Grande Park Project : Modernizing a Living Room
A Fun and Thoughtful Design I just wrapped up a project that was such a joy to work on!
This client is one of my favorites—a returning one I’ve worked with before. In the past, I designed his office and made some upgrades to his family room and master bedroom. This time, he asked me to refresh and modernize his living room, and I couldn’t wait to dive in!
Why This Project Stood Out One of the things that made this project so smooth and enjoyable was how much my client trusted my vision. When clients step back and let me handle the details, it opens the door for creativity and truly magical results. Sometimes, the best approach is to let the designer do what they do best!
That said, every project comes with its own set of challenges, and this one was no exception.
Here’s what I kept in mind while designing:
What Guided My Design Choices
1. Cat-Friendly Materials: My client’s cat is adorable but has a big love for texture—so fabrics like boucle and sherpa, which cats can’t resist, were a no-go. I needed to choose upholstery that looked great, felt comfortable, and wouldn’t tempt little claws.
2. Future Flexibility: Since my client doesn’t plan to stay in this home forever, I avoided super unique pieces that might not work in another space. Instead, I chose timeless furniture with clean lines that could easily adapt to a future home.
3. Working Within a Budget: Every design project has a budget, and this one was no different. My goal was to make the most of every dollar while delivering a look that felt modern and elevated. The Final Design Here’s what we chose to make the space functional, stylish, and future-proof:
• Sofa: A linen performance fabric sofa that’s both durable and classic—perfect for a pet-friendly home.
• Accent Chairs & Ottomans: Velvet accent chairs and pouf ottomans to add a little luxury and texture without going overboard.
• Rug: A properly-sized area rug to ground the room and add warmth.
• Coffee Table: We kept his existing coffee table—it worked perfectly with the new look and helped save on the budget.
These pieces not only fit the space beautifully but are versatile enough to work in a different home if he decides to move in a few years.
Adding Personality with Color The walls were another highlight of this project. We brought in a beautiful blue paint color from the dining room, creating a nice flow between the spaces. To keep costs down, we skipped painting the trims and ceiling, which worked out perfectly since the rest of the house has the same trim color. It’s a great example of how being strategic with paint can save money without compromising style.
The Finishing Touches Of course, no room is complete without the details.
Here’s what brought it all together:
• A gorgeous olive tree for an organic, natural vibe.
• A sleek floor lamp to brighten the space and add style.
• Accessories that tied everything together and gave the room a personal, cozy feel.
The Result The final space feels modern, elegant, and timeless—exactly what my client was hoping for.
It’s simple yet elevated, with all the right touches to make it feel like home. Projects like this remind me why I love what I do. Trust and collaboration are key, and when clients give me the freedom to bring their vision to life, the results are always better!
What do you think of this transformation?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!