“We live in a beautiful modern farmhouse but are really struggling to style the living room and dining room. The dining room you posted today is my dream (!!!) so I’m sure our styles would align!”

When I first met the Lewis family, I was particularly excited because, as someone who knows modern farmhouses inside and out, I felt an immediate connection with the client’s vision. They had already resonated with another project we were working on, so when they reached out, they told me our styles would naturally align (and yes, that’s quite literally what she said in her first email!).

After touring their home, we decided to extend the design beyond the initial scope and also furnish and style their stunning screened-in covered patio—a rare luxury in Seattle homes. The client’s main priorities were creating a functional, beautiful living room, transforming the dining room with a new table and chairs and creating an outdoor space they could enjoy year-round, all while maintaining that modern farmhouse charm.

Space Planning & Layout

The first step was understanding how the family used their space, especially with two young children. One of the biggest challenges was the lack of storage and flow in their living room, which needed to serve as both a stylish, yet practical gathering area. Luckily, that's our specialty! I collaborated closely with the clients’ contractor (who also built their home) to design custom built-ins along the fireplace wall. This not only added warmth and character with floating shelves and rich wood tones but also provided much-needed storage for toys and kids' activities—something the space was sorely lacking. Reworking the fireplace wall also gave us the opportunity to completely reconfigure the furniture layout, improving the room’s flow and functionality. The clients opted to keep their existing sofas, hoping they would last until their kids are a bit older, but were open to refreshing everything else. We sourced a beautiful new rug, a pair of rich leather chairs, and a sleek coffee table to create a cozy, inviting conversation area. The combination of textures and colors really helped to warm up the space, making you want to sit down and cozy up with a cup of coffee.

In the dining room, we replaced the dark, heavy furniture with a lighter dining table and rug, which immediately brightened the space and made it feel more open and inviting. The lighter wood tones of the table and the soft, neutral rug helped reflect more natural light, creating an airy atmosphere, while the sleek black dining chairs added a touch of contrast and paired beautifully with the farmhouse aesthetic. To complete the transformation, we updated the decorative accessories on the credenza, opting for pieces that complemented the new design and enhanced the room's light and modern feel. These subtle changes brought a fresh, balanced look that felt both welcoming and stylish.

The covered patio was another key element of the design and since it was visible from the dining room, the two spaces needed to feel cohesive. We selected a gorgeous, weather-resistant sofa and chair set and a washable rug, perfect for year-round outdoor living in the Pacific Northwest’s ever-changing climate. The result was a cozy, stylish space where the family could comfortably relax, entertain, and make the most of their outdoor living area, no matter the season.

Custom Design Features

One of the standout features of this project was obviously the built-ins in the living room, but I also love the beautiful window treatments we added. Before, the wall felt bare, but these treatments added an extra layer of warmth and depth, transforming the room into a cozy yet sophisticated family space. The combination of custom window treatments, black and white gallery wall and the built-ins truly made the living room feel night and day from when we first saw it.

Bringing Inspiration to Life

From the beginning, our clients had a clear vision of what they wanted, but needed our help to bring it to life. On their initial intake form, they shared their excitement for making their house feel like home: “We’ve been in this house for two years, and it’s past time to make it truly ours. While I’ve purchased some large furniture pieces, the living and dining rooms feel ‘half done.’ I’m excited to finally finish these rooms so they feel complete and cohesive. I also look forward to hosting again, but I’ve been avoiding it because I don’t feel proud of our current space.”

The client had used online design services in the past but was ready for a more hands-on, full-service experience: “I’ve used Havenly before, and while I enjoyed it, I’m now ready to invest in full-service design. I need someone I trust to tell me what will work best and bring it all together. Strong opinions welcome!”

From our very first conversation, it was clear the client wanted a space that reflected their unique style, but also felt finished—something that was both functional for their family and ready for entertaining. Using their inspiration boards and understanding their specific needs, we were able to transform their home into a space they now feel proud to host in, all while working around some of the original design elements they were unsure about.

With custom design features that balanced form and function, as well as a welcoming outdoor space, this West Seattle Farmhouse project became a true reflection of the family’s lifestyle. We're so proud to have helped create a home where they can relax and entertain and most important, be proud of.

"Jenna furnished and styled our living room, dining room, and covered porch: We are thrilled with how her vision came to life. It matches our style perfectly and easily allows us to update based on season! Her design felt polished while being suitable for a household with two young kids." - Lewis Family

Sources & Details and more

Location: West Seattle
Project Type: Furnishings & Styling
Project Timeline: 4 months
Cabinets: Custom made; Hardware from Rejuvenation
Photography: All photos are c/o Shelly Borga of Dakota &Co.