North Six Forks

This sweet family of four—plus their beloved dog—wanted to update and elevate their open-concept entry, dining room, and grand two-story living space. Their goal was to create a home that felt more connected, livable, cozy, and bright—while still maintaining a relaxed, calm, and airy feel.

With her homeschooling the children and his frequent business travel, it was important that the home became a true retreat—an inviting place to land at the end of a full day. They also envisioned the space as a backdrop for building lasting family memories and hosting meaningful gatherings with friends, especially as their children grow into their teenage years.

From the start, I knew the key design challenge would be visually connecting the soaring height of the living room to the more grounded living space below. The clients also had several functional concerns: how to address the tall blank walls, what to do with the awkward plant shelves above the bookcases, the raised hearth that created both a tripping hazard and took up valuable floor space, and the need for better storage and overall flow.

The first step was establishing a layered, light, and airy—yet classic—color palette. We refreshed the original warm yellow walls with a soft, clean white, instantly brightening the home and highlighting its beautiful architectural features. The staircase and banister were redefined with a crisp black-and-white combination, adding contrast and polish. Throughout the main living space and adjoining rooms, I introduced soft greens and blues along with natural elements—bringing the essence of the outdoors inside, where this family feels most at ease.

To create cohesion, I carried these colors and materials into adjacent spaces through coordinated lighting, furnishings, and finishes. In the dining room, for example, the lower wall paneling was painted a rich green drawn directly from the main living space, paired with a complementary wall covering above the wainscoting.

To address the scale of the two-story living room, I designed a large-scale picture frame molding layout. This added subtle architectural interest and guided the eye upward, while also creating visual stopping points that made the space feel more balanced and proportionate. This approach allowed the room’s standout features—windows, fireplace, built-ins, and upper-level railing—to truly shine.

Next, we removed the disconnected and impractical plant shelves above the bookcases. In their place, I introduced functional floating shelves with integrated lighting to highlight both the shelving and the objects displayed. A blue-green grasscloth wallpaper backdrop added warmth and texture, while updated brushed gold hardware tied beautifully into the new gallery lighting above.

One of the most transformative changes was the fireplace. The original raised hearth—with its dark green marble-look surround and brass accents—was replaced with a more refined and natural design. We installed a Carolina stone surround, a simple black firebox inset, and a flush black slate hearth that aligned seamlessly with the wood flooring. A reclaimed pecan timber mantel added warmth, character, and a sense of history.

To further enhance comfort and livability, I selected a well-proportioned, family-friendly velvet sectional with a chaise, paired with rich leather recliners for Mom and Dad, and a cocktail ottoman to anchor the seating area. Softness was layered in through custom drapery panels in a light, airy linen with a subtle fern pattern—bringing in gentle movement and an organic touch.

I had recommended mounting the drapery above the upper windows to fully emphasize the new molding and create a dramatic feature wall upon entry. However, the client preferred placement above the lower windows—and it still looks absolutely beautiful.

To complete the design, we incorporated a new area rug, accent tables, updated lighting, a larger ceiling fan, and carefully selected lamps. While the project required time and temporarily displaced the family, the end result was well worth it—a space that truly reflects their lifestyle and supports the way they live, gather, and grow together.

I genuinely loved working with—and nearly “living alongside”—this family throughout the process. Creating a space so meaningful for such wonderful people made this project especially rewarding.

Please note: the total project cost also includes a commercial-style counter-depth refrigerator, as well as lighting and drapery updates in the eat-in kitchen.