Project overview
A drawn-out remodel a few years back left these homeowners a little shell-shocked—but once they’d recovered, they realized what we know to be true at SYH: a great architectural shell alone does not a home make. They came back to us ready for phase two: to level up their living and dining spaces with furniture and decor that would support their lifestyle, reflect their aesthetic, and bring the whole place to life, without changing a single wall.

Client description
This family of four (plus their charming miniature poodle, Marty) had already done the hard work of renovating. What they needed from us was to finish the job, not with construction, but with comfort. Their dining room needed to fit all their people. Their shelves needed to hide (rather than display) the real-life contents of family life. Their living room needed to feel like a place to gather, relax, and enjoy the great views, not just walk past on the way to somewhere else. They wanted rooms that functioned beautifully and also made them smile.

Design solutions
We started with the dining room, introducing a generously-sized, heirloom-quality, made-in-America table for eight, and replacing open shelving with closed storage that better fit their day-to-day needs (because craft supplies, it turns out, don’t stage themselves). We made the window seat cozier, an inviting nook for reading, napping, or curling up with Marty. In the living room, a U-shaped sectional anchors the space without blocking circulation, paired with two swivels to create a flexible conversation zone. A big, soft rug, ottoman-style coffee table, and carefully layered lighting and accessories tied it all together. The stone fireplace stayed. The TV stayed—though you don’t see it until you’re down in the seating area, where the views and scale of the fireplace help everything fall into balance. The former cut-out for firewood became an elegant storage nook.

Outcomes & testimonials
This project is a perfect reminder that sometimes, what a space really needs isn’t more structure—it’s more soul. With no new paint, no added outlets, and not a single sledgehammer, we transformed two well-designed rooms into spaces that truly work for the people who live in them. As we like to say, once you’ve built your architectural box, don’t leave it empty. Fill it with the things that level it up, rather than bring it down or leave it flat.