A Total Home Makeover From Overwhelmed to Stylish New Look
Image source: Pinterest
When Anne-Marie first contacted me, she sounded hesitant but hopeful. A retired HR executive, she had lived in her family home for over 25 years. Nestled in a charming part of County Antrim, the house held cherished memories—but the interiors hadn’t seen a refresh for many years.
“I don’t even know where to start,” she admitted during our first call. “It all just feels tired. I want a home that feels fresh and welcoming again—but I’m overwhelmed by the thought of choosing everything.”
The Challenge
Anne-Marie’s home was filled with well-loved furniture, oak flooring throughout, and swags and tails curtains that no longer reflected her style or lifestyle. She wanted a calm, elegant space to entertain her girlfriends, grandchildren friendly, and enjoy her retirement. But every time she stepped into a showroom or scrolled online, she was flooded with options and walked away more confused than when she started.
Her biggest fear? Spending money on the wrong choices, this was a new chapter in her life.
My Process
I reassured Anne-Marie that she didn’t have to navigate this alone. As with all my full-service clients, I began with a design questionnaire before following through with a consultation to understand her lifestyle, preferences, and vision for her home. She was drawn to soft neutrals, timeless finishes, and comfortable furnishings— her choices needed to see her through the years to come, and she needed help pulling it all together.
Here’s how we brought her vision to life:
Design Discovery:
I walked through the entire home, identifying key areas to transform: the living room, dining room, hallway, and main bedroom. Anne-Marie shared her memories and how she envisioned using each space moving forward.
Mood Boards & Selections:
Using her love for classic style as our anchor, I curated a palette of warm neutrals, soft greens, and natural textures. We chose durable yet luxurious fabrics, elegant lighting, and quality furniture with character.
Procurement & Project Management:
From ordering to delivery, I handled all the logistics. Anne-Marie appreciated the stress-free experience—she didn’t have to worry about missed deliveries, out-of-stock items, or supplier issues and returns.
Installation & Styling:
On install day, Anne-Marie walked into a space that felt entirely hers, yet refreshingly new. Simple but elegant curtains and poles had been installed, and furniture placed. Cushions fluffed, every candle lit—her home was styled in ways she never would have thought of, right down to the last little detail, homely but elegant.
The Final Result
The living room, once dark and dated, now boasts soft linen curtains, a timeless sofa, and a bespoke media unit that elegantly conceals clutter. The dining room was reimagined as a space for entertaining, complete with a statement chandelier and family dining table. Her bedroom became a sanctuary with layered lighting, bespoke headboard, luxury bedding, and custom wardrobes that married function with elegance.
“I feel like I’ve moved into a boutique hotel—but it’s still my home,”. “I would never have thought of this.”
The Impact
More than just a visual transformation, the project gave Anne-Marie a renewed sense of joy in her home. She now hosts Sunday brunches, invites her grandchildren for sleepovers, and enjoys peaceful mornings with a coffee in her newly styled reading nook.
Image source: Heather Interior Design
Make The Change, You Deserve It?
If you’re feeling out of your depth and worried about making costly design mistakes, you don’t have to do it alone. I help busy homeowners like Anne-Marie fall in love with their spaces again—creating homes that are beautiful, timeless, and easy to live in.
