Meet Stacie. She lives downtown in a beautiful home that we had the pleasure of helping decorate. The time has finally come to officially “House Crash” her—so buckle up, this will be a fun tour.
You might remember her bedroom from an earlier post. It started out a bit plain, but after we created one of our first mood boards for her, the space was completely transformed into a serene, layered retreat. The makeover shows how a clear vision and a few smart design choices can turn an ordinary room into something special.
But Stacie’s style isn’t limited to the bedroom. Her whole home reflects a polished, approachable aesthetic. The hallway that runs from the foyer to her modern kitchen features a striking transom window that fills the space with natural light and sets a refined tone.
She chose Ikea cabinets for the kitchen and has never regretted it. The flexibility and customization options made it easy to get a tailored look on a reasonable budget—an excellent example of smart sourcing that doesn’t sacrifice style.
The front room is dramatic and moody with deep, chocolate-toned walls—try a paint similar to Benjamin Moore’s North Creek Brown 1001 for that effect. Plush velvet seating and a textured wool rug make the room feel luxurious, while surprisingly affordable accessories keep the overall cost down. For instance, the starburst mirror above the fireplace is an elegant find, and the lamps flanking the sofa came from a popular national retailer. The mix of high and low pieces gives the room character without feeling overdone.
Stacie also has a cozy sitting room that doubles as an office. A West Elm daybed creates a welcoming spot where her kids can relax while she works at a compact desk. Above the mantel hangs a contemporary pear print from a modern design brand, and a sculptural light fixture anchors the room. It’s the kind of family-friendly space that still feels thoughtfully curated.
The standout space, though, is the renovated dining room. We helped Stacie transform this room in time for a large party she hosted, and the results were spectacular. The dramatic metallic wallpaper she chose became the inspiration for the entire room; she applied it to two opposite walls to visually bookend the space. The effect is glamorous and cohesive—exactly what she wanted.
While the wallpaper provides punch, we suggested a warm greige for the remaining walls to balance the room—Benjamin Moore’s Smokey Taupe 983 is a great reference. It reads differently depending on light and angle, but it brings a soft warmth with cool gray undertones that complements the metallic finish perfectly. Coupled with the room’s crown molding, high ceilings, and wide doorways, the finished dining room feels both grand and intimate.
Small details complete the look. Lamps on the buffet came from a discount home store, and the mirrors above the console were sourced from a mainstream home retailer. These budget-friendly finds combine seamlessly with a more formal, original crystal chandelier, proving that thoughtful mixing of pieces at different price points can create a luxe result without blowing the budget.
One design challenge was the fireplace surround. Stacie hesitated to paint the wood, but it didn’t fit the light, “cloud-like” vision she imagined. We discussed options like a weathered gray-blue stain or a white or soft gray paint. Eventually, a metallic finish from a heritage paint collection captured her imagination. She chose a pewter metallic for the mantel, which reads luminous yet refined in the airy dining room. To preserve contrast and drama, she painted the surround a deep black, which sets off the metallic mantel beautifully.
This home demonstrates how intelligent choices, careful mixing of sources, and a willingness to embrace bold moments can yield stunning results. Stacie’s house feels polished and glamorous, yet approachable—proof that you can achieve dramatic style without overspending. Which part of the house is your favorite? The metallic wallpaper or the light, refreshed bedroom? We’re still torn between those two.
UPDATE: We visited Stacie’s house again to photograph a few more updates and fresh details from her latest makeover. The continued evolution of her home is a lovely reminder that design is an ongoing process.