- October 15, 2025
- Liz Potarazu
From Builder-Basic to Beautifully Livable
This home started with great bones and an even better location. But inside? It felt tired, outdated, and overly formal. Our clients, a busy, dual-career couple with young kids and full calendars, wanted more than just a cosmetic refresh. They needed a home that looked great, worked harder, and supported the pace of their daily lives. This wasn’t about chasing trends; it was about elevating the everyday.
While we renovated and reimagined every space in the home, we’re spotlighting just a handful here: the rooms that best show how thoughtful design choices transformed the way this family lives day-to-day.
Here’s how we turned their traditional colonial into a calm, cohesive home that blends livable luxury with low-maintenance ease.
Kitchen
Before: A narrow layout, dark counters, and clunky cabinetry made the kitchen feel like a bottleneck instead of a gathering space.
After: We kept the footprint but maximized every inch. The new island fits seating without overwhelming the room. Lighter finishes and organic textures soften the space, while custom storage solutions make daily tasks easier. This is now a true command center that looks clean, feels calm, and supports everyday flow.
Family Room
Before: Heavy finishes and a bulky stone fireplace made the room feel dim and dated, not ideal for a family hangout zone.
After: We reimagined the fireplace with soft vertical tile and switched to an electric insert (a safer option for little ones). Layered, high-performance fabrics make this a worry-free space for movie nights, playtime, or an impromptu nap.
Dining Room
Before: Think folding chairs, a toy pirate ship centerpiece, and barely-there lighting.
After: The architecture stayed traditional, but the vibe shifted. With a natural fiber rug, sculptural chandelier, and bold art, the space feels elevated but not precious. It’s just as ready for pizza night as it is for hosting the in-laws.
Formal Living Room
Before: A long, underutilized space that felt more like a hallway than a room.
After: We created two seating zones—one for conversation, one for quiet moments, with flexible furnishings that adjust depending on the occasion. Deep tones and rich textures give the room presence, but everything is approachable.
Sunroom
Before: Bright, yes. Cozy? Not quite.
After: This became one of the most-loved rooms in the house. Light-filtering sheers, soft furnishings, and just enough texture make it the go-to spot for coffee breaks, book reading, or a quiet moment to yourself.
Primary Bathroom
Before: A massive built-in tub took up prime real estate, while the shower was cramped and disconnected. It felt more like a time capsule than a place to recharge.
After: We completely flipped the layout, removing the sunken tub and replacing it with a sculptural freestanding one, paired with an oversized walk-in shower. Textured tile, clean lines, and warm, natural materials give the space a spa-like feel without being cold. It’s tailored for busy mornings and slow Sunday soaks alike.
Guest Room
Before: Basic, bland, and forgettable.
After: We layered in softness, comfort, and charm to make this feel like a boutique hotel suite. It’s welcoming without trying too hard.
Kids’ Rooms
Before: Empty rooms waiting for a purpose.
After: We created sweet, age-appropriate spaces that grow with the kids. Nothing overly themed, nothing too precious. Just thoughtful design with built-in flexibility.
Final Takeaway
This project is a reminder that luxury isn’t about formality or fuss. It’s about ease, beauty, and living well. By designing with intention and experience, we helped this family reclaim their space and turn it into a home that works just as hard as they do.
Before was beige. After is balance.
Ready for thoughtful design that actually supports your daily life?
Every choice we make, from color palette to layout, is grounded in how your home needs to function. We think about texture, lighting, rhythm, and movement. Not just what would look good in a photo, but what would feel good in everyday life. In short, we support your success.
Let’s design a space that feels as good as it looks. Schedule your 15-minute Discovery Call.
