When Harry first walked through our doors, he wasn’t just looking for a fresh start—he was starting from scratch.
A recent transplant from Denver, Harry had sold his house, offloaded all his belongings, and made a cross-state move to be closer to his aging parents. Originally intending to live with them, he quickly realized that, while family is everything, so is personal space. So, he bought a new construction tract home just a few blocks away and came to us with a simple brief: “I need everything.”
And he meant everything.
Furniture? Yes.
Small appliances? Definitely.
Dishes, pots, pans, silverware, glassware, and the ever-important coffee maker? All on the list.
Plus: a very good Golden Retriever named Emma, who deserved her own fresh start design considerations.
This project, affectionately titled Inky High, became a full-scale furnishing and design adventure—with plenty of witty banter, countless samples, and just enough decision fatigue to keep things interesting.
Objectives: Creating Comfort, Style, and Function from the Ground Up
Harry’s new-build home was a blank slate in the truest sense. No furniture, no finishes beyond builder-grade basics, and no lighting fixtures where they were clearly needed. Our design scope covered:
- Whole house furnishings: great room, primary bedroom, guest bedroom, office, and foyer
- All kitchen essentials: down to the last teaspoon
- Window coverings for privacy and polish
- A flooring upgrade to replace the carpet and linoleum
- Fixtures and lighting to elevate each space
- Design that balanced masculine sophistication with warmth (and was Emma-approved)
Design Challenges: Builder Basic Meets Blank Canvas
Like many new construction homes, Harry’s house came with its fair share of compromises:
- Carpet and Linoleum throughout (yikes) not ideal for style or Golden Retriever paws
- Stark white walls everywhere. Like living inside a refrigerator
- No island lighting; because apparently, overhead visibility while chopping vegetables is optional?
- Zero ceiling fans or overhead lights in most rooms
- Standard layout with very little architectural interest
- A bed low enough for Emma to hop up without needing a running start
Add to that Harry’s particular (but not unreasonable!) taste. He knew what he liked once he saw it—but getting there involved some trial, some error, and a few design debates. Let’s just say we now consider ourselves fluent in “Harry-speak.”
Design Solutions: Turning “Builder Basic” into “Bold and Balanced”
Once we got to know Harry’s preferences, a rich, grounded palette started to emerge—deep inky blues, dramatic black accents, rust tones, warm amber, and earthy textures. Here’s how we brought it all to life:
Great Room:
- We anchored the space with deep blue accent walls and a sculptural arrangement of large stone-like pebbles for dimensional art
- A streamlined, low-profile sectional (Emma-tested, Emma-approved)
- Solid marble dining table; because Harry liked the idea of a statement piece that wasn’t too flashy
- Painted the front island wall to match the cabinetry. A subtle move that blended the kitchen seamlessly into the space
- Installed three modern pendants over the island to combat the lack of lighting
Primary Bedroom:
- Chose a low platform bed for easy pup access
- Added moody wall paint to create contrast and coziness
- Installed a ceiling fan with integrated light (a must in our California climate)
Guest Bedroom & Office:
- Coordinated color schemes but gave each space its own flavor
- The guest bedroom was dressed with soft blue tones and simple, inviting bedding
- The office got metallic artwork and just enough drama to make Zoom calls interesting
Throughout the House:
- Accent walls in rich colors broke up the starkness of the white
- Layered lighting solutions: pendants, sconces, fans with lights, and statement chandeliers
- Window treatments included roller shades for functionality, woven woods for texture, and decorative drapery panels to soften edges
- Kitchen outfitted down to the utensils (a fully turnkey experience)
Special Features: The Fresh Start Details That Make It “Harry’s House”
Every project we take on has its own personality and this one was no exception. A few of our favorite details:
- Oversized decorative pebbles mounted in the great room adding the unexpected and sculptural
- Accent walls that added depth without overpowering the rooms
- Three sleek pendants over the kitchen island that now make it feel like a designer kitchen instead of a builder afterthought
- A marble dining table that makes every meal feel a little fancier (even cereal!)
- Layered textures in the fabrics, wall finishes, and art that give the house a curated feel rather than a furniture showroom vibe
- And of course, Emma’s subtle design influence, from flooring that hides paw prints to a bed height that makes her feel like royalty
The KTJ Experience: A Journey in Taste (and Patience)
Working with Harry was a true delight, and yes we mean that sincerely. He was particular, and we appreciated that. He came to every meeting ready to give feedback and wasn’t afraid to say when something wasn’t quite right. But when we landed on what he did like, it was full steam ahead.
Our favorite Harry quote during the process?
“You know what? I didn’t think I’d like this, but now I kind of love it.”
That’s music to a designer’s ears.
The End Result: A Stylish Haven, Just a Stroll From Mom and Dad
Today, Harry lives just a few blocks away from his parents in a home that reflects his tastes, his lifestyle, and yes Emma’s comfort. His house feels masculine but not austere, warm but not fussy, and completely tailored to how he wants to live.
We loved every minute of bringing Inky High to life, and we’re thrilled that Harry (and Emma) now have a space that feels like home.
Need a fresh start of your own?
Whether you’ve just relocated or just need someone to take the stress out of furnishing a home from top to bottom, we’re here to help, Golden Retriever not required (but always welcome).
Book a discovery call to start your own design story with KTJ Design Co.
Because life by design doesn’t happen by accident.
Until next time,
