Jill and Tim Mahoney have a four-bedroom Cape Cod-style home that sits on five acres in Catlett, Va. Creating a new living room that was cozy enough for family night, but that could also entertain guests, was important. Charlotte Morris, a designer for Shea Studio Interiors of Springfield, Va., worked to create a design concept that remained faithful to their needs.

Touches that gave the room a quaint feel were essential. Near the fireplace, Morris suggested hanging black-and-white family photos on the walls alongside nautical-inspired prints. For the wall paint, she recommended a soft green tone. Mixing neutral colors with more dramatic ones, such as the yellow and red hues found throughout the furniture, brightens up a room without being too drastic, she says.

Removing bulky furniture was also important. Morris replaced the large lounge chairs located on either side of the Mahoneys' fireplace with two smaller chairs, allowing for more space to move around and entertain. Morris also situated wrought-iron benches -- which provide additional seating while helping child-proof the area by rounding corners -- near the fireplace.

Instead of a traditional end table, she used two storage cubes that require less space. While decorative and dramatic, the red velvet drapes she recommended also help protect the Mahoneys' piano from humidity and sunlight, which can throw it out of tune.

Finally, says Morris, incorporating furniture that isn't oversized and that also has exposed legs can make a huge difference: It reveals more of the floor, giving the illusion of more space.

audio from the designer

Shea Studio Interiors' Charlotte Morris shares trade secrets that can help modernize your home.

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