Jill and Frank Roberson, along with their two children, recently relocated from Atlanta to Denver. They left behind a beautifully renovated home that perfectly captured their modern aesthetic. Unfortunately, their new house's family room is a gloomy, outdated space with dated brown paneling that embarrasses them when entertaining guests. Expert designer Carter Oosterhouse transformed this dreary room into a colorful, contemporary haven for family gatherings and entertaining.
Dated wall panels are brightened with sunny yellow paint.
The dark brick fireplace is revitalized with white paint. For a balanced, contemporary look, the hearth is resurfaced in stained concrete, and the mantel is clad in bamboo. Surplus bamboo from the shelving project crafts geometric wall shelves, adding visual interest to the expansive wall and providing a spot to showcase artwork. The oversized industrial light box is swapped for a custom ceiling fixture made from stainless steel bowls and LED lights, which bounces warm light off the ceiling and walls. Modern furniture and accessories complete the fun, fresh retro vibe.
Product information for items used in this makeover:
bamboo plywood: Plyboo
Hybridized Portland Cement: SkimStone - Minoan Red and Yellowstone
grass stems: target - 065050237
Vases on Art Shelves: Wal-Mart - 8 ½" square (003885813204), 9" square (003885813212), 4x4x4 square (003885813189), summer vase (008018505499), and glass container (074270231932)
rug, coffee table, green chairs and sofa: Scandinavian Designs - Werner rug (S36 G-85 / 5x8), black Williams table (CT5078 / BK) lime velvet chairs (GRITT-1 / HE03-23) and Elan Sandstone Three-Piece Sectional (2587R-S / 2017)
paint: Benjamin Moore - Lemon Drops, Windham HC-6 and Raspberry Pudding 2004-30
glass mosaic tiles: Tile for less - red, yellow, green, orange
mantelpiece painting and fortune cookie: Cost Plus World Market - "Summer Meadow" (380692) and Asian Passage (23426498)
Kitchen Light Fixture, Striped Curtains and Drapery Panels: Urban Outfitters - Spectrum Chandelier (12653796), Folk Stripe (123907872019-50) and Panels - 90x108 Bedspreads (AM-126, 2390787)
Orange Beaded Lamp: American Furniture Store (107-2650)
throw pillows: commissioned by designer Polly Blair
The adjacent kitchen echoes the living room's outdated charm, with a 1970s-style tile backsplash, dark dreary cabinets, and an unappealing large fluorescent light box.
The accent wall between the kitchen and living room bursts with vibrant apple red paint.
In the kitchen, the dated backsplash gives way to new glass mosaic tiles arranged in a funky geometric pattern, unifying both spaces with shared colors. The bulky light box is removed, replaced by two retro-style chandeliers. As a thoughtful surprise, Carter's team swapped all cabinet doors and drawers for sleek new bamboo versions.
Carter crafted the entertainment center and mantel cover from eco-friendly bamboo plywood.
Laminated bamboo plywood offers a sustainable alternative to traditional wood. Sourced from 100% bamboo—which matures in just four years and is hand-harvested from managed forests—it uses low-VOC adhesives and adapts well to various climates, minimizing environmental impact.
