COUCH | CONSOLE | CHAIRS | POUFS
About a year ago I was asked by a reader if I ever took on design clients. I’ve done some consulting and design work here and there but usually don’t have the time for it. While I can put together a room for someone, I find it way more enjoyable and beneficial to them to work on a more personal level. I’ve slowly figured out how to do this whole interior design thing myself, and I really like sharing how I got here with others over just doing it for them. I grew up going to school with Sara, and though I didn’t know her very well, based on our Facebook friendship that sounds weird, but I’m sure you get it I thought it could be a good match. She’s someone who has style, but was having trouble translating that style into her own home – exactly where I started.
BASKET | LAMP | SIDE TABLE | COUCH
Sara and her husband, Grant, sold their home and after looking at some houses decided to build in a new neighborhood. They moved into a rental while they waited for the home to be built, and that chunk of time gave us a great opportunity to not rush the process. First we worked on pinpointing their personal style and how we could translate that into their home. Then we combed through the pieces they already had and figured out what was worth holding onto and what she should sell. Sara is not only an incredibly successful business woman and mother, she’s also quite thrifty. She Craigslisted like crazy to rid herself of things that didn’t bring her joy, and in turn we got to work buying things that we thought could be a great fit in their new home.
This home was to be a place for entertaining and hospitality, so seating and comfort were key. With three little boys of their own and tons of extended family, the main level needed to be tough and easy to maintain but still pretty.
I helped Sara source most of the big pieces before they got into the house, and then I brought in my friend, Laura, to help me with the styling and finishing touches. With an housewarming party scheduled a few weeks after they moved in, we wanted to ensure that the house felt like a home. In just a few days, Laura and I made a lot of runs to Homegoods, Target, and thrift stores to pull the first floor together.
We were drawn to the ocean blues and corals in the living room rug for the pillows and accessories, but the versatility will allow Sara to swap those our for cranberries, navy plaids, and buffalo checks in the fall.
The dining room is still missing some touches, but I love how it’s coming along. Sara got the table off of Craigslist and we had the chairs reupholstered in my favorite animal print. Her and her mom painted the room Farrow & Ball’s Railings shortly after moving in, and it helped define the space in this open concept while balancing out the curtains in the breakfast nook.
To bring symmetry to the off center patio door we installed a wall of charcoal curtains. I was concerned it might be a budget buster, but Laura managed to find these panels at IKEA (curtains and rod came in under $300!) and we just had them sewn together to make closing them at night a breeze. It makes the prettiest backdrop for the huge farmhouse table another Craigslist find and modern, brass chandelier at night.
While the main floor isn’t complete, it also doesn’t look like a home that was just built and moved into a few weeks ago. I’m such a believer in not rushing things and waiting for the perfect pieces to find you, so we’re doing just that. In the meantime this wonderful and deserving family is living in a space that reflects how they feel, and it brings me great joy to see that.
Next week I’ll talk more about the bones of the home, and the details we chose that will keep it feeling classic and timeless for years to come instead of time-stamped with “2016.”
CW says
Lovely! Where is the ottoman from?
themakerista@gmail.com says
It was a Craigslist find, isn’t it great? Perfect for 3 boys. 🙂
Emily says
It looks so beautiful! I love the seamless mix of modern with traditional. Where did you find that amazing rug?
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thank you, it was an Ebay find!
Sarah says
Do you recall what size rug you used for this space?
themakerista@gmail.com says
I believe this rug is about 8×10. It fits perfectly under the sectional, doesn’t it?
Michelle R. says
This is beautiful! Thank you for explaining why you chose certain items – it’s really helpful to understand the process and bring that into your own home.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Glad it was helpful, thanks for reading!
georgia jones says
Really, really nice! Love the use of color!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thank you, Georgia!
Mary says
Great tips and design! Where’s the rug from? It’s gorgeous!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Mary! It’s an eBay find, aren’t the colors incredible?
Kristen says
Beautiful! What a blessing for someone to move into a home that already feels like “them.”
themakerista@gmail.com says
It was such a great project to work on!
Sandra P says
Nice. Really nice!
kim-in-the-cove says
So modern and livable and personalized! I love it!
TNic says
This looks really nice! You did a great job styling the bookshelves!
Sarah says
Love it! Where is the ceiling fan from? I’m looking for an all-white one to (hopefully) blend into the ceiling in our family room
themakerista@gmail.com says
I believe it’s from Wilson Lighting. They were the place that the builder had the lighting allowance at. I always say simple and clean is best with fans!
Raphaela Cohee says
Gwen, you crazy genius you! I’ve been searching your website a lot recently because I need help with my new home! My husband and I just fully renovated an old 1955 home in Reno and we moved in 2 weeks ago. I love everything we have done so far (mainly restoration hardware furniture/lighting and a modern rustic design) but we are living in 50 shades of Grey!!! I can’t make any bold color accent decisions and I could really use your input on where to start. Is it possible to work together while I live in Reno? I need a rug, accent chair(s) and splashes of color to tie the whole piece together. Would you be interested? You could have some pretty sick before/after shots for the website because we were going to get it professionally photographed once we are complete. Hope to hear from you!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Hey you! Shoot me an email when you get a chance…themakerista(at)gmail(dot)com. So excited for you all!
Amy says
Wow the house looks great! Could you tell me where the couch is from? It looks like the ikea kick but is that a slip cover? I have a similar oriental rug and am thinking of doing a similar couch…
Thanks!
themakerista@gmail.com says
It is the KIVIK and it comes in this color! I think it’s called orssta dark blue?
Chrystal says
I have been wavering about installing a new light fixture over our dining table that was a different finish than the rest of my house until I saw the kitchen/dining room in this house. It was the inspiration I needed to finally pull the trigger. I also live in a “cookie cutter” house that I have been trying to give personality too since we moved in. This post was inspiring and refreshing because most blogs deal with changing a house that already exists rather than planning and giving personality to a new house.
themakerista@gmail.com says
So glad this was helpful, Chrystal and thanks so much for reading!
Jill says
I absolutely love this space! I’m also a Craigslist junkie and love that you found so many great pieces online.
Would you mind sharing the details of the wood floor? (Brand, color, etc.?) I live in the Kc area as well and am looking for a great neutral wood floor to put in our next house. Seeing it here with a space I love helps me visualize it so much better.
Thanks!
Jill
themakerista@gmail.com says
Hi Jill,
I apoligize for just getting back. The floors are the standar 2″ white oak and they are stained SW Library Oak. Good luck with your floors and thanks for reading!