An empty nest makeover in Ashburn

THE CHALLENGE

Now that the kids are out of the house, Patricia Rohr of Ashburn wants to redecorate her 17-by-16-foot family room. She wants the room to look updated and cozy with lots of warm colors. The armchair is the only piece of furniture that must stay.

(Leah L. Jones/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST) - Patty Rohr

Gallery

House Calls: Local rooms get virtual design makeovers: The Washington Post pairs local readers’ design challenges with an interior designer. The result is a before and after makeover with tips and tricks for making the most out of the space.

THE SOLUTION

Designers Jane O’Donoghue and Ann McDaniels replaced the dated sofas with a bold, red sectional and chaise lounge. Metal and glass accent tables give the room a hip, industrial look.

McDaniels and O’Donoghue, of Urban Threads (410-313-8485) are based in Ellicott City.

Pillows are an easy way to mix colors and textures. Try red velvet, orange pom-pom and rose-applique pillows.

A sectional with chaise lounge provides extra seating when guests are over.

Metal, glass and rustic wood tables give the room an industrial feel.

Linen draperies with abstract trees soften the space. Hang them at the ceiling to make the room look taller.

Sherwin-Williams’s Blonde paint brings out the room’s gold, autumnal tones.

Repeat bold colors to tie the color scheme together. The red painting over the fireplace matches the red sofa.

Lamps brighten the room. Vary their colors and shapes to add visual interest.

SHOPPING GUIDE

Furniture: Parisian Loft sectional with chaise in Linato Tomato ($4,200, www.precedent-furniture.com); Crossnore rectangular cocktail table ($420) and end table ($259), both from www.hammary.com; carved wood side table ($199, www.westelm.com).

Lighting: Devon table lamp in blue ($249, www.ballarddesigns.com); Wyatt table lamp in antique bronze ($99, www.potterybarn.com).

Accessories: Tangerine Rise 8 print ($250) and Brilliant Seaweed prints ($100 each), both from www.zgallerie.com; Creative Threads drapes in Westwood-Woodsmoke ($199/panel, www.creativethreadsusa.com).

SPLURGE . . .

Custom Belgian basket weave sisal rug in Honey ($1,995 for 10-by-14 feet, www.restorationhardware.com).

Industrial tool chest media console ($995, www.restorationhardware.com).

. . . OR SAVE

Heathered chenille jute rug in Natural ($549 for 9-by-12, www.potterybarn.com).

Narita Espresso media stand ($445, www.grandinroad.com).

See past room makeovers by local designers.

Wanted: Photos of kids’ rooms for a House Calls makeover. Send photos, dimensions, ages and contact information to makeover@washpost.com