A job transfer brought this family to New York from Luxembourg. Their desire to feel settled as quickly as possible brought us together to collaborate on their new home.

The project included their open-concept Great Room and Bedrooms for their two children. The Great Room was to function well and feel comfortable, light, and fun. The Bedrooms needed to suit the children now and in the future.

It's a challenge to make a Great Room function well and feel cozy, so we decided on a large rug in the family room area to anchor the space. We added window treatments in a fabric that harmonizes with the wall color to keep the space open and airy. At night the draperies can be closed for privacy.

While each area of the Great Room (kitchen, breakfast nook and family room) is separate, they remain harmonious through the use of color. Durable moss green leather chairs and counter stools harmonize beautifully with the soft olive- green fabric on the sofas.

Two sofas offer loads of space for lounging or for entertaining. A big square ottoman on casters can be moved around the room for additional seating - or tucked-away beneath the cocktail table.

Running short of funds, we framed several wallpaper samples to create artwork over the sofa.

A wonderful aspect of this job was the clients' desire to create a space that was beautiful - but not precious. It was important to them that their children learn to live in their home with a sense of decorum; the design was not compromised to accommodate raucous behavior.