Over a year ago, Kayla’s sister discovered that her 5-year-old son was severely allergic to their home. The culprit was a white mold infestation that had quietly consumed the lower half of their ranch-style house, including nearly all of their furniture. Traumatic, right? But after the panic subsided — and most of their belongings were thrown out for trash — the family decided to embrace the challenge and breathe new life into their living room...

Now an avid AT reader, Kayla’s sister enlisted our help to create a space that felt more like “them” while addressing the awkwardly long horizontal layout of their garden-level living room. It all began with a dark leather sofa, a brighter color foundation of Ben Moore’s Gentle Gray, and a new fireplace.

It was essential to establish different visual zones to break down the overwhelming hallway feeling. A simple bench cushion, plant life, some accessories and artwork transformed the end wall into a focal point, switching the emphasis from “long walls” to “lovely windows.” Furniture around the TV angles inward to create a cozier feel, while the landing strip sits proud to the opposing stairs. An additional side chair and artwork anchor the desk to establish a dedicated office area next to the fireplace.

Because they had to purchase everything from scratch (on top of paying to de-mold the house), the space has been a slow work in progress for nearly a year. We may have started the ball rolling but they picked it up and ran with it, creating a room that is totally "them." We know the space will only continue to layer and grow along with the family in the years to come. Great job, guys!

Other posts from this before & after project:
How To: Decorate Around a Dark Leather Sofa
Look! Softening a Landing Strip with Fake Flowers