08/31/2026
Here’s the thing about this project: this room didn’t need a complete overhaul. It had good bones. It just wasn’t pulled together.
The homeowners weren’t fans of the brick or the rough wood mantel—and we definitely talked through our options. But painting brick is a commitment, and honestly? I liked the variation and color already happening in it.
The mantel was another story. It’s rough, impossible to dust (😅), and supported by tall brick corbels underneath. Removing or wrapping it would have meant a much bigger project—and a new mantel so substantial that it would have completely taken over the fireplace.
So instead of fighting it, we worked with it.
Storage was another must. Custom cabinetry on either side of the fireplace wasn’t an option, so the hunt was on for two matching pieces with just the right width and depth to fit those spaces, add much-needed closed storage, and still feel intentional—almost like they were meant to be there.
From there, we leaned into this family’s personality. They’re not afraid of color, pattern, art, or mixing things up, so we layered all of it to create a room that feels collected, eclectic and very *them*.
And, of course, we had to design for one particularly important family member. 🐶 We incorporated a dedicated spot for the puppy’s kennel now, with a plan for it to eventually become a cozy dog-bed nook once the crate days are over.
Sometimes a room doesn’t need to be gutted or completely reinvented. It just needs the right pieces around the things that are already there.
And suddenly, the thing you thought you hated doesn’t bother you quite so much anymore. 😉
Photo credit: Summer Brader 📷 Downers Grove Photographer
Design: Lacey Hanchak | Design Studio
