Home Introduction
This month’s featured home is a luminous, 2,900-square-foot modern sanctuary nestled in the rolling hills just outside Charlotte, North Carolina. Homeowners Lia and Jason Reed—a creative director and sustainability consultant—purchased the split-level property in 2023, drawn by its expansive windows and opportunity for a fresh start after years of apartment living. Together with interior designer Maya Lane, they embarked on a ten-month renovation journey, with the goal of creating an environment both inspiring and deeply livable.
Eschewing outdated trends like all-white rooms and matchy-matchy furniture in favor of fluid patterns, bold colors, and sustainable luxe touches, the Reeds’ home is a masterclass in 2025-forward style. Their overall philosophy: a home should be welcoming yet personal, filled with tactile layers, color, and considered materials that reflect how you authentically live. The resulting space shows how to gracefully leave behind harsh minimalism and formulaic decor, and instead embrace creativity, comfort, and long-lasting beauty.
Room-by-Room Breakdown
Living Room: Sculptural Lines Meet Sensory Comfort
A far cry from last decade’s chillier white-on-white schemes, the living room sets the tone with saturated color and tactile layering. The palette centers on dulcet, enveloping shades—walls painted in Benjamin Moore's 'Frosted Toffee', a comforting beige-taupe that radiates warmth, offset by deep emerald and ochre accents. Gone is the overly minimalist look: the space is anchored by a cloud-like oversized slipcovered sofa from Sixpenny, rich velvet throw pillows, and a set of layered plush rugs (one cream, one botanical-inspired jute).
Instead of cold metallics, hardware and lighting lean into the organic: the caramel patina of aged brass table lamps, matte black sculptural sconces from West Elm, and an undulating, hand-blown glass chandelier (Lightology) that doubles as statement art. Windows are dressed with breezy linen curtains in 'Ivory Haze', letting natural light flood the space—an intentional shift away from heavy drapes and vertical blinds. Throughout, fluid patterns appear on accent cushions and an artisanal rug, infusing subtle movement and vitality.
Noteworthy are the tactile accessories: a charcoal weathered vase from Heath Ceramics, hand-thrown pottery lining the bookshelves, and a trio of tapered candle holders (Target). The result is a space that feels curated, soulful, and ultra-inviting—proof that coziness doesn't require sacrificing sophistication.
Kitchen: Closed Storage, Character, and Sustainable Luxury
Moving into the kitchen, practicality and artistry coexist. Open shelving—once an influencer favorite, now known for its impractical dust and clutter—has been replaced by clean-lined, flat-panel cabinets in muted sage. Cabinet pulls in brushed bronze (Rejuvenation) add warmth, while engineered quartz countertops (Caesarstone) offer sustainable durability and a touch of luxe.
Backsplashes feature undulating, hand-painted zellige tiles in varying dunes and blush tones, introducing subtle pattern without a single harsh line. Appliances are integrated to maintain flow, and a sculptural pendant made of matte porcelain hovers above the island. The embrace of closed storage—contrasted with a curated display tray for everyday essentials—allows the Reeds to stay organized, reducing visual clutter. A set of woven wood blinds (Smith & Noble) and a tactile sisal runner complete this highly functional, family-friendly space.
Primary Bedroom: Sustainable Textures, Cohesive Color, and Spa Energy
The primary bedroom is the epitome of tranquility, relying on the 'color drenching' trend. Here, walls, trim, and even the ceiling are painted in Farrow & Ball's 'Setting Plaster', a chameleonic blush-nude that calms. Rather than a dated accent wall or another themed motif, the room feels cocooning and visually expansive.
Furnishings are eclectic yet harmonious: a reclaimed walnut platform bed (The Citizenry) is layered with GOTS-certified organic linen bedding (Parachute Home) and butter-soft throws. Matching furniture sets are avoided; instead, a pair of mismatched nightstands in rattan and ebonized oak provide visual interest. Floor-to-ceiling sheer linen drapes (Restoration Hardware) diffuse morning light, maximizing the airy effect.
The sensory experience is completed by a subtle essential oil diffuser on the nightstand and a woven music speaker that fills the room with calming sound. Simple, matte ceramic lighting nods to contemporary minimalism, but with a softer, tactile edge.
Guest Bath: Modern Mix and Authentic Character
The guest bath presents a study in modern, understated luxury. Gone are outdated, ornate light fixtures and chrome; instead, sculptural wall sconces in oxidized brass frame a rounded-edge, matte concrete vanity. The Reeds opted for sustainable flooring: terrazzo with recycled chips, complemented by organic cotton Turkish towels.
For privacy, a sleek, roller shade in a textured flax finish replaces vertical blinds, keeping sightlines clean and light abundant. Small art prints—collected from local markets—personalize the space and ensure it avoids any hint of overt 'theme'.
Design Highlights
Signature design elements abound, underscoring the home’s bespoke approach. Fluid patterns flow from the living room’s rugs to the kitchen’s zellige tiles, skillfully unifying spaces without feeling repetitive. Instead of themed decor, the Reeds blend vintage and modern—a 1970s travertine coffee table sits beside a contemporary boucle armchair—to keep the aesthetic evolving.
Custom details and DIY ingenuity shine: Jason crafted a mudroom bench from salvaged heart pine, while Lia’s artful ‘gallery shelf’ above the entry console (using reclaimed wood) rotates favorite finds seasonally. The choice of matte, patina-rich finishes on hardware and fixtures throughout softens the overall vibe, moving away from cold, harsh metallics.
Not to be missed, the art collection—spanning family photography, bold block prints, and a local ceramicist’s wall sculpture—infuses personality at every turn. Each room champions layering: tactile throws, patterned pillows, scented candles, and collected objects that engage sight, touch, and even sound.
Challenges & Solutions
The transformation came with its own set of challenges. The original house featured closed-in rooms, heavy window treatments, and uninspiring fixtures. Rather than gut renovations, the Reeds focused on impactful, achievable updates—removing dated curtains in favor of light linen panels, swapping vertical blinds for woven shades, and re-painting all surfaces with warm hues.
The kitchen required reimagining storage: organizing their essentials and eliminating rarely used gadgets enabled a streamlined return to closed cabinetry. To offset costs, Lia sourced many accent pieces secondhand and prioritized splurging only on statement elements (the slipcovered sofa, blush tile backsplash).
Staying within budget, they avoided matching furniture sets and invested in statement-making, flexible pieces that can move between rooms as their needs evolve.
Homeowner's Advice
Lia and Jason’s top tip: Don’t chase short-lived trends—focus on how you actually live and let comfort guide every choice. Start with a classic, neutral foundation and bring in colors, patterns, and accents that make you happy. Mixing styles (vintage with new, handmade with high-street) naturally leads to a space that feels authentic and never forced. Whenever possible, opt for quality over quantity; even one well-made item can elevate an entire room.
Their final reminder: Invest in layers—both visually and sensorially. Add plants, tactile pillows, music, and scent for a home that feels dynamic all year.
Get the Look
- Paint Colors: Walls in Benjamin Moore 'Frosted Toffee' (living room) and Farrow & Ball's 'Setting Plaster' (bedroom) for warmth and serenity.
- Sofas & Rugs: Oversized slipcovered sofa (Sixpenny, from $2,000) paired with a layered jute and wool rug ensemble (Ruggable, $249+) for inviting comfort and durability.
- Accent Decor: Charcoal weathered vase (Heath Ceramics, $115), hand-thrown pottery, and a trio of matte candle holders (Target, $30 for set of 3) for pops of personality.
- Window Treatments: Linen curtain panels in 'Ivory Haze' (Restoration Hardware, $99+ per panel) and woven wood blinds (Smith & Noble, starting at $150).
- Lighting: Sculptural glass chandelier (Lightology, $879+) and matte-finish table lamps (West Elm, $180+) for up-to-date illumination.
- Sustainability Focus: GOTS-certified organic linen bedding (Parachute, $169+), recycled terrazzo flooring (Concrete Collaborative), and reclaimed walnut bed (The Citizenry, $1,499).
To achieve this layered, sensory look, aim to blend cozy basics with bold, artistic touches. Repurpose existing pieces where possible, use slipcovers for easy updates, and don’t shy away from mixing patterns for a curated finish. For color novices, try color drenching a small space like a powder room or hallway before going all-in.
Sources
- Kristen McGowan, YouTube: Provided analysis on trends to leave behind—emphasizing warmth, personal touches, and layering.
- Southern Living: Advised replacing heavy drapes and vertical blinds with modern lightweight options for increased light.
- CENTURY 21 Redwood Realty: Discussed shift to closed kitchen storage and avoidance of overly themed or matching decor.
- Better Homes & Gardens: Noted market move away from accent walls and minimalist extremes, plus rise of color drenching and tactile materials.
- Decorilla: Spotlighted preference for matte finishes, organic hardware, and sophisticated sustainability.
- Homes & Gardens: Focused on comfort-led furniture, mix-and-match styling, and sensorial layering.
- Lucy Glade-Wright, YouTube: Advocated for eclectic blending of styles and updating classics with modern accents.