Living Room Makeover for a Newly Single Mom in Search of Her Own Style

Designer Patti Wagner transformed this living room that works overtime as a home office and playroom for a working single mom and her young son. Now with a style and storage update, it’s still hard-working, but also relaxing.

August 06, 2021

By: Kelly Smith Trimble

Show: Rentfluencer

Related To:

Shop This Look

Photo By: Canary Grey

Modern Style for Remote Work and Play

Newly divorced single mom Cait and her son Henry spend much of their time in the living room of their rental. It’s where Cait works remotely and where Henry plays. With a fresh update, it now reflects the modern, chic style Cait wants for herself, and it also functions for their family. Cait says the makeover helps her feel more like an adult and a mom.

Watch the Video: Caitlin's Living Room

Before: In Need of a Flip

Before, the space technically worked but it lacked sophistication. One of Patti’s first decisions to level up the space was to move the curtain rods closer to the ceiling. She also flipped the placement of the seating and the television.

Customizable Sofa and Chaise

A new customizable sofa with chaise made it easy to configure the furniture to the space, rather than the other way around.

A Little Bit Boho

A simple round coffee table and textured throw pillow contribute a bit of the boho style Cait desired.

Before: Toys Front and Center

Before, Henry’s toys dominated much of the area, blocking the view to the TV. Now, the toys are stored in the closet.

Paint It Black

Painted black, Henry’s play table and Cait’s desk look more sophisticated. Black and white art and photography hang at eye height.

Small Work Desk

Cait typically works from her sofa, but Patti gave her a desk where she could work if she wants a slight change of scene. A hanging planter over the desk provides a touch of green and that boho vibe.

Matching Bookcase and Curtain Rods

A bookcase adds storage space. Patti chose black curtain rods to keep the palette simple and sophisticated.

Before: When Walls Can't Be Painted ...

Cait’s rental agency wouldn’t allow the walls to be painted, but that was no problem for Patti. She kept with the warm ivory tones and used it to her advantage.

Midcentury Modern Chair

Patti’s one splurge was the midcentury modern wood and leather-look chair. A splurge can be worth it when it contributes a lot of personality to the space.

Thoughtful Hand-Drawn Artwork

Patti helped Cait create the sweet hand-drawn artwork in the bottom center of the gallery wall using just paper and marker. The line drawing was traced from a photo of Cait and Henry holding hands.