Built-Ins, Bold Color & a Cozy Family Room Transformation
In Part 1 of this project, we shared the entry, hallway, dining room, and formal sitting room, all tied together with layered textures and thoughtful color.
Today, we’re heading into the living room, where we transformed a dated corner wet bar into a custom built-in that serves the whole family. From updated lighting to a gallery wall, this space evolved in thoughtful layers. Now it feels cozy, functional, and beautifully collected.
Before a dated corner with untapped potential
Before the redesign, this family room felt dark and disconnected from the rest of the home. The corner wet bar took up valuable space, and the layout didn’t take advantage of the great natural light or the beautiful coffered ceiling.
From Wet Bar to Custom Built-In: A Family-Friendly Update
The homeowners had two beautiful navy swivel chairs, a neutral sectional, and existing carpet and a rug they wanted to keep, so we started there. We pulled together new fabric options for custom pillows, including a bold favorite, Chiang Mai Dragon by Schumacher, which made the navy chairs feel instantly fresh and fun while tying in with the existing tones in the room.
From there, the transformation unfolded in stages. We replaced the dated sconces beside the fireplace with the Lucia sconces by Visual Comfort in celadon and crystal, a soft and elegant green that adds just the right amount of color.
We painted the inset panels on the coffered ceiling a pale green for a soft pop of color and swapped in Kelan semi-flush mounts by Visual Comfort for warmth and polish.
Built-In Details: Smart Storage with a Custom Look
To reimagine the corner wet bar, Liz created a 3D design to help the homeowners visualize what the space could become. The sink was removed and capped, and Darris from Dare to Design NC brought the concept to life with beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail.
We kept one of the original bookshelves and added new cabinet boxes on the opposite side for balance and closed storage. Between them, we designed a custom corner bench with built-in storage, beadboard backing, and a navy cushion with custom pillows. Two brass sconces frame the bench, which has quickly become a favorite perch for the family’s three kids.
To add depth and texture, we wallpapered the backs of the shelves in a teal grasscloth and styled them with a mix of books, greenery, and personal treasures.
Styling the Space: Layers, Color, & comfort
On the wall behind the sofa, we added a navy blue console table sourced from Facebook Marketplace and styled it with white lamps and a mirror with gold accents.
To bring height and personality to the back wall, we completed a gallery wall filled with a mix of artwork and family photos, creating a personal and balanced focal point behind the seating area.
The finished living room now feels calm, cozy, and beautifully layered. The custom built-ins anchor the space, the soft green ceiling adds warmth, and the mix of textures and patterns gives it depth and personality. In the after photos, you can see through to the hallway from Part 1. We love how the wallpaper’s pop of green ties everything together and adds such a fun, cohesive look when viewed from the living room.
This living room now balances style and comfort, perfect for reading, relaxing, or spending time together. We loved watching it evolve and are thrilled to see how it reflects the people who live here.
Design Sources
Sconces by Fireplace: Lucia - Visual Comfort
Semi-Flush Mounts: Kelan - Visual Comfort
Pillows: Chiang Mai Dragon - Schumacher, custom made by Styled with Navy
Bench Cushion: Custom navy upholstery by Styled with Navy
Built-Ins: Designed by Liz, built by Dare to Design NC