Photo: Kimberley Bryan © 2016 Houzz
Living room - eclectic living room idea in Seattle

In Lisbon’s Alcântara neighborhood, a son inherited his father’s apartment and relocated from the UK with his partner to immerse themselves in Portuguese culture. Without altering the floor plan, our studio sought to bring clarity and lightness to the interiors, designing spaces that are both versatile and efficient, incorporating built-in furniture, artworks, and personal mementos. Throughout, the material palette plays with contrast and suspension. Cream stone floors are complemented by warm walnut finishes and airy white sheer curtains. Tailored cabinetry enhances spatial lightness by either floating, as seen with the distinct wall-mounted hall console and bedside tables, or by integrating subtly with the existing carpentry, such as the dresser extending beneath the window and the bay window's dining bench with concealed storage. Bespoke solutions cater to the living room’s diverse functions, including dining, reading, lounging, and occasionally painting. A niche beside the fireplace is home to a suspended walnut shelving system, intended to showcase a curated collection of ceramics and travel souvenirs. The room’s angled layout is tempered by a central composition of circular elements: a dining table, rug, and custom coffee table with a floating top. The dining area is completed with reissued vintage Portuguese classics. The kitchen includes a small breakfast nook, delineated by traditional hand-painted tiles from the nearby historic Sant’Anna factory, and a matching upholstered bench. These details come together to create a luminous, functional space that gently reflects the past while accommodating contemporary life.

A perfectly designed floor plan is half the battle! In this gorgeous transitional style Great Falls home, we planned the space so that the beautiful artwork and stunning baby grand piano are displayed beautifully. A perfect balance of elements allows the homeowners to sit and relax while practicing the piano. We juxtaposed the client’s unique antique collection with newly sourced decor places to create a harmonious decor plan. We also added plenty of shelves in the beautiful study to store the client’s book collection and precious souvenirs. The unique floor plan ensures the entire home has a lively, seamless flow of positive energy. Photography by Timothy Bell --- Project designed by interior design studio Margery Wedderburn Interiors. They serve Northern Virginia areas including the D.C suburbs of Great Falls, McLean, Potomac, and Bethesda, along with Orlando and the rest of Central Florida. For more about Margery Wedderburn interiors, see here: https://margerywedderburninteriors.com To learn more about this project, see here: https://margerywedderburninteriors.com/portfolio-page/transitional-style-in-great-falls-virginia-2/

This slightly hidden music room is truly a gem. With flocked velvet navy and marble wallpaper, a black baby grand, and seating for game-time, this room could only get better when one takes the time to enjoy the expansive walnut library built-on to house their many travel souvenirs.

Nimanoe is a tribute to the good life. A tale about travel, taste, passion and purpose. You can see it in the beautiful, expansive ensuite bedrooms, and the cozy, pacifying lounges and library. You can feel it in the refined furnishings, the statement pieces of art and considered spa-like spaces that beckon you in for a soothing reboot. You can hear it in the Sonos surround sound system that reaches every room, every corner of the garden, into the mountain air and beyond. You can taste it in the state-of-the-art kitchen and languid dining spaces – both indoor and outdoor. Nimanoe’s sophistication on the senses gives you license to bring your own version of the good life to fruition, surrounded by all of your favourite people. What we love! The outdoor shower adjacent the spa and sauna space, where the delicious monsters and ferns perfect the tropical paradise ambience. Nimanoe is an ideal home to work from too. With those inspirational views and tranquil sounds of the abounding nature you’ll find yourself inspired to produce that long-awaited masterpiece in the secluded office. The views of the ocean, Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point Vineyards and surrounding mountain ranges are nothing short of spectacular and ever-changing throughout the day. What you need to know… Nimanoe offers daily housekeeping, as well as the food of fabulous chef, Natalie, who’ll whip up some delicious Ottolenghi dishes, and extraordinary desserts. Silvermine’s hiking trails are on the doorstep. Just a gentle climb up into the mountain for some incredible views and lovely sunset spots. For a pint or two of a delicious craft beer, Aegir Brewery is no more than a 5-minute drive away, where the fabulous Italian eatery, Limoncello also sits, beneath the milkwoods. The property is situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and is totally secure, with a high-tech, top of the range alarm and security system – for that extra peace of mind. It also runs off a solar-system so does not feel the impact of power outages. Nimanoe is only a 5-minute drive to Noordehoek for long walks and swims. You also have the use of the property’s SUP and surf boards. Noordhoek Village is only a 5-minute drive away from the property where Chef Franck Dangereux’s Foodbarn Restaurant is, together with coffee roasters, decadent ice-cream makers, a pub and a playground, a delicatessen, souvenir shops and a yoga studio too.

The kitchen may be the heart of a home, but the dining room is where the family gathers to enjoy special occasions, create and pass on traditions, and savour each other’s company free from distractions. The family behind this particular dining room enjoys doing just that. When they are not traveling the world, Matthew and Anna (names changed) love to cook meals at home with their teenage daughter, entertain family and friends, and live amongst their cherished travel souvenirs and heirlooms. Their dining room, however, was far from the perfect backdrop for these experiences. Before: Dining Room: When Matthew and Anna contacted us, they imagined a space that would comfortably seat 8 to 10 people and incorporate their beautiful inherited dining table and sideboard in a fresh, modern way. Above all, they wanted a dining room that they would feel proud to share. They worked with us to design, lightly renovate, and furnish their dining room and adjacent living space. Now, the room is nothing short of inviting and elevated. Classic Yet Contemporary Dining Room: Viewed from the living area, the dining room is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Matthew and Anna wanted dark blue for the walls, and we couldn’t have been happier to find the perfect shade for them. By leaning darker, this rich blue creates the perception of depth, making the room feel enticing, comfortable and secluded. The previous built-ins were underwhelming and lacked function, so we designed wider, taller, double sided cabinets that integrated the existing bulk-head, and then accessorized the shelves with the family’s travel finds, books, and decor. Topping these units with brass art lights not only blends contemporary and traditional styles, it also draws attention to the dining table’s modern show-stopping chandelier. You can’t miss it. Inside the dining room, the effect is equally impressive: enveloping yet spacious, warm yet cool, classic yet contemporary. We incorporated their heirloom pieces seamlessly into the design thanks to the 1:2 ratio. For every traditional piece, we introduced two more modern or contemporary pieces — clean lines, subtle curves, and lustrous brass hardware. The result is a collected yet updated look. In any room with dark walls, lighting is of the utmost importance. We placed a mirror adjacent to the window to reflect natural light throughout the room, and we kept the trim and ceiling white for brightness. To provide maximum versatility, we provided multiple light sources that can be adjusted to create different levels of light to suit any mood or occasion. These include: pot lights and a chandelier on dimmers, a sculptural trilight lamp on the sideboard, and art lights on the bookcases and above important art pieces. The built-ins have another surprise waiting inside this special dining room: Double-sided built-ins: dining room shelving and living room shelving. Rather than keep them white like we did in the living room, we painted the back wall of the book cases the same dark blue as the walls in the rest of the room. This reduces the contrast with the surrounding walls and emphasizes the white outline of the cabinets. We also love the dark blue walls’ role as a beautiful backdrop for this family’s treasures. The brass accessories and hand-painted vases and bowls feel like part of the experience. Of course, what is beauty without function? It may not look like it, but the base storage is only accessible from the dining room side. The units include deep cabinets for storing serving ware, as well as another delightful surprise: silverware drawers lined in luxurious navy velvet! Lastly, we designed this beautiful nook for their heirloom sideboard. From afar, the wall looks as if it has texture and perhaps a touch of shine. Up close, you will notice that it is actually navy blue wallpaper with tiny golden dots. This unique touch accentuates the brass in the room touches throughout the space.. The room feels curated, contemporary, and full of character. Words of Praise: Anna and Matthew were thrilled with their new dining room and with the design process itself, which is always the highest compliment. They said: “Working with Lori and her team at Simply Home Decorating was a great experience. The design they came up with was both beautiful and practical for our family. Renovations can be stressful but working with Simply Home made the process much more pleasant. “Simply Home's project management and their longstanding relationships with reliable trades meant we could relax, knowing that everything was taken care of. If an issue arose, the entire Simply Home team was quick to address it. They were excellent at communicating with us—we never felt like we didn't know what was going on. We would highly recommend working with Simply Home Decorating.” Thank you, Matthew and Anna! We are honoured to have been part of your journey and wish your family many happy memories in these new spaces. Now, is it your turn? Are you ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home? If so, contact us here to start the conversation or download my guide Uncovering the Hidden Potential in Your Home below to learn more about what we can do for you.

Photo: Carolyn Reyes © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in Los Angeles

Bright and warm, this kitchen is open and inviting. Expertly laid ceramic tiles make up the backsplash, with a pop of personality in the form of some hand-crafted souvenir tiles.

The homeowners undertook an extensive renovation to update and enhance their compact home. While one of the owners possesses culinary talents, the other is an avid gardener who enjoys preserving the harvests from their garden. Our design theme integrates the clients’ passions for traveling and fine food, incorporating treasured souvenirs and botanical finds. The design concept is transitional, reflecting a preference for clean modern accents but centers on the clients’ love of travel, particularly the charm and comfort of the European countryside and its quaint bistros. Interior Design by Sheree Stuart Design.

This garden space emphasizes plant textures, colorful foliage and quirky decorative elements. The heart of the garden is the elevated deck that perches over a rain garden, where stormwater from the roof is allowed to collect during the rainy months. Curvilinear paver pathways were installed to gently contrast against the soft plant textures. A sturdy structure was built to protect firewood and showcase quirky travel souvenirs.

Welcome to a warm and cozy completely updated 1960s Newport Beach ranch-style home. This young family has traveled extensively and brought souvenirs and color into a clean and modern home. Phillip Jeffries wall covering over the fireplace.

Welcome to a warm and cozy completely updated 1960s Newport Beach ranch-style home. This young family has traveled extensively and brought souvenirs and color into a clean and modern home. Phillip Jeffries wall covering over the fireplace.

Cool-touch LED lights provide perfect spotlights for books, travel souvenirs, and the client's favorite knick knacks! Photo Credit: Falls City Photography Designed by Merrick McGraw

The homeowners undertook an extensive renovation to update and enhance their compact home. While one of the owners possesses culinary talents, the other is an avid gardener who enjoys preserving the harvests from their garden. Our design theme integrates the clients’ passions for traveling and fine food, incorporating treasured souvenirs and botanical finds. The design concept is transitional, reflecting a preference for clean modern accents but centers on the clients’ love of travel, particularly the charm and comfort of the European countryside and its quaint bistros. Interior Design by Sheree Stuart Design.

Displaying souvenirs from the couple's world travels.
Inspiration for a modern hallway remodel in DC Metro

I chose a traditional yellow for the walls of this classic kitchen then added a rich sea blue color to inside of the cabinet to feature this client's eclectic ceramic collection

Nimanoe is a tribute to the good life. A tale about travel, taste, passion and purpose. You can see it in the beautiful, expansive ensuite bedrooms, and the cozy, pacifying lounges and library. You can feel it in the refined furnishings, the statement pieces of art and considered spa-like spaces that beckon you in for a soothing reboot. You can hear it in the Sonos surround sound system that reaches every room, every corner of the garden, into the mountain air and beyond. You can taste it in the state-of-the-art kitchen and languid dining spaces – both indoor and outdoor. Nimanoe’s sophistication on the senses gives you license to bring your own version of the good life to fruition, surrounded by all of your favourite people. What we love! The outdoor shower adjacent the spa and sauna space, where the delicious monsters and ferns perfect the tropical paradise ambience. Nimanoe is an ideal home to work from too. With those inspirational views and tranquil sounds of the abounding nature you’ll find yourself inspired to produce that long-awaited masterpiece in the secluded office. The views of the ocean, Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point Vineyards and surrounding mountain ranges are nothing short of spectacular and ever-changing throughout the day. What you need to know… Nimanoe offers daily housekeeping, as well as the food of fabulous chef, Natalie, who’ll whip up some delicious Ottolenghi dishes, and extraordinary desserts. Silvermine’s hiking trails are on the doorstep. Just a gentle climb up into the mountain for some incredible views and lovely sunset spots. For a pint or two of a delicious craft beer, Aegir Brewery is no more than a 5-minute drive away, where the fabulous Italian eatery, Limoncello also sits, beneath the milkwoods. The property is situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and is totally secure, with a high-tech, top of the range alarm and security system – for that extra peace of mind. It also runs off a solar-system so does not feel the impact of power outages. Nimanoe is only a 5-minute drive to Noordehoek for long walks and swims. You also have the use of the property’s SUP and surf boards. Noordhoek Village is only a 5-minute drive away from the property where Chef Franck Dangereux’s Foodbarn Restaurant is, together with coffee roasters, decadent ice-cream makers, a pub and a playground, a delicatessen, souvenir shops and a yoga studio too.

Nimanoe is a tribute to the good life. A tale about travel, taste, passion and purpose. You can see it in the beautiful, expansive ensuite bedrooms, and the cozy, pacifying lounges and library. You can feel it in the refined furnishings, the statement pieces of art and considered spa-like spaces that beckon you in for a soothing reboot. You can hear it in the Sonos surround sound system that reaches every room, every corner of the garden, into the mountain air and beyond. You can taste it in the state-of-the-art kitchen and languid dining spaces – both indoor and outdoor. Nimanoe’s sophistication on the senses gives you license to bring your own version of the good life to fruition, surrounded by all of your favourite people. What we love! The outdoor shower adjacent the spa and sauna space, where the delicious monsters and ferns perfect the tropical paradise ambience. Nimanoe is an ideal home to work from too. With those inspirational views and tranquil sounds of the abounding nature you’ll find yourself inspired to produce that long-awaited masterpiece in the secluded office. The views of the ocean, Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point Vineyards and surrounding mountain ranges are nothing short of spectacular and ever-changing throughout the day. What you need to know… Nimanoe offers daily housekeeping, as well as the food of fabulous chef, Natalie, who’ll whip up some delicious Ottolenghi dishes, and extraordinary desserts. Silvermine’s hiking trails are on the doorstep. Just a gentle climb up into the mountain for some incredible views and lovely sunset spots. For a pint or two of a delicious craft beer, Aegir Brewery is no more than a 5-minute drive away, where the fabulous Italian eatery, Limoncello also sits, beneath the milkwoods. The property is situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and is totally secure, with a high-tech, top of the range alarm and security system – for that extra peace of mind. It also runs off a solar-system so does not feel the impact of power outages. Nimanoe is only a 5-minute drive to Noordehoek for long walks and swims. You also have the use of the property’s SUP and surf boards. Noordhoek Village is only a 5-minute drive away from the property where Chef Franck Dangereux’s Foodbarn Restaurant is, together with coffee roasters, decadent ice-cream makers, a pub and a playground, a delicatessen, souvenir shops and a yoga studio too.

Cheekwood Studios
Mid-sized trendy built-in desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room photo in St Louis with purple walls