Sam’s Retro Living Room Transformation
Case Study
Client Background
Sam, a busy professional and mum of two young children, reached out to me for help to refresh her living space in a way that felt personal and timeless. She loved some of her furniture, but lacked the time and confidence to pull together a cohesive look. Sam wanted to integrate her existing furniture while introducing new pieces including a feature wall, curtains, couches, occasional chairs and a rug.
The Challenge
Sam was time poor, juggling work and family left her little headspace for redesigning her home. She wanted to avoid making costly mistakes when choosing furniture and decor, so needed an overall plan without the stress of tackling the process alone. She needed a solution that would fit her hectic schedule and allow her to implement changes gradually as her time and budget allowed.
The Approach
I offered Sam a flexible, collaborative solution tailored to her needs and pace. Here’s how we approached her living room refresh:
Creating a Vision
Together, we developed a cohesive design that integrated her favourite furniture with new pieces. Starting with her existing sofa and ottoman, I recommended colours, patterns, and textures to enhance their appeal while ensuring everything worked beautifully together.Prioritising Smart Savings
Instead of replacing her lounge suite, I suggested reupholstering it in a durable, family-friendly fabric. This allowed Sam to save money while keeping a piece her family already loved.Providing Clarity and Confidence
Once the design was finalised, I provided Sam with a clear roadmap, including a detailed product list and budget breakdown. This empowered her to tackle the project in stages, as and when she has the time, making it easier to stay on track financially and practically.Integrating Trades and Resources
As Sam was local, I was able to offer her my trusted tradespeople for custom curtains and reupholstery. I provided estimates from the trades people so she has a clear sense of overall cost for her project - and will coordinate these services for her, when she is ready.
The Results
Sam’s refreshed living room is a space that feels uniquely hers - beautiful, functional, and thoughtfully designed. Here’s what she gained:
Clarity and Peace of mind: Sam feels reassured with her overall plan, knowing every piece she buys will fit perfectly into her design scheme.
Significant Savings: By reusing existing pieces, and ensuring her new purchased complemented them, she has saved thousands of dollars compared to buying new and replacing more than necessary.
Stress-Free Implementation: With trades lined up and design discounts on selected purchases through Homes with Soul, she can make purchases over time as her budget allows.
Before & After
Sam’s existing furniture, mustard ottoman and leather armchair that she and her husband purchased confidently - knowing it would work well with their living room design!
“Nicci’s “design by your side” approach worked perfectly with my busy schedule. She was incredibly patient and attentive, helping me uncover my personal style while offering her expert guidance. Her ability to listen, understand the very vague brief, and translate it into a vision that feels both stylish and functional was much appreciated.
Nicci was a pleasure to work with, making the whole process seamless and stress-free. With an overall vision now documented, we love that we can make incremental improvements as and when our budget allows.”
Ready to design your dream space?
Sam’s story shows how a thoughtful, collaborative approach can transform your home without overwhelming your budget or schedule. Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or reimagine your entire home, I’m here to help. Let’s chat about how we can bring your vision to life.