It started with space to spare. Soaring ceilings, windows spilling light, and a striking fireplace gave Erin’s living room undeniable presence. But with only a single dark sofa in place, the room felt unfinished—more like a cavern than the heart of the home she wanted.
Erin envisioned a space that could hold it all: Sunday mornings with her kids, weeknight dinners, cozy evenings by the fire, and gatherings with friends. She wanted comfort, but also calm. Personality, without clutter.
Before: A Room Waiting for Life
The openness was a gift, but also a challenge. With two young children and a dog in the mix, Erin needed durability and flexibility as much as beauty.
Setting the Tone
Designer Giovanna leaned into Erin’s style: mid-century silhouettes softened with Japandi restraint. A foundation of walnut wood, leather, and durable fabrics set the tone, while indigo blues and terracotta accents added rhythm and warmth.
The layout, however, was a puzzle. The first concepts placed armchairs by the fireplace, but that narrowed the entry. Reworking the plan—pivoting chairs to face the sectional, introducing lighter ottomans—brought balance and movement back to the space.
The Big Switch
The biggest transformation came with the sofa itself. The original was retired in favor of a caramel leather sectional: generous, grounded, and ready for family life. Around it, navy accent chairs and a rust swivel chair add dimension, while pillows, rugs, and artwork layer in personality.
The After
The finished room has both presence and ease. Anchored but not heavy, warm yet uncluttered, playful but calm. Open shelving frames the fireplace without closing it in; movable ottomans adapt to daily routines; and curated artwork adds just the right punctuation.
It’s no longer just a space with potential—it’s the family’s new center of gravity.