Designing for Real Life: Style Meets Function in Zoe’s Home

Once the foundation was in place, we turned our focus to styling the space in a way that felt unmistakably Zoe—playful, cozy, and ready for everyday life.

The showstopper? A gold corduroy-textured sofa that instantly became the heart of the living room. We grounded its bold color with black and cream textured throw pillows and brought in warm golden wood tones through a bar cart and coffee table. Soft, washable rugs completed the look—perfect for a home that includes a busy preschooler and a couple of pets. The result is a space that feels vibrant, lived-in, and designed for real life.

This was also our chance to embrace multifunctional design. We added a blue chair and ottoman in washable fabric, the hue echoing the deep blue kitchen island and tying in with the artwork throughout the room. The ottoman doubles as extra seating when needed. A perfectly cream-colored accent chair with matching warm wood tones rounds out the seating area. None of the furniture pieces are a matching set, and yet, they come together beautifully—creating a cozy, cohesive look with open flow.

We commissioned Zoe’s sister Ashley Story, an amazing artist with a style that is perfect for what we needed to create a fabulous modern art painting that was perfect for one large wall space. The bright colors add fun spirit are a perfect reflection of Zoe’s personality in the space.

One of our favorite touches? A playful riddling rack on the far wall to store wine bottles—a fun nod to Zoe’s love of wine and entertaining.

With the living room, dining area, and kitchen all flowing together in one open space, it was important to create distinct zones while maintaining a cohesive feel. A small round kitchen table seats four, the island offers space for four more with barstools, and the living room comfortably seats six—plenty of room for hosting in a compact footprint. The layout encourages connection while still giving each area its own purpose. The best part? Seeing Zoe welcome friends and family into a home that not only reflects her style, but functions effortlessly for her lifestyle.

Next week, we’ll wrap up this series with a look at the heart of Zoe’s home—the kitchen. From cabinets to countertops, we’ll show you how this space came together to be both beautiful and highly functional. You won’t want to miss the details that make it a true standout.