I love the new year and how it presents wide open possibilities for reflecting, resetting and dreaming big dreams. I'm a fan of making lists, setting goals and changing what's not working for me. And January is my month for planning my big ideas for the coming year.

One of my personal changes for 2024 is to update my dining room furniture. You know the saying about the cobbler's kids not having shoes? I can relate. At Manlove and Company Interiors, we're so obsessed with beautifying our clients' homes that ours sometimes takes a back seat. But it’s on THE LIST this year, so it’s going to happen!

What’s on your dream home list? Maybe a peaceful, rejuvenating bedroom suite? Maybe it’s time to bid farewell to those "well-loved" furnishings in your family room? Maybe it’s time to transform an unfinished space into a new hang out and entertainment area? Below is a recent project where we did just that for our stylish clients in North Arlington!

*Room photo by* *@radiferaphotography*, *Artwork from* @merrittgallery

Our clients (who have excellent taste!) wanted to finish their lower level to be a comfortable and swanky place to hang out and entertain. They dreamt of a space where they could host friends for poker, movie nights and shuffleboard matches while sipping classic cocktails and spinning retro vinyl. The vibe we zeroed in on was a modern-meets-retro lounge and gallery.

Let’s talk about statement lighting! This “Mad Men” inspired modern fixture in black and brass (pictured above) is one of the stars of this area of the room. The brass accents in the room really pop against the dark cabinetry and textured wallpaper.

One of our favorite parts of the design process is sourcing artwork for our clients. The friendly art experts at Merritt Gallery (@merrittgallery) brought several pieces to our clients’ house so they could see the artwork in the space with no commitment to buy. Our clients fell in love with “Hazel” the Highland Cow, which added a ton of character to the bar area.

Our Design team divided the large lower level space into a few different zones to maximize entertaining fun. The seated table area (with Hazel) for food and games is next to a fully stocked bar (wee dram of whiskey, anyone?). We looked at several tile options with the clients before arriving on this moody picket style ceramic tile. Small upgrades like this can really elevate a space.

We love the high contrast of the white counter and chairs against the darker pieces. The blue and white patterned wool area rugs which help tie the different zones together are the perfect mix of dark and light.

*Room photo by* *@radiferaphotography, Artwork by Andrew Rosen*

The middle area of the lounge features a handsome full-size shuffleboard table and another seating area (pictured below) that is just close enough to cheer on your favorite shuffleboard player or chill while you’re waiting for your turn to play.

Did you notice the walls? Sometimes just paint won’t do when you want to transform a space…we opted for this beautiful linen textured wallpaper. It’s more nuanced than flat paint, and also washable.

Room photo by @radiferaphotography, Artwork by *@cameronwilsonritcher*

The final zone is a swanky spot for enjoying the fireplace, large screen TV and turntable. We love how the custom leather ottoman turned out (perfect color!), and the mid-century modern inspired media stand with the louvered face in walnut. The two modern sofas are ultra-deep so you can sink-in for an evening of comfort.

The mixed media artwork above the sofa is by Cameron Ritcher, a non-objective painter and assemblage artist from Richmond. It’s a great compliment to the photography in the space. (Read more about Cameron in our Meet The Artist feature.)

And lucky out-of-town guests get to stay in the amazing boutique-hotel like guest bedroom which is also on this level. With dark moody walls, multi-textured bedding, and a headboard that looks like it’s from a vintage safari catalog, this cozy bedroom is large on style and comfort, and all your guests need for a few nights stay.

Is your home ready for a reset this year? We’d love to help you realize your dreams for a new stylish space or two. Take advantage of our FREE Discovery Call. Complete our short Design Survey and we’ll schedule a call to learn more about what you want from your home.

WHAT ARE YOU DREAMING ABOUT IN 2024?

MEET THE ARTIST: STEFANIE STARK

WORK FROM HOME IN STYLE