Behind the Design: Where Cozy Elegance Meets a Modern Home

Written by KATE O'HARA | Design by MARTHA O'HARA INTERIORS | Photography by SPACECRAFTING PHOTOGRAPHY

Home is where you make it.

Our client was ready to embark on a new stage of her life and she wanted her home to reflect that. Surrounded by 360 degrees of a private wooded enclave, the home’s incredible views transition from lush greens to cozy browns throughout the year. Our design was inspired by a color palette that tied neatly to those seasonal changes.

With a vision to refresh a dated house and infuse it with a blend of modern architecture and cozy comfort just for her, this remodel is a recipe for mixing classic, cozy, and modern designs for a warm and inviting home. Originally adorned with heavy furnishings and a dark palette that diminished the home’s natural light, the home yearned for a revitalization to match its picturesque surroundings.

Our goal was clear —to brighten and modernize the space while preserving its inherent charm and coziness. Timeless design is not about a single style, but mixing what you love to curate a personalized aesthetic. Here’s how we did just that.

Keep It Classic

When designing a space, classic furniture shapes and timeless brass finishes create a sense of cohesion and balance within a home. Originally, this home was too formal, with furnishings and finishes that weighed down the interior. We embraced traditional elements, like the shape and style of the dining room chairs but imbued them with some casual ease. A rich, green velvet hints at the room’s occasionally formal purpose, while the rattan backing and raw wood finishes give an overall laid back appeal. Notes of brass, from lighting details, the kitchen faucet, candle sticks, and the kitchen cabinet pulls elevate each space with a hint of elegance.

Pro Tip: Determine the classic elements you love. From cabinetry style to finishes, these are elements you’ll want to integrate throughout your home for a cohesive aesthetic.

We curated each living space to be a blend of elements for a custom design. The simple and timeless aesthetic of the existing kitchen cabinetry worked with our kitchen updates, and a charming wallpaper immediately modernized the now charming space. Add in classic elements like the light and bright countertops and backsplash, along with luxe notes of brass, and this kitchen is made for our client and the surrounding views.

The Heart of Cozy

Classic can also be cozy —in fact, it’s a must for this northern home, where the views turn winter wonderland for months of the year. Natural materials, such as wood, are a classic choice that adds warmth and intimacy to any space. The original walnut wood floors were kept and refinished. These floors set the stage for updated living room features like a new fireplace and beautiful built-ins, all complemented by the addition of stunning ceiling beams at the client’s request. The furnishings fit the classic style of living, while the fabric textures, color palette, and oversized coffee table lended the room a feeling of snug comfort. The resulting room invites guests to gather and relax.

Pro Tip: Consider what makes you feel comfy and cozy. Where will you spend the most time? These are the furnishings and design elements that should exude warmth and invite you in, like rich, dark hardwood floors, a spacious couch, and soft fabrics.

The living room, a focal point of the home, received special attention. Equipped with a new fireplace, functional built-in shelves, and a redesigned TV placement, it now exudes comfort and functionality. The addition of wooden beams welcomes guests with open arms, making it an inviting space for gathering.

Modern Notes

Modern house plans often feature clean lines. A balanced space imparts a sense of visual calm and cohesion. While modern floor plans lean towards open-concept layouts that sometimes risk feeling cold, classic furnishings and relaxed fabrics combine to create smaller nooks and intimate spaces. We added modern shapes and finishes to create a hint of luxe and elevate every portion of the home. The oversized living room coffee table features a modern shape and lines. The lounge chairs have a minimal vibe. The kitchen counter stools perfectly capture the aesthetic of this home with unique shapes, clean lines, and casual elegance.

Pro Tip: Modern doesn’t mean a high contrast, monochromatic home with minimalist furnishings. Instead, a modern aesthetic with its clean lines and low profiles adds balance.

The primary suite is an oasis of relaxation within the cozy home. Lush bedding in a contrasting color palette is balanced by clean lines and modern shapes, like the nightstand and low-profile reading chair. The ensuite bathroom is all luxurious marble and bold black tiles for a spa-like experience at home. The classic brass fixtures in the shower add a touch of glamour, while a spacious tub offers the perfect spot for unwinding after a long day.

A Reflection of Style

At its core, this remodel was a journey of self-expression for the homeowner, who sought to curate a cozy and personalized sanctuary all her own. This was the ultimate exercise in seamlessly mixing styles to achieve the coziness of hygge with the classic appeal of Ralph Lauren, in a casual lake home with views for miles.

While dated, the home offered a layout and size that would work well for her and her life. From there, we create the modern house plan she sought with large windows and open spaces. This cozy home remodel epitomizes the perfect marriage of classic grace and contemporary allure. From the inviting living room to the serene master suite, every corner exudes a sense of warmth and sophistication, the result of three perfectly paired styles—classic, cozy, and modern.

Ready to elevate your living spaces? Discover more expert advice that will transform your home into a haven of cozy elegance when you read our latest issue of Beautiful Design Made Simple magazine. For a deeper dive into the latest trends and design inspirations, don't forget to check out our blog. 

Kate O’Hara is the CEO and creative director of Martha O’Hara Interiors, a full-service interior design firm that designs and furnishes homes from inspiration to flawless outcome. With studios in Austin, Texas, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, Martha O’Hara Interiors has earned a reputation for creating classically beautiful spaces that feel refreshingly balanced and styled.