When I first met this wonderful family, they had just moved back to the Pacific Northwest from California and needed help furnishing and styling their newly purchased home. We worked together to create a home that truly felt like theirs, but unbeknownst to us, just months after we finished furnishing every single room in their new home, they found their dream home on the lake and they were moving, AGAIN.

I’ll never forget the day I received a text saying, “You’re never going to believe this, but we need you!” I was shocked at first, but also incredibly excited—not only to work with this amazing family again but to design a brand-new space that felt completely different from their first one. This project was especially meaningful because Emily was deeply nostalgic about leaving their first home, where we had spent over a year perfecting every detail. She absolutely loved every space and wanted to ensure that the areas we had so thoughtfully curated were reimagined in their new home. Our goal was to seamlessly blend their existing furniture with a completely different architectural style, creating a cohesive design that honored their past while embracing this fresh start. Most importantly, I wanted to help them fall in love with her home all over again, just as they had the first time.

Space Planning & Design Concepts

The first step in this project was understanding how they needed their new home to function for their day to day life. With a busy household of four, including two young children, it was essential to balance practicality with style.

A key challenge was the completely blank area between the entryway and the open-concept living spaces. It was an area that needed to serve a purpose beyond just filling a void—we needed to create additional living space. At first, we wanted to give them time to settle into the house and figure out what was missing. Once time had passed, we came back to this area to design something that felt as if it was there the entire time (more on this below).

In the living and dining rooms, the family kept their L-shaped sectional, along with their stunning dining table and chairs, which beautifully anchored both spaces. However, to tie the rooms together and elevate the aesthetic, we sourced a new coffee table, a neutral, yet patterned rug, and decorative accessories that complemented the custom-stained floating shelves that were already there. These shelves, a focal point in the space, inspired many of the design choices, ensuring cohesion throughout the open-floor plan.

Since this home was brand-new construction, it lacked the warmth and personality that made a house feel like home. To bring this to life, we embraced organic modern elements—natural materials like wood, stone, and linen, paired with earthy tones that mirrored the serene lake views that spanned the entire length of the living/dining area. This approach softened the modern aesthetic, creating a space that felt both warm and timeless.

Custom Design Features

One of the standout features of this project was the entertainment and bar area we designed on the blank wall just beyond the entry. This underutilized corner, was an opportunity to create something that would not only look beautiful but also enhance the functionality of the home. With our design, our clients collaborated with the original builder to match the stain on the cabinetry and floating shelves, ensuring a seamless integration with the rest of the home’s design. The final result was a stylish entertaining nook complete with a beverage fridge, custom shelving for glassware and accents, and ample storage for entertaining essentials. Using the rug and chair they previously had, we sourced a second chair and a glass cocktail table to tie everything together, creating additional seating for guests to sip wine or a cozy spot for calm mornings with a cup of coffee.

In the formal entryway, we curated a stunning cane cabinet that not only provided additional storage but also created a “wow” moment upon entering the home. To elevate the space even further, we layered in a large, statement piece of artwork that added depth and visual interest. Oversized lamps flanked each side of the cabinet, bringing warmth and balance, while a beautiful neutral rug grounded the space, making it feel both inviting and cohesive. This thoughtfully designed entryway set the tone for the rest of the home, while offering a warm welcome to both family and guests.

When the family asked us to design their 5-year-old daughter’s bedroom, we couldn’t have been more excited! Her room in their previous home was a favorite for its whimsical and playful design, but the smaller size of the new space called for a fresh approach. We opted for a timeless yet fun look, featuring soft hues, cozy textiles, and functional storage. The highlight? Adorable wall decals that brought personality to the room while leaving plenty of room to grow.

In the primary bedroom, we had to reinvent the wheel completely. We had sourced a gorgeous metal canopy bed for their previous home—a piece they absolutely adored—but its scale didn’t work with the window placement in the new bedroom. Rather than let it go to waste, we repurposed the canopy bed and nightstands in the guest room, where it became the centerpiece of a welcoming retreat for visitors. This also allowed us to build on the primary bedroom’s existing elements, keeping their dressers, we layered in a stunning rattan bench, luxurious new bed linens, and nightstands with rattan-wrapped handles to tie everything together. The result was a tranquil haven—perfect for unwinding with a good book. (And with that lake view just outside, who would ever want to get out of bed?)

Bringing Inspiration to Life

This project drew inspiration from the natural beauty of Lake Wilderness, just outside the windows. From the beginning, we were determined to enhance, not compete with, the breathtaking lake views. To achieve this, we wove in organic materials, warm wood tones, and soft, neutral textiles throughout the entire home that complemented the serene surroundings.

Moving into a new home is never easy, but doing so twice in three years with a young family is especially challenging. One of the things we pride ourselves on is ensuring that every space we design is not only beautiful but also highly functional and organized. With an unexpected move, we knew the family needed their main living areas to be tackled with intention right from the start.

To make the transition smoother, our professional organizer, Mariah, worked her magic in the walk-in pantry, primary bathroom, and office. She unpacked, sorted, and categorized everything, implementing cohesive systems that made the designs shine while keeping everything functional. The pantry, in particular, was a standout—a pantry that dreams are made of and one that you won’t want to miss in the photos below!

Final Reveal

This project was a dream to bring to life, and the final reveal speaks for itself. The natural light flooding into the main areas of the home is nothing short of magical, illuminating the warm wood tones and soft textures we carefully selected. The lake views visible from almost every room added a sense of tranquility that made the home feel like a true retreat.

It was hard to say goodbye to this project and the wonderful clients who welcomed us into their journey—not once, but twice! This home became a reflection of their style, personality, and family life, and we couldn’t be more honored to help them create it.

A note from our clients:

"We purchased a new house, and I was excited to start filling the space. We bought the first piece of furniture, and I was so disappointed when it arrived and did not compliment our space. I agonized over this failed purchase, but it helped me realize that I am too indecisive and inexperienced to create the beautiful home I imagined in my head. I am thankful that this led me to Styled Out West. From the first phone consultation with Jenna, she has lifted the weight off my shoulders. She instantly provided reassurance that she would help make our vision a reality. She simplified the decision-making process, respected our budget, and created spaces in our home that I have fallen in love with over-and-over again. The compliments from guests who enter our home are endless, and I am forever grateful for Jenna and her team. She has truly transformed our house into the place I always look forward to coming home to."

To read all about the first home we designed for this wonderful family, you can read the post: Featured Project: Maple Valley Furnishings & Styling

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Sources & Details

Location: Lake Wilderness (Maple Valley, WA)
Project Type: Furnishings, Styling and Organization
Photography: All photos are c/o Shelly Borga of Dakota &Co.