When Frances sent photos of her recent living room makeover, we were excited to share the results. Here’s the note she sent:
I’m a huge fan of your site and what you do. For that reason, I wanted to introduce myself and submit these photos of a recent project that I completed in a one bedroom co-op in Great Neck, NY. I hope you find it worthy to feature on your site. It would be a huge treat for me.
Here are a few of my sources: Wall Color: Benjamin Moore Silken Pine, All Drapery: Pottery Barn, Drapery Hardware and woven shades: The Shade Store, Living/entry way rugs: Decora Rugs, Entry Way mirror: Source Perrier, Entry Way console: Mitchell Gold, Entryway Chair: Ballard Designs, Entertainment Unit: Stickley Furniture, Sofa and Reading Chair: TCS Designs, Cocktail Table: Hickory Chair, Ceramic Stool: Wisteria, Floor Lamp: Pottery Barn, Desk Lamp: Z Gallerie, Accessories: Target, Home Goods, Ikea, Z Gallerie, Dransfield & Ross.
Thanks for all the tips and great reading! Keep up the great work! – Frances
The transformation is striking. Frances created a calm, sophisticated space that feels both fresh and inviting. The Benjamin Moore Silken Pine walls provide a soft, serene backdrop, while the layered textiles and furniture choices add warmth and personality without overwhelming the room. The large canvas above the sofa, a piece many of us have admired at Ikea, reads beautifully here—its scale and simplicity complement the room’s quiet palette and clean lines.
Details matter in this makeover: woven shades and tailored drapery bring texture and depth to the windows, while a mix of classic and contemporary furniture keeps the design grounded and livable. Accessories from familiar retail sources add charming, approachable accents that make the space feel curated rather than staged. The entry area ties in seamlessly with the living room, thanks to coordinated rugs, a concise console, and thoughtful lighting that create a welcoming flow from the door to the main seating area.
Overall, Frances’s living room showcases how deliberate color choices, thoughtful layering of materials, and a balance of scale can turn a modest one-bedroom co-op into a stylish, comfortable home. It’s a beautiful example of practical design with personality—calm, elegant, and utterly livable.