A Remodel That Blends Love, Design, and Music
By KM Interior Design
When two people come together to build a new life, they bring more than memories—they bring their own styles, histories, and cherished belongings. This was exactly the case for my latest project, a home remodel designed to celebrate the union of a newly blended family while creating a cohesive and inviting space.
The house already had strong architectural bones, including an open floorplan and a dramatic dual staircase connecting the entryway to the kitchen. However, outdated finishes dulled its beauty. The couple’s request to me was simple yet meaningful: make it ours, together.
The Challenge: Blending Styles Without Losing Balance
Combining two households meant incorporating furniture, artwork, and décor from both partners. The challenge was to merge these elements so the home felt intentional rather than mismatched.
The open layout added to the complexity. Every finish—from flooring to paint—needed to flow seamlessly across the spaces. Additionally, the formal living room required special attention. It houses her baby grand piano, a stunning piece that deserved to be showcased as both a design focal point and a symbol of the couple’s lifestyle.
The Vision: A Fresh, Cohesive Canvas
The first step was establishing a strong foundation. We replaced the existing flooring with porcelain tile, chosen for its durability, easy maintenance, and timeless appeal. Its warm undertones and subtle texture gave the open areas visual continuity while enhancing the home’s modern aesthetic.
For the walls, I selected a soft neutral palette to brighten the interiors and highlight the dual staircase as an architectural centerpiece. This understated backdrop allowed the couple’s combined furnishings and newly added pieces to blend effortlessly.
To add warmth and texture, a curated mix of rugs was layered throughout the home, ranging from contemporary designs to timeless traditional patterns. This blend reinforced the home’s overall aesthetic—balanced, inviting, and rich with personality.
Artwork was thoughtfully curated as well, bridging styles from classic traditional pieces to more contemporary works. This range enhanced the home’s narrative, providing visual interest and complementing the furnishings without competing for attention.
Lighting upgrades were kept elegant and purposeful. An exquisite fixture in the formal living room was chosen to enhance the space around the baby grand piano, providing both ambient and accent lighting. Elsewhere, new fixtures ensured even, welcoming illumination throughout the open floorplan.
The Process: Blending Old with New
Rather than starting over, we integrated the couple’s existing furniture, arranging it to enhance the home’s flow and character. Their favorite pieces were balanced with thoughtfully chosen new additions, such as a streamlined sofa and layered textiles that softened and unified the space.
The formal living room was designed around the baby grand piano, which naturally became the star of the space. The room’s layout, soft wall tones, and sleek porcelain tile worked together to showcase the piano beautifully. Comfortable seating and understated décor completed the room, making it both an elegant entertaining area and a personal retreat.
The Reveal: A Home That Tells Their Story
When the remodel was complete, the transformation was remarkable. The porcelain tile flooring unified the open floorplan, creating a seamless flow from the entry to the kitchen. The dual staircase, freshly framed by new paint and enhanced lighting, became a dramatic visual feature. And the formal living room—with its piano as the focal point—perfectly reflects the homeowners’ style and love for music.
The couple was thrilled with the results. They loved how their meaningful belongings were celebrated, and how the new finishes tied everything together into a home that felt modern, welcoming, and uniquely theirs.
Reflection: Design as a Bridge
This project reminded me why I love interior design. It’s not just about finishes or furniture—it’s about telling a story. Here, design became the bridge between two styles, two histories, and a new shared future. By blending old with new and embracing the home’s architecture, we created a space that is warm, cohesive, and alive with music.
