Some homes have great bones–they just need the right story layered on top. That was the case for this Raleigh residence. Our clients had the structure, the square footage, and all the makings of a wonderful home–but they hadn’t quite nailed the overall feeling of the house. They weren’t interested in gutting the home or starting from scratch.
Instead, they craved a design that felt more intentional–more them. The goal was to create warmth and polish through thoughtful layers: cozy textures, clean lines, and curated moments that balanced function with personality. Every space needed to feel lived-in, not just styled. Elevated, but not precious in a way that can’t be related to.
To bring that vision to life, we approached the design in two phases. We started upstairs, transforming overlooked spaces into areas that now feel purposeful and inviting, and spent some time downstairs adding personal touches to the living room. Then we made our way downstairs, refining key moments throughout the main floor to create cohesion and comfort from the entryway to the half-bath. The result? A home that doesn’t just look beautiful–it feels right.
We began with the big rooms–transforming an empty bonus room, a dated sitting area, and the living room into functional, comfortable spaces for relaxing and entertaining.
The bonus room was completely empty with more echo than ambiance. We turned it into a warm, multifunctional space that invites everything from movie marathons to cocktail hour. A custom bar became the anchor, while layered textures, plush seating, and warm lighting gave the room its new identity: part lounge, part hangout, and part retreat. To create that “moody” bar feel, we carved out a distinct wet bar area with a stunning marble mosaic floor, custom cabinetry topped with a walnut countertop, and walnut floating shelves inlaid with lighting and precisely fitted on site. To further elevate the space, we added two custom wood beams to the ceiling, enhancing the dramatic navy-blue walls and ceiling. With warm textures and inviting, comfortable seating, this space now strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and celebration.
Just across the way, the upstairs sitting area got a thoughtful reimagining. Built-in desks that once dominated the space were removed to create something softer and more functional. Using furniture repurposed from the former living room, we created a cozy reading nook complete with textured wallpaper for a bit of visual depth. It’s a perfect example of how a few intentional edits can totally shift how a space looks, feels, and functions.
While phase one focused mostly on the upstairs, we did make a quick visit to the downstairs living room to kick off its transformation. At the time, the reclaimed wood featured wall was a visual heavy-hitter, but not in a way that suited our clients’ evolving style. So we swapped it out for clean-lined trim and subtle molding that offered more polish without overpowering the space. We kept the coffee table and console from the original setup, added in a few new furniture pieces, layered in lighting to warm things up, and adjusted the focal points to better showcase personal touches–like the client’s mounted deer head. By providing a new furniture layout as well as strategically introducing or re-introducing furniture and accent pieces, our team was able to improve the flow of the home. When designing an open floor plan, it’s important to take into consideration adjacent spaces–in this case, the kitchen and breakfast nook–which received updated lighting and counter stools that better complement the new living room design.
Once the upstairs felt grounded and intentional, we shifted to the main floor, focusing on the spaces that shape daily life: the dining room, the half-bath, the stairway, and the lighting throughout.
The staircase, which greets you the moment you enter the home, was completely reimagined, and the entry was given some well-deserved attention. A modern new railing, custom carpentry & trim, rich paint color, and a stylish new runner now bring warmth and visual impact to an otherwise overlooked area. It’s the kind of moment that feels elevated but natural–like it was always meant to be the first thing you noticed.
In the dining room, the goal was to refine without overdoing. We updated the finishes and introduced curated lighting that gave the space flexibility for everyday meals and entertaining alike. New lighting and a bold coat of paint on the ceiling were enough to breathe new life into this dining room. Clean lines met cozy textures, creating a sense of continuity with the adjacent rooms while still allowing the space to feel distinct.
We transformed this previously plain half-bath into a polished, personality-filled space that now makes a stylish statement. Every surface was touched to create a layered, elevated look with enough personality to highlight the space. The original room featured basic finishes, a small mirror, and minimal lighting, making the space feel underwhelming. In the updated design, we kept the lower wall paneling but gave it depth with a rich gray paint. Above, we added a detailed black-and-white botanical wallpaper that introduces characters and visual interest. The outdated vanity was replaced with an elegant console sink featuring a marble top and striking brass legs, paired with matching brass fixtures for a refined touch. What was once a forgettable powder room is now a layered and inviting jewel box of a space. These types of compact spaces are where details can really shine, and this one now feels like a thoughtful extension of the home’s design story.
This project wasn’t about wiping the slate clean–it was about building on what already existed and aligning the home with the people who live in it. Through thoughtful layers, smart re-use, and a fresh eye for balance and warmth, we helped our clients shape a home that’s elevated, comfortable, and effortlessly cohesive.
What once was a mix of someone else’s choices is now a seamless reflection of our client’s own.
Let’s talk about how we can transform your space to better meet your needs. It all starts with a 15-minute Discovery Call so we can understand your design needs.
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