Reveal / white house family living
I’m excited to share this family living room reveal! This space was designed to be a blend of timeless elegance and cozy luxury—a retreat where everyone can come together in comfort and style. From soft textures to thoughtful architectural details, every element was chosen to make this room feel like a calming moment within a busy family home. Here’s how the room came to life.
An airy white backdrop
The foundation of this room is its fresh, white colour scheme. The bright white walls are Resene Alabaster and set a clean, classic tone, making the space feel both open and inviting. It’s a backdrop that not only allows natural light to flow beautifully but also highlights the room’s more intricate architectural features. This simple choice made the perfect canvas for layering in all of the finer details.
Classic architectural details
To give the room a sense of history and timelessness, we leaned into classic architectural details, adding ceiling trims, skirting boards and architraves that frame the walls and ceiling elegantly. These trims accentuate the room's structure and add just the right amount of sophistication without overwhelming the space. Together, they create a refined look and give the white backdrop depth and interest.
Sheers and shutters
To keep things light and airy, we installed classic white shutters that control light, add structure, and a bit of privacy. I love shutters because they go with different architectural styles, come in different profiles and colours, and instantly add a holiday feel to a home. These crisp white shutters are paired with double track curtains with a sheer layer on the front which adds softness and lets in gentle, filtered light. Together, the shutters and curtains create a layered look that feels both polished but still welcoming.
Round marble handles from Lo & Co. Styling objects and vases from House of Forbes, and stylist’s own.
Cabinetry & styling
On either side of the fireplace, built-in shelves provide stylish storage with a twist. We added ribbed fronts to these shelves, giving them a subtle texture that enhances the room’s visual interest. To complete the look, we chose round marble handles for a touch of elegance that ties back to the fireplace. These shelves are perfect for displaying treasured items and family photos while also offering a bit of hidden storage to keep things tidy and organized.
Arched seating nook
One of the standout features of this room is the arched built-in seating nook—a perfect spot to curl up with a book, have a cuppa, or simply relax. The gentle curve of the arch adds a touch of softness, balancing the clean lines elsewhere. The cabinetry features a negative detail to continue that classic charm featured on the trims. Built-in cabinetry is my favourite way to add wow factor to a room, because it’s floor to ceiling it can create the focal point for the entire space. Even though it takes up extra depth in the room, I find you don’t need much furniture afterward. We finished the nook with plush, custom-made cushions, creating a cozy corner that I now want at my place!
Cabinetry by Manolas Bros, painted in Resene Alabaster.
“Built-in cabinetry is my favourite way to add wow factor to a room, because it’s floor to ceiling
it can create the focal point for the entire space and you can be so creative about the shape,
textures and tones you use to design it.” Shelley
Faceted stone fireplace surround
In the centre of the room we designed a faceted stone fireplace that instantly elevates the entire space. The angled faceting in the stone creates a beautiful texture and dimension, bringing a modern twist to a classic material. Above the fireplace, we built a dedicated column to house the TV, seamlessly blending entertainment with design. By incorporating the TV into the room’s architecture, it doesn’t compete with the fireplace but feels like an integrated part of the overall aesthetic.
Shelving for styling
On either side of the fireplace, built-in shelves provide stylish storage with a twist. We added ribbed fronts to these shelves, giving them a subtle texture that enhances the room’s visual interest. To complete the look, we chose marble handles for a touch of elegance that ties back to the fireplace. These shelves are perfect for displaying favourite items and family photos while also offering a bit of hidden storage to keep things tidy and organized.
Fireplace stone Calacatta Nuvo from Caesarstone.
The final say
This family living room now feels like a perfect balance of classic style and modern living. The bright white palette, combined with timeless architecture, cozy textures, and luxe materials, makes it a room that’s both beautiful and comfortable. It’s a place that invites you to sit back, relax, and enjoy time with friends or family!