After renovating to give an old home new life, Andrea and Stephen were stumped on how to make sense of their now open and oddly-situated floor plan. “We just keep thinking that taking down so many walls was a huge mistake!” With a fireplace centered in the middle of a long and narrow room and a gaping space at the end of the kitchen island, they knew they needed help. Aside from not loving the way their home looked, it simply did not function well. They had nowhere to binge their favorite TV shows, no good place to enjoy meals together, and even avoided hosting friends and family. Built in 1948 and purchased from the original owners, the well-loved furniture from their college years did little to showcase the history of the home’s hand-plastered walls, oversized mouldings and original hardwood floors. Rather than downplaying the awkwardly-situated fireplace, we made it a focal point. Wrapping it in navy sisal grasscloth gives the fireplace wall warmth and texture, while whitewashing the brick surround enhances what once felt out of place. We flanked the room with built-ins to create two distinct zones: an entertainment area on one end and a library cocktail lounge on the other. Custom carpentry elevates the space, seamlessly matching the home’s historical features, while wallpaper in the back of the bookcases add a surprising touch of whimsy. Game night is a regular occurrence, for both the family and their close-knit group of friends. Having plenty of places for people, food, drinks and gaming boards was key. Comfortable yet durable seating, accent tables (especially a sophisticated and space-saving martini table) and a tailor-made island extension that seats seven do the trick. And every home deserves touches as unique as the people who live within its walls. Andrea loves the beach, blue and pops of bright color. Stephen loves her so much that he gave us the green light to add hot pink accents and fabrics printed with birdcages and butterflies to the mix without a second thought – so long as we agreed to find him a cushy leather sofa. Blue and white ginger jars anchor the library lounge bookcases, beautiful reminders of Andrea’s late grandmother. A pink-tinted handprint from their four-year-old little girl echoes the magenta elements throughout the room, as though she made it just for this space. As a nod to their neighborhood, we surprised Andrea and Stephen by hanging a hand-painted VILLEWORTH sign over their newly built-in bench seating. Stephen named it such because he considers Greenfield Park the “Dilworth of Huntersville.” Locals know this phrase references an area nestled in the heart of Charlotte that has been revived with restoration. Be like Andrea and Stephen. Be cheeky-chic. Use what you love.