[Photos by Cat Nguyen]
Client: A busy family of 5 that enjoys crafting, cooking, and hosting.
Space: Living Room, Breakfast Nook, and Dining Room
Functional Objective: Create spaces that have ample seating for guests and flexible surfaces for their hobbies. With three young children in mind, we designed these spaces using durable, hard-working pieces that reflect this family’s fun aesthetic.
In the living room, we chose an inviting sectional and a big leather ottoman which we paired with a set of custom upholstered chairs. At first glance, the chairs appear to be identical, but one is actually a recliner. The seating area is grounded with a vibrant, yet inviting rug and deep, blue grasscloth wallpaper highlights family photos and mementos in the built-in shelves. Rather than a standard console table behind the sofa, we utilized a desk system which allows the kids to craft, draw, or snack… and still be in the center of everything.
In the breakfast nook, we chose a round dining table crafted from reclaimed European barn wood. The imperfections in the texture make it a beautiful, family-friendly choice, ensuring that any future nicks and dings only add to the character and charm. Along the large wall of windows, we added another task space. We designed a custom desk and floating shelf. Here, the children can spread out and work on projects, crafts, or homework.
In the dining room, we continued the relaxed feel with a refined pair of cork boards. These offer a place to highlight the ever-evolving collection of childhood masterpieces. A custom detail on the wainscoting provides a ledge, just deep enough to prop framed art.
Aesthetic Objective: Even though we designed these spaces with children in mind, we chose pieces that will evolve as the family evolves and stand the test of time – both aesthetically and in durability.
Highlights: Bring function and color into this laughter- and joy-filled home.
![230404_199w family friend living room with workspace for children](https://cateholcombe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/230404_199w.jpg)
![230404_211w custom upholstered reclining chair](https://cateholcombe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/230404_211w.jpg)
![230404_219w built-ins featuring grasscloth wallpaper](https://cateholcombe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/230404_219w.jpg)
![230404_217w custom upholstered chair and pillow](https://cateholcombe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/230404_217w.jpg)
![230404_231w custom counter chairs with fabric that coordinates to living room custom pillows](https://cateholcombe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/230404_231w.jpg)
![230404_185w dining area with workspace](https://cateholcombe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/230404_185w.jpg)
![230404_189w breakfast nook with workspace](https://cateholcombe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/230404_189w.jpg)
![230404_191w](https://cateholcombe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/230404_191w.jpg)
![230404_309w dining room featuring children's artwork](https://cateholcombe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/230404_309w.jpg)
![230404_305w dining room featuring children's artwork](https://cateholcombe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/230404_305w.jpg)
![BEFORE AND AFTER for Client Journal (9) before and after of breakfast nook with workspace](https://cateholcombe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BEFORE-AND-AFTER-for-Client-Journal-9.png)