Project Lisa: Where Comfort Meets Community

North Haledon, NJ

THE STARTING POINT

When Brian and Kaitlyn moved into their new home, they immediately saw the potential—especially in the expansive great room that sits just off the kitchen. Originally an add-on to the house, the space had incredible size and natural light, but the existing finishes were holding it back from feeling like the inviting gathering space they envisioned. The carpet needed to go, and the paint color wasn’t doing any favors for the gorgeous stone fireplace that should have been the focal point of the entire room.

From the moment I walked in, I knew this room could become something truly special. By removing the carpet and installing a warm wood-look LVP, we’d instantly elevate the foundation of the space (after we ran into and fixed some leveling issues of course lol)! And with a softer paint color to complement the stone (Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee) , that fireplace—already full of character—would finally get its moment to shine.

These clients dreamed of using this room for big family hangouts, hosting their church group, and entertaining friends. They wanted the room to feel elevated but still incredibly cozy—beautiful, but livable for their everyday life. With their vision in mind, this project was ready to unfold.

Empty living room with boxes and storage bins, a small table and chairs, and a stone fireplace with arched windows and a ceiling fan.
Empty living room with beige carpet, scattered storage boxes, toys, and miscellaneous items, two windows, white walls, ceiling fan with lights

THE TRANSFORMATION

With the foundation of the room set, we moved right into planning the furnishings and making thoughtful decisions that aligned with the client’s budget and priorities. From the start, they knew they wanted solid wood pieces that would stand the test of time—something they could invest in now and enjoy for years to come. It was such a smart approach: by putting their budget toward a few high-quality anchor pieces, I was able to layer in budget-friendly décor and additional furnishings that still delivered an elevated, cohesive look.

One of Brian’s non-negotiables was a reclining sofa—and if you’ve ever shopped for reclining furniture, you know what a puzzle that can be. Finding one that’s comfortable, stylish, and scaled properly for the room can feel like striking gold. But after some digging, I sourced the perfectly-scaled reclining sofas that checked every box. 

To ground this expansive space, I selected a large, oversized solid wood coffee table that instantly added warmth and presence. And over by the fireplace—now a true showpiece with its soft, complementary paint—two cozy swivel chairs created the perfect spot for conversation, relaxing with a glass of wine, or simply enjoying the glow of a winter fire.

Because this family enters their home through the garage, storage and drop-zone functionality were essential. Instead of carving out a separate mudroom, we designed a long, extended bench with roomy bins beneath—ideal for shoes, coats, gloves, and all the everyday necessities that come with an active family. This simple, intentional solution kept the space organized without compromising style.

Living room with a stone fireplace, two light-colored armchairs, a round rug, a small side table, and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
Living room with stone fireplace, beige sofa, black side tables with lamps, large wall clock, and light-colored wooden floors.
Living room with a stone fireplace, two arched windows, a beige armchair, potted plant, chandelier, wooden furniture, and a gray rug.
Decorative console table with a large ceramic table lamp, a brass candlestick with a tall white candle, a string of wooden beads, and a stack of three white books inside a modern home with wooden stairs in the background.
Living room with a stone fireplace, white sofa, side chairs, a wooden coffee table, a large wall clock, a chandelier, and decorative pillows.
A cozy living room with a stone fireplace, two arched windows, a chandelier, and light-colored furniture, including armchairs and a sofa, on a wooden floor. A large vase with greenery and a book are on a wooden coffee table in the foreground.

THE REVEAL

Install day arrived—and if you know me, you know this is my Super Bowl. There’s nothing quite like watching a vision finally come to life, piece by piece. As we brought everything into the space, it all came together beautifully. The reclining sofas were a total win, comfortable and stylish just as we’d hoped. The oversized coffee table (which was incredibly heavy, but absolutely worth the lift!) grounded the room with warmth and presence.

Layering in soft furnishings, earthy tones, and a few thoughtful décor pieces added character and coziness, transforming the great room into a space that finally felt like Brian and Kaitlyn. When the family arrived home for the big reveal, their reaction was priceless—pure excitement and genuine joy. Their extended family stopped by as well, offering such kind compliments about not just the look of the room, but how comfortable and inviting it felt.

Since then, this happy couple has been able to enjoy their great room with friends, family, and their church community—exactly as they had imagined. Knowing that they now have a beautiful, functional space filled with quality pieces that fit both their style and their budget makes this project feel especially rewarding. This room was designed to serve them for years to come, and I’m so thrilled to have played a part in creating it.

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