Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post. Foyer As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new. Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space. Great Room In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases. The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated. For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw. Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing. Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space. My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly. Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy!

Black walls set off the room's cream furnishings and gold accents. Touches of pink add personality. A huge custom rug unifies the seating and working areas and further contributes to the hushed atmosphere. In order for this room to feel more like a retreat and less like an office, we used regular furniture pieces in non-standard ways. The client’s heirloom dining table serves as a writing table. A pair of brass and glass consoles holds printer, stationery, and files as well as decorative items. A cream lacquered linen sideboard provides additional storage. A pair of cushy swivel chairs serves multiple functions – facing a loveseat and bench to create a cozy seating area, facing each other for intimate discussions, and facing the desk for more standard business meetings.

Grandma's room is vintage chic. Antique brass bed with antique style bedding and throw pillows. There is a nook with a writing desk along with crocheted rugs make this a place anyone would want to stay. Big windows make the room bright.

Notable decor elements include: Flynn Metal Writing Desk by Pottery Barn, Flower Footstool by Soho Home in Moleskin Velvet, Chunky Wool and Jute Rug by Pottery Barn, and throw pillows by Zak + Fox.

Architect and Urban Designer Weinbrunner, in his book “Das Architektonische Lehrbuch”, writes: “Beauty lies in the perfect symbiosis of form and function”. The exclusive concept behind the VENERE kitchen project is based on this concept of symbiosis, where practical and functional needs are integrated with ergonomic design to create a model that is both beautiful and highly functional.

The transformation of this living room began with wallpaper and ended with new custom furniture. We added a media builtin cabinet with loads of storage and designed it to look like a beautiful piece of furniture. Custom swivel chairs each got a leather ottoman and a cozy loveseat and sofa with coffee table and stunning end tables rounded off the seating area. The writing desk in the space added a work zone. Final touches included custom drapery, lighting and artwork.

A vintage desk and chair found at a local antiques store create the perfect work or writing space in the master.
Example of a farmhouse bedroom design in Salt Lake City

Contemporary coastal bedroom design featuring warm neutral tones and a striking view of a backyard pool oasis. As part of the "Retreat" suite in Miami, this serene bedroom perfectly balances modern comfort with a relaxed tropical aesthetic. The space centers around a stunning light wood platform bed frame layered with a deep navy blue quilted coverlet and a soft blue throw blanket. Natural light floods the room through expansive sliding glass doors that lead directly out to the pool area, complemented by a large side window dressed with a minimalist white Roman shade. A stylish wood writing desk with a sleek gold table lamp serves as a functional vanity or workspace in the corner. Complete with a multi-toned blue geometric area rug, warm light-colored flooring, and a unique modern caged ceiling fan with integrated lighting, this transitional beach-style bedroom is a masterclass in sun-drenched, sophisticated coastal living.

A faux bois writing desk adds sophisticated whimsy with its feminine tabletop accessories. Design by: Wesley-Wayne Interiors Photo by: Stephen Karlisch

The Shaker writing desk, Banjo chair, and Joinery bookcase in Cherry.
Inspiration for a timeless home office remodel in Portland

Port Eliot Mahogany Bureau Bookcase w. 47½", d. 21" (closed), ht. 92½" A choice Hepplewhite design with hand-glazed door barrings. Fit up in satinwood balanced with draws and document compartments. Gold tooled leather writing surface. Base with two short draws over two long draws, on splay feet. Outer fall with beautiful figured mahogany. The most exceptional bureau bookcase on the market today. Shown in Artisan Mahogany Finish.

The transformation of this living room began with wallpaper and ended with new custom furniture. We added a media builtin cabinet with loads of storage and designed it to look like a beautiful piece of furniture. Custom swivel chairs each got a leather ottoman and a cozy loveseat and sofa with coffee table and stunning end tables rounded off the seating area. The writing desk in the space added a work zone. Final touches included custom drapery, lighting and artwork.

Koch Classic office/writing desk cabinets.
Inspiration for a timeless home design remodel in Nashville

Grandma's room is vintage chic. Antique brass bed with antique style bedding and throw pillows. There is a nook with a writing desk along with crocheted rugs make this a place anyone would want to stay. Big windows make the room bright.

Tricia Turk
Transitional living room photo in Denver

A mirrored desk provides a luxurious place to sit down and write a few thank you notes, while sunlight streams in the windows.
Large tuscan master dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom photo in Phoenix with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Elegant home office photo in Seattle

Home office - home office idea in Seattle

Beach inspired living room doubles as home office. Over-sized writing desk with coastal inspired side chairs and luxury sofa.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Detroit with yellow walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround