When my clients—a husband and wife with two young kids—moved into their home in Chicago a few years ago, they decided to keep renovations on hold. With young children, they wanted to wait until the time felt right to invest in creating a space that truly reflected their style. Now that the kids are older, they were ready to make their home a place that felt vibrant, sophisticated, and full of personality.

They initially reached out after seeing my work on Instagram through an artist’s post featuring a piece in another client’s home. Inspired, they contacted me with a clear vision: they wanted color, and they wanted their home to feel intentional, cohesive, and anything but boring.

Here’s a look at how we transformed their entryway, living room, dining room, and family room into a vibrant and welcoming space that feels like home.

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Designing the Vision: Color Meets Functionality

The first step was to develop a color palette that would serve as the foundation for each room. I curated a palette that balanced sophistication with playfulness, using shades like teal, mint, marigold, powder blue, black, and cognac. This palette would serve as the foundation of the design and would add depth and energy while maintaining a cohesive flow between rooms. With medium wood tones, touches of black, brass, and textured neutrals, each space became part of a cohesive, stylish whole—while still feeling unique in its own way.

This design wasn’t just about looks; it needed to be family-friendly too. I selected comfortable, stylish furniture, and an array of modern artwork that gave each room a distinct personality. The result? A functional, well-styled home that’s full of character.

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Entryway: Welcoming with Subtle Geometrics

In the entryway, we kept things functional yet stylish, setting the tone for the rest of the home. A subtle geometric wallpaper adds a sophisticated touch while staying true to the family’s love of geometric shapes. We included a bench that serves as both seating and storage, making it easy to keep this high-traffic area tidy and inviting.

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Living Room: A Stunning Fireplace Transformation

The living room was all about creating impact. The fireplace wall became the focal point of the space, transformed with a deep teal paint that brings warmth and drama. We opted to paint the existing tiles a dark charcoal, which was not only budget-friendly but also added a sleek, modern edge to the room.

One of my favorite pieces in this room is the bright, light blue sofa—it brings a fresh energy and looks absolutely stunning beneath Lynn Sanders’ artwork. To enhance the flow, I moved the piano across the room, making it easier to host large gatherings and enjoy the fireplace, giving the space a welcoming layout for both family time and entertaining.

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Dining Room: Mixing Heirlooms with Modern Touches

The dining room was a special space for my clients, as it housed their family heirloom dining table and hutch—two pieces they wanted to keep. We kept these important items, and I brought in new design elements to create a fresh look.

I chose a beautiful minty color for the walls, giving the space a gentle yet refreshing lift. To complement this color, I added color-blocked window treatments that tie everything together seamlessly. A new rug and a stunning light fixture transformed the dining room into a vibrant space that balances heritage with modern style.

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Family Room: Cozy Comfort with a Playful Twist

The family room, which is connected to the kitchen, is where the family spends most of their time. This space needed to be comfortable, welcoming, and family-friendly. We chose a sectional couch to maximize seating and infused the room with colors from the front of the house, tying everything together with a subtle but cohesive theme.

To ground the space, I selected a neutral geometric rug that adds texture without overpowering the room. A pop of color in the accent chair and pillows adds a playful touch, making the family room the perfect spot to unwind together.

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Artwork: Curating Unique, Modern Pieces

For my clients, artwork was a major priority. They wanted to showcase modern, unique pieces that reflected their love for bold design. I commissioned works from three talented artists to bring their vision to life, each piece thoughtfully chosen to complement the color palette and energy of the home.

• Artwork in Entryway (Photos 1 & 2): Created by @amyrubi.art, these pieces bring a dynamic, modern flair to the entryway.
• Living Room Artwork Over Sofa (Photo 3): A stunning piece by @Lynnsandersart that pulls together the room’s colors beautifully.
• Dining Room Artwork on Mint Wall (Photo 4): 4 pieces by @jessalin_beutler flank the doorway from the dining space to the living space, tying these two rooms together with colors and geometric lines.

Each artist brought something special to the home, and their pieces truly elevate the rooms, making each space feel curated and intentional.

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Final Thoughts

This project was all about creating a home that feels stylish, intentional, and full of personality. By combining a sophisticated color palette, family-friendly furniture, and carefully chosen artwork, we transformed this home into a vibrant yet cohesive experience. Each room tells its own story while contributing to the overall flow and feel of the space.

If you’re ready to bring color, style, and functionality into your home, reach out! I’d love to help you create a space that reflects your personality and lifestyle.