From Cramped to Cozy: A Newport Living Room Makeover

Nestled in the heart of downtown Newport, RI, our recent renovation project took on a unique challenge: creating a more spacious and inviting atmosphere without altering the home’s footprint. The homeowners love hosting friends and family, so they wanted to create a cozy living room space that felt open and welcoming while comfortably accommodating a crowd. Here’s how we achieved that with thoughtful updates and clever design choices.  

Before: A Cramped and Outdated Space

The original layout of the living room felt confined and cluttered. An oversized, overpowering mantel made the living area feel closed off and limited. The floors showed signs of wear, added to the overall dated appearance. Despite the charming location and the potential for cozy gatherings, the space wasn’t living up to its full potential.

After: An Open and Airy Transformation Creating a Cozy Living Room Space

Here’s What We Changed:

1. Removed The Mantle

The first significant change was the removal of the bulky mantel, which instantly opened up the room, creating a more expansive feel and allowing for more flexible furniture arrangements. By freeing up wall space, we were able to introduce new design elements that contribute to the room’s airy atmosphere.

2. Refinished The Floors

This house had beautiful original heart pine wood floors so a fresh sanding and a clear coat of water based sealer gave the entire first floor the refresh it deserved. This is a reminder that you don’t need to demo and change the flooring to update it.

3. Custom Window Treatments

We added custom window treatments to soften the space and add a touch of elegance. These enhance the aesthetic appeal and allow for better light control, making the room adaptable for any time of day.

4. Furniture To Fit The Space

We opted for swivel chairs and a bench seat sofa to maximize seating without overcrowding the room. The swivel chairs provide versatile seating options for conversations or views out the window. The bench seat sofa, upholstered in performance fabric, is stylish and durable, perfect for handling sandy toes and the family dog, Tito.

We found the coffee table at Restore in Danbury for a steal. Its oversized design is perfect for playing board games with friends and family. The glass end tables, which are virtually indestructible, feature a marble bottom shelf that adds a touch of class to the room. 

As part of our update, we replaced the old ceiling fan with a new light fixture, instantly transforming the space. This, along with the addition of AC, has given the room a chic Parisian apartment feel, seamlessly blending old moldings and an original radiator with a modern light fixture.

Whether you’re planning a major renovation or looking for small changes that make a big impact, remember that thoughtful design can transform any space. This project proves that with the right approach, even the smallest footprints can create a cozy living room space.

What would you change in your living room? Tell us in the comments below!

Are you planning your dream home and need some guidance on how to make the project come together? Or are you exhausted by all the little details you have to decide on? We can help. As you can see, we practice interior design in Ridgefield, CT, and beyond. Let’s have a conversation and bring your dreams to reality. Call us for a free discovery call today. You can also follow us on Instagram to see our daily updates!