Designing for more mature clients is always such a joy! With a little more life experience under their belts, they usually have a clear sense of what they love — and, just as importantly, what they don’t.  Best of all, they’re not shy about sharing their opinions! (Not that I can really judge… I’ve never been great at keeping mine to myself either.)

Our latest project in Lake Barrington was the perfect example.  Referred by a longtime client and their neighbor (the best kind of referral, if you ask me), I met a lovely retired couple ready to elevate their “almost there” living room.  The goal: keep things light, airy, and subtly nautical to reflect their beautiful riverfront setting — more relaxed coastal getaway, less seaside souvenir shop.

Their wish list:

  • Create a cohesive look that ties together the foyer, powder room, living room, dining room, and kitchen.

  • Update the fireplace with a new gas log insert and a complete floor-to-ceiling reface featuring board and batten detailing, a stacked stone surround, a reclaimed wood beam mantel, and a quartz hearth.

  • Reuse or upcycle existing furniture wherever possible to stay budget-friendly.

  • Refresh the lighting to coordinate with new kitchen pendants added during a recent update.

  • Capture a “beachy/nautical” vibe that feels timeless and tasteful — no anchors or seashell overload allowed.

We kept the existing wall color (SW 7015 Repose Gray), a warm greige that perfectly balances their off-white upholstery and the natural wood tones we planned to bring in.  The result feels effortless, inviting, and perfectly suited to their riverside retreat.

Living Room Before

Living Room After

Working with their local contractor, we gave their dated, builder-basic fireplace a major upgrade.  The new board and batten detailing paired with a dynamic accent color (SW 9559 Scattered Showers) added just the right dose of architectural charm.  What was once an overlooked feature is now the undeniable star of the show:  a stacked stone surround in soft gray and beige tones catches the natural light beautifully, adding depth, warmth, and texture.  It strikes that perfect balance of “coastal retreat” without veering into “seaside souvenir shop.”

Living Room Before

Living Room After

To finish off the living room transformation, we installed floating wood shelves to complement the reclaimed beam mantel. Oversized artwork helped visually balance the two-story wall to the left of the fireplace, creating a cohesive and intentional look.  By repurposing their dining room rug and layering in just a few new accents, the space finally felt complete — polished, inviting, and perfectly “them.”

In the adjoining dining area, we carried that refreshed energy through with a new light fixture and a larger area rug to replace the one relocated to the living room.  Capiz-shell buffet lamps added a soft glow and warmth that drew attention to the gallery wall, while a custom succulent centerpiece and a few carefully chosen accessories tied everything together for a fresh, effortless update.

Dining Room Before

Dining Room After

And in the Powder Room, all we needed were a large piece of art and a few tweaks with our homeowners existing decor and we were good to go!

Powder Room Before

Powder Room After

As an added bonus, we turned our attention to the basement — a space that, by their own admission, had been politely ignored since move-in day.  With a thoughtful mix of repurposed furniture, sentimental artwork, and existing accessories, we transformed it into a warm, functional area that finally feels complete (for now, at least).  A few smart rearrangements and some fresh styling were all it took to turn their “storage zone” into a cozy extension of their riverfront lifestyle — proof that sometimes the best design elements are the ones you already own.

Basement Before

Basement After

Basement Before

Basement After

So, if your living room is feeling a little more land-locked than lake life, maybe it’s time to let a touch of coastal calm drift in.

Ready to give your own space a refresh?  Whether you’re dreaming of breezy coastal vibes or something entirely your own, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. Contact us today and let’s start designing a home that feels like your favorite getaway.