The mission for this virtual design project for a small living and dining room combo in Amsterdam was clear: take a ho-hum family hangout and transform it into a space that screams warmth, personality, and “come plop on this sofa already. The challenge? Create a homey vibe for a family of seven that juggles game nights, movie marathons, and a love for book collecting—all while making it stylish and practical enough to survive the chaos of family life. Spoiler: I nailed it.
The Before
The family spent most of their time together in a small, open-concept living and dining room that felt more “meh” than “aww, home sweet home.” It lacked flow, storage, and charm—three design sins I couldn’t let slide. Like many of us scrolling Pinterest at 2 a.m., the client was stuck in design paralysis. She couldn’t figure out how to make this space work for her big-blended family.
- No room for their beloved books and mementos.
- Toys taking over like they signed a lease.
- And that wall-mounted AC unit? Big eyesore energy.
The family wanted a space as cozy and quirky as they are—a room where they could hang out, eat meals, and maybe even find their Monopoly pieces when they needed them. The client had just one special request: a worn, vintage leather armchair that would feel like a hug after a long day—a spot to curl up with a good book and escape the chaos.
The Plan
This room makeover was about celebrating the family’s personality and creating a design that felt soulful, functional, and unapologetically inviting. With their deep ties to Tel Aviv and Seville, I decided to channel warm sunny Mediterranean vibes to bring a bit of ole! to gray Amsterdam days.
Here’s the game plan:
- Create distinct zones for playing, lounging, reading, and dining—because “organized chaos” is still chaos.
- Add storage to reclaim the space from books, toys, and life’s little clutter bombs.
- Camouflage that pesky AC unit with a custom-slatted cabinet because practicality can look good too.
- Use colors and textures inspired by their favorite places: Tel Aviv’s coastal blues paired with Seville’s terracotta warmth and natural, lived-in materials.
- The furniture and decor would be playful, colorful, and durable, perfect for both style and family life.
- And, of course, source the perfect vintage leather armchair to fulfill the client’s dream reading nook.
The After
Oh, you thought I’d stop at functional? Nope. I went full-on *feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean sun.* A blushy peach tone instantly cozies up the space, bringing much-needed warmth to Amsterdam’s gloom. Defined zones make the whole space work harder—there’s a spot for every activity and every family member–even the tiniest human. Shelving is everywhere. Books, art, and keepsakes have a home (and no, “the floor” is not a home).
The Living Area:
- The family’s existing sofa got a personality upgrade with playful, patterned pillows.
- A vintage wool kilim layered over the rug gives it that “I’m cool, but I’m not trying too hard” vibe.
- Velvet storage ottomans work triple duty as coffee tables, extra seating, and kid-proof surfaces.
- Moody blue velvet drapes add a cocoon-like coziness perfect for movie nights.
The Reading Nook:
- A dreamy, worn-in vintage leather chair delivers on the client’s vision for a cozy book haven.
- The AC unit? Hiding behind a sleek custom cabinet that also provides more storage. Genius.
- Shelving—because there’s no such thing as too many books.
The Dining Area:
- A vintage teak extendable table brings everyone together, paired with green Windsor chairs that are both classic and kid-proof.
- A cozy dining sofa says, “Stay for dessert,” while a large ornate mirror brings a little Parisian glam (and makes the room feel bigger).
- Lighting here is chef’s kiss—a Murano-style pendant mixed with traditional sconces keeps things fresh yet timeless.
This living and dining room combo is now the ultimate blend of playful, functional, and brimming with personality. It’s not just a room; it’s a love letter to this family’s quirks, adventures, and shared moments. Every detail tells a story, every corner feels like home, and yes, the toys finally have somewhere to go.
It’s not just a design—it’s a vibe.
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