Creative mandate for the home:
This project was designed for a family of four who loved to entertain but had limited living and dining space. The main challenge was to carve out room for gatherings of up to ten people without compromising comfort. The solution came from rethinking the floor plan—by removing a small walk-in closet from the primary bedroom, we reclaimed square footage to create a curved dining banquette facing the kitchen. This shift allowed the entire main area to function seamlessly as both the living room and dining space, a hub for daily life and hosting.
The clients envisioned a warm, inviting aesthetic, so we layered linen wallpaper with a palette of rich blue, rust, and orange, paired with varied materials to create depth. Lighting was a key part of the design: sconces, chandeliers, and table lamps introduced multiple levels of illumination, offering flexibility for both lively entertaining and intimate evenings. Painting the living area walls and ceiling in a warm taupe further defined the space, giving it a cozy feel while maintaining an open flow.
Since the walk-in closet was removed, we needed to replace storage. The bedroom, generously sized, was reoriented with a custom reach-in closet spanning 15 feet, designed with Ikea wardrobes built in for a tailored look. This solution offered more storage than before, while the refreshed space—with a new rug, updated lighting, fresh paint, and upgraded hardware—transformed into a serene, hotel-like suite. The daughters’ room was also reimagined with a playful yet timeless wall treatment: black shiplap below and an abstract floral wallpaper above, something the girls could enjoy now and grow into later.
The basement became the final phase. A large, underutilized space was reworked into a multifunctional family hub. A back bedroom was fitted with double pocket doors and a murphy bed/sofa combo, allowing the room to serve as a guest suite or kids’ den. Built-ins with generous storage and a new fireplace anchored the family room, while a double desk along the far wall created space for both parents’ work and children’s homework. A playful “Bollywood Café” rounded out the basement—a banquette with a round table, perfect for kids’ art projects and family game nights.
Details abound throughout the home: the stairwell wall was opened up with a slatted wood railing for lightness and flow, and thoughtful furnishings tied every space together. Perhaps most importantly, the design told the family’s story. As first-generation Indians, the clients wanted their heritage reflected: a large artwork above the stairs depicting their favorite place in India, a gallery wall of architectural prints in the living room, and Bollywood posters downstairs—moments of cultural pride woven seamlessly into the design.
This project demonstrates how rethinking space, layering thoughtful details, and incorporating personal history can create a home that is both highly functional and deeply meaningful.