Make Room for What Matters
Scope: Redesigned layout balances family and adult areas, integrates heirloom furniture, and styles with existing and new pieces. Proposes practical storage and entry solutions, refines colour palette, and sources select furnishings.
For this project, I worked with a couple with young children to redesign their semi-open living and dining space, aiming to support the evolving needs of a growing family. The design challenge was to create a functional and welcoming layout that accommodated both a dedicated children’s play area and a comfortable space for adult conversation, without compromising either area.
During our consultation, we also addressed how to incorporate a meaningful but challenging piece: a large heirloom grandfather clock that had been passed down through the family. It was previously tucked awkwardly in a corner, where it felt visually heavy and disconnected from the rest of the space.
By reworking the layout, we found the perfect placement—beside the sideboard and against the dark grey accent wall, where the clock’s warm wood tones now complement the surrounding furniture. Rather than feeling like an afterthought, the clock now feels like it truly belongs in the living room, adding both character and a sense of history to the space.
We worked with several existing pieces: a dark grey velvet sofa, an IKEA armchair, and the accent wall, building a cohesive design around those foundations. I proposed a shelving solution to enhance the underutilized dining nook and added a practical entryway storage concept to help manage daily clutter.
To unify the space, I introduced a rug that tied the colour palette together, along with black-accented coffee tables and cushions that brought warmth, contrast, and texture. The sofa was relocated beside the large window, creating a calm, sun-filled zone perfect for reading or family connection.
The children’s play area is now neatly tucked to the side—still accessible, but no longer the first thing you see when entering. This arrangement allows the space to feel calm, balanced, and ready for both everyday family life and adult gatherings.
The clients were thrilled with the transformation—a space that finally feels intentional, inviting, and uniquely theirs.
