spaces just feel harder to get right — even when the rest of your home comes together with ease. That was the case for this young couple, who had beautifully styled much of their home but felt completely stuck when it came to their living room.

They had great taste and an eye for design, but no matter what they tried, the space didn’t feel cohesive or finished. It was the room they used most — to relax, host friends, and unwind — and yet it never quite felt like them. That’s when they brought me in to help give the space a fresh, sophisticated direction.

 

STARTING WITH WHAT WORKED

One of the best things about this project was that we didn’t need to start from scratch. As you can see from the before photos below, their existing sofa and chairs were great quality and had timeless lines — they just needed a fresh supporting cast to help them shine. By keeping these larger furniture pieces, we were able to save significantly on the budget and shift our focus to the finishing details that would make the biggest visual impact.

 

SMALL CHANGES, BIG IMPACT

To elevate the room and bring in that layered, transitional look, we selected a new area rug, coffee table, and a beautiful wood hutch that added warmth and storage. A few updated accessories — like pillows, vases, and framed art — helped tie the palette together and bring personality back into the space.

But the most transformative change? The fireplace. I suggested we whitewash the existing brick to instantly brighten the room and give it a lighter, more modern feel. The result is a subtle focal point that blends beautifully with the new furnishings while still nodding to the home's original character.

 

A SPACE THEY NOW LOVE TO LIVE IN

What started as their most frustrating room is now their favorite. The living room feels cohesive, inviting, and elevated — a true reflection of their style and how they live. By blending what they already owned with intentional new pieces and design direction, we brought this space to life without starting over.

Sometimes, a space doesn’t need a full renovation — it just needs a new perspective.