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Designing for myself is always harder than designing for clients. I know too much about what’s out there… and I love so much of it! Add in my frugal nature (I’m notorious for hunting deals until things go out of stock 🙃), and this living room took some patience. Now that it’s complete, I couldn’t be happier with how it came together and I’m sharing all the details with you here today.
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THE VISION: Cozy, Comfortable, Contemporary Coastal
I wanted a space that felt relaxed and coastal, but still warm and inviting…..something we could actually live in. The family room in our last home was beautiful, but my kids said it felt “too nice to touch.” That hit me hard. This time, my goal was to create a space that felt approachable, livable and loved by our whole family.
THE CHALLENGE
This room came with its quirks……long and narrow proportions and little natural light. It could easily have felt dark and tunnel-like so light colors, layered textures and strategic lighting were key to brightening things up.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
I began with the color palette: soft neutrals layered with green and blue. Beige and brown tones bring warmth and comfort, green helps us relax and unwind and blue adds a peaceful, airy quality. Together, they create the calm, cozy energy I wanted for our family room.
The area rug was the first piece that fell into place. Its contemporary asymmetrical pattern and neutral tones set the stage for everything else. From there, comfort became the number-one priority. Our sofa and swivel chairs are SO COMFORTABLE!!! They are plush yet tailored, covered in easy-clean fabrics that make life with kids and snacks stress-free….. well, almost. 😉
The wood tones helped ground the space and add warmth. I kept our favorite media cabinet (more affordable option here) and began the hunt for the perfect coffee table.
What a journey that was! I found a coffee table I loved, but the lead time was 9–12 weeks. Then I found another, but the wood tone leaned too warm for the rest of my furniture. A few more contenders came and went, until I finally discovered a local (Sarasota area) craftswoman who built a custom handmade table that was just the right size and color. It turned out beautifully — perfectly sized, full of texture and absolutely worth the wait. It brings soul and texture to the room in a way only handmade pieces can.
Thank you to Leyi at Leyi Handmade Furniture for creating this beautiful piece for us.
For artwork, I did things a little differently this time. Normally, I start with art as the inspiration piece, but here I designed for comfort first. Once the main elements were in place, I chose art that coordinated with the room and felt connected to us - including a sketch of our old home paired with a short poem I wrote about how home isn’t just where you live; it’s where you feel most yourself.
FINISHING TOUCHES
After all the furniture, art and decor was in place, something felt off. The long walls needed more personality, but I didn’t want to overwhelm the space with more art. I decided to add custom millwork to bring in some coastal charm and visual balance. Instead of going all the way to the ceiling, I stopped at door height, creating subtle contrast and dimension without closing in the space.
A big thank you to Kris Piotrowizc for his beautiful workmanship — he was a dream to work with. Professional, honest, meticulous.....everything you want in a contractor. (Reach out to me if you’re in the Sarasota area and you’d like his contact info.)
THE RESULT
Our living room now feels like us: cozy, balanced and beautifully livable. It’s where movie nights happen, where my hubby and I unwind after long days and where life feels good. The neutral palette and natural textures will help keep the design timeless, while sea-grassy greens and watery blues bring that easy Florida vibe I want to feel every day.
So what do you think? Does this feel like a cozy, inviting space you would feel comfortable living in? Let me know in the comments.
A home that feels good supports the life you’re meant to live. If you’re craving more beauty, peace and purpose in your surroundings, let’s create a space that nurtures your inner being.
Wishing you a more beautiful life,
Virtual Interior Designer
FOUNDER ORANGETREE INTERIORS
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