Case Study: Cape, Refined

A Classic Cape, Warmed and Layered

Some homes don’t need reinvention — they need refinement.

This classic Cape had beautiful architectural bones: a charming fireplace, built-ins, defined rooms, and natural character. But despite its charm, the living room lacked cohesion and warmth. It felt disconnected rather than layered — clean, but not complete.

Our goal wasn’t to dramatically transform the space.
It was to clarify it. Warm it. Elevate it.

To honor the architecture — and then thoughtfully build around it.

Creating Clarity Through Paint

We began with paint to establish contrast and cohesion.

The walls were finished in Benjamin Moore’s Brandon Beige, a grounded neutral that instantly added warmth without darkening the room. All trim — including the fireplace and built-ins — was painted Benjamin Moore’s Simply White, sharpening the architectural lines and brightening the space.

The contrast created clarity.
The room immediately felt intentional.

Light, Pattern & Playfulness

To soften the architecture and add personality, we introduced silk curtains that delivered a light punch of pattern and playfulness.

The pattern subtly touched on all the colors within the room — tying together the leather, linen, warm neutrals, and soft grays. Rather than overpowering the space, it layered in movement and energy while elevating the vertical lines.

The fabric added refinement.
The pattern added life.

Above the fireplace, a large mirror reflects light and expands the visual footprint — especially important in a room of modest scale.

Sconce lighting was added to enhance atmosphere and create warmth in the evenings. Layered lighting transformed the space from flat to dimensional.

Designing for Scale

Scale was critical in this small living room.

Every piece needed to feel appropriately sized — substantial enough to ground the room, yet refined enough to allow the space to breathe.

The warm leather sofa became the anchor. Its clean lines and tailored silhouette provide presence without bulk, while the rich tone adds depth against the softer wall color. It grounds the room visually and physically — a strong foundation in a modest footprint.

To complete the conversational area, we introduced two dark gray linen tufted barrel chairs. Their curved profiles soften the architecture and create intimacy, while their tailored upholstery keeps the space feeling elevated.

Because square footage was limited, oversized side tables would have crowded the room. Instead, we selected playful, movable occasional tables — flexible pieces that can shift easily for entertaining or everyday use. Their lighter visual weight keeps the layout feeling open and dynamic.

In a room this size, restraint is design.
Every inch must feel intentional.

Layering for Warmth

With the foundation set, we layered in warmth.

A natural fiber rug introduces organic texture underfoot, softening the room and grounding the seating area without overpowering it. Soft throws and tailored pillows add comfort and subtle pattern, reinforcing the palette without visual noise.

Greenery was thoughtfully placed to bring movement and life into the space — a reminder that warmth isn’t only about color, but about vitality.

We also gave careful attention to the built-in shelving and fireplace mantel. Rather than filling them, we curated them — incorporating collected objects, stacked books, sculptural pieces, and negative space. The styling feels balanced and edited, allowing the architecture to shine while adding personality.

Layering isn’t about adding more.
It’s about adding thoughtfully.

The result feels cohesive, welcoming, and quietly refined.

Drawing the Eye Upward

The staircase offered an opportunity.

A gallery wall of Olof Rudbeck bird prints climbs the stairwell, adding quiet movement and historical charm. The artwork draws the eye upward, enhancing the sense of height while adding character and story.

It’s subtle. Refined. Intentional.

Not decorative — architectural.

The Result

Grounded. Inviting. Timeless.

This Cape now feels elevated yet completely livable. The warmth is layered. The architecture feels defined. The atmosphere shifts effortlessly from bright daytime to intimate evening.

It doesn’t feel redesigned.

It feels refined.

And that distinction matters.