From Blank Wall to Beautiful: Reclaiming a Room After Years of Struggle

Every home has its design challenges, but some grow into full-blown frustrations over time. For one of my clients, that frustration was a massive blank wall in their main living space—a wall so large and featureless that it overwhelmed the room and defied every decorating attempt.

They spent about seven years trying to make the space feel finished, cozy, and intentional—but always falling short. The room never felt quite right, and eventually, they just weren't using it as much as they wanted to.

Reimagining the Wall

The first thing we tackled was the obvious source of tension: that blank wall. We explored a few options together, and ultimately landed on a solution that made all the difference: adding wall trim to visually break up the space and give it some architectural rhythm.

Once the trim was in place, we had the perfect canvas to highlight a statement piece of art they already owned—something meaningful from a local artist. We flanked the artwork with plug-in wall sconces, giving it a soft, gallery-like glow that added both beauty and purpose to the wall.

Suddenly, what had once felt like a design dead-end became the focal point of the entire room.

Bringing the Room Into the Present

With the wall transformed, we took the opportunity to refresh the rest of the space as well. The old coffee table, while functional, didn’t really complement the updated vibe. We replaced it with something more contemporary —a piece that felt lighter, cleaner, and better suited to the room’s new aesthetic.

We also rethought the curtains, bringing in a new fabric that helped tie the color palette together. It’s amazing how much impact the right window treatments can have—they not only softened the space, but also added warmth and cohesion.

A Corner Reimagined—Together

One of the best parts of this project was the collaborative spirit. During our design meetings, the client shared an idea they’d had for a while: to turn an underused corner of the room into a game table nook—a space for puzzles, casual games, and coffee chats. I loved the idea and helped bring it to life with a design that felt intentional and inviting.

To make the area feel complete, I suggested adding a plug-in pendant light above the table. It gave the corner its own identity while keeping things flexible (and avoiding any electrical work). The result is a cozy, functional pocket of the room that now gets used regularly—and brings the client genuine joy.

The Room They'd Been Waiting For

At the end of the project, the client told me they finally felt like they had the room they’d always wanted—but never quite knew how to get to. It wasn’t about a full renovation or starting from scratch. It was about unlocking the potential that had been there all along, with just a few thoughtful and well-executed design decisions.

Design isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes, it’s about doing the right things. And when that happens? A space that once brought daily frustration can become your absolute favorite place in the house.

-Lindsey Reis

Before & After