This series shares a behind-the-scenes look at some of the design boards I've created for past clients, showcasing room inspiration and my favorite product finds from these projects. Whether working with local Atlanta clients or virtual design clients across the country—and across a wide range of budgets—I'm always excited to pull back the curtain on how these spaces come together. Today, I'm sharing a classic yet contemporary family home that balances timeless style with modern functionality.
Back Entry Design
The back entry for this home needed a chic yet functional vignette—one of those hardworking spaces that has to look good while also handling the daily chaos of family life. The design needed to accommodate stowing away keys (in decorative boxes and trays on the console) and stashing dog supplies out of sight (in generous wicker baskets tucked below).
A large-scale landscape art print above the console provides a calming moment of beauty as you enter or leave the house—the kind of thoughtful detail that elevates an often-overlooked transitional space. A luxe table lamp with tailored details anchors the composition and provides warm, welcoming light.
Living Room Styling
The living room for this project already had a beautiful foundation of classic furniture, so my role here was more interior stylist than designer—helping fill the gracious coffee table and built-in bookshelves with pieces that would lay a stylish, collected foundation for my clients' personal memorabilia and treasures.
As avid travelers, these clients had stories to tell, so I curated a selection of worldly coffee table books that reflect their adventures and spark conversation. I also brought in greenery, like this faux olive tree, to add life and organic texture to the room. One of my favorite tricks for creating visual symmetry in flanking bookshelves is to add a large urn on the top shelf of each—those timeless, slightly architectural silhouettes anchor the composition and make styling the shelves below so much easier.
Primary Bedroom Design
I wanted my clients' primary bedroom to feel like a true retreat—a serene escape from the bustle of daily life. We established a cool-toned palette anchored by Behr's Light Drizzle paint color on the accent wall behind the bed, a soft blue-gray that reads calm and sophisticated without feeling cold.
Symmetry was key to creating that restful, balanced atmosphere. I flanked the bed with a pair of arched mirrors that reflect light and add architectural interest, along with articulating wall sconces that provide individualized task lighting for reading. Burl wood nightstands introduce a warm Art Deco touch that plays beautifully against the cool wall color, while a hand-knotted area rug from our Iconium Collection provides traditional pattern and softness underfoot.
Primary Bathroom Design
In the primary bathroom, a few strategic updates transformed the builder-grade finishes into something far more elevated. Sometimes it's not about a full renovation—it's about knowing which details to swap out for maximum impact.
I specified polished chrome sink fixtures and a trio of classic shaded sconces above the vanity mirror, paired with a contemporary ceiling fixture that provides ample light for this generously sized space. A vintage wool runner along the vanity adds character, warmth, and that collected feel I always strive for—proof that rugs absolutely belong in bathrooms. A custom patterned roman shade dresses the window above the free-standing bathtub, and a rustic teak stool beside the tub provides beautiful contrast (and a convenient spot for a glass of wine).
Work With Us
Whether you're building a new home, refreshing a single room, or looking to elevate your space with thoughtful styling, Atlanta interior designer Kevin Francis O'Gara offers personalized design services for clients locally and nationwide.
