A Designer’s Love Story: A Sentimental Mood

For this bonus room, I focused on maximizing every inch to celebrate my love for family, art, films, and music. Placing meaningful photographs, curated artwork, and comfortable seating allowed the space to feel both intentional and lived-in. Thoughtful lighting and layered textures set a sentimental mood without overwhelming the room, while built-in storage and multifunctional pieces keep clutter at bay so memories and creativity remain the focal points. The result is a warm, personal hub where we gather, watch, listen, and connect with my family.

But before it became this finished space, it began with a blank slate and a quiet vision—shaped by how we gather, what we love, and the hope that thoughtful design could turn everyday moments into lasting memories.

BEFORE - Blank canvas bonus room with no windows

Devoid of windows or natural light, this room felt like a blank canvas waiting for intention. I knew from the beginning that it needed to be bright—a space that would instantly lift your mood and bring a sense of joy and excitement upon entry.

VIBRANT WALL COLOR - “Mystic Turquoise” by BEHR. 3D feature walls by The Boardroom Accent Walls.

Once I had the right paint color picked and the installation date locked in with Atlanta-based general contractor, The Boardroom Accent Walls to create two striking 3D feature walls for our family photos and movie posters, I was beyond excited—this project was officially off to an amazing start!

MOUNTED: IKEA shelves in place on the left side—ready for bins to store vinyl records!

MOUNTED: Shelves are up! Right side now complete with IKEA’s simple, sleek storage solution.

MOUNTED: Three IKEA shelves are up and ready for all the organizing bins—let the decluttering begin!

Once the turquoise walls were complete, I brought in another trusted general contractor, Cortes Construction, to tackle the painting the ceilings and connecting walls in black. With a six-person crew, it was a daunting all-day task—especially since the walls from the bonus room extended into the stairwell, meaning every ceiling and connecting surface needed a flawless black finish.

INSPIRATION: Inspired by a lifelong love of TV and film, this TV and film wall design transformed cherished screen moments into personal home décor, celebrating my favorite shows and movies—both classic and modern—that have shaped memories, comfort, and connection with my family over the years.

DOPE ART: Christina Martinez, Robert B. Moore, Jessie Owens-Young, and postcards from my travels overseas - Iceland, Vancouver British Columbia, and Amsterdam.

It took me an entire year to source, collect, and custom-frame the art prints I truly admire—pieces that bring me immense joy every single day. I worked closely with Atlanta and Miami-based art dealer APC Art, who helped me acquire some of the most sought-after works from Robert B. Moore’s Brown Like Me series.

I was fortunate enough to come across a Hebru Brantley piece on Artsy, an app that connects collectors to artwork through nationwide auctions. The piece was incredibly rare and originally listed at a price far beyond reach, which made finding it at a reasonable price feel almost impossible. Being able to purchase it at a fraction of the cost felt like more than luck—it felt destined, as if the artwork was always meant to find its way into my home.

As a lifelong lover of the Peanuts gang and Hanna-Barbera, the nostalgia of my childhood immediately drew me to Moore’s vision. Seeing those iconic characters reimagined as Black faces deepened my connection to his work and solidified my admiration.

Additional Black artists I’m honored to display throughout this wall include Brian Dovie Golden, Christina Martinez, Tamara Tashna, Downes Jessie Owens-Young, and Australian artist Mark Drew.

To bring each piece to life, I collaborated with some of Atlanta’s top custom framers. Scott & Sons Framing + Gallery elevated the collection with exceptional craftsmanship, helping tie the entire wall together beautifully. Framebridge West Midtown was equally incredible—their team was a joy to work with, and selecting from their vibrant, high-gloss frames added a bold, modern finish that made each piece truly shine.

DOPE ART: Hebru Brantley, Brian Dovie Golden, Christina Martinez, Robert B. Moore, Tamara Tashna Downes, and Mark Drew.

Without a doubt, I always knew our families would be at the heart of this wall. It was simply a matter of finding the most creative way to showcase them, which led me to use peel-and-stick wallpaper as a matting frame to help each photograph truly stand out. Seeing how beautifully it all came together has been incredibly rewarding—it brings me immense joy every day to watch all the planning and hard work come to life. Including African art masks was equally essential, serving as a meaningful celebration of my Black American and African heritage woven throughout the space.

Music is like a “religion” I have devoted myself to faithfully. My love for it transcends genre, era, and time, weaving itself through every season of my life. Collecting my favorite artists on vinyl has been nothing short of a blessing, each record holding not just sound, but memory. Music has always been deeply nostalgic for me—it carries moments, feelings, and chapters I never want to forget.

As a teenager, I remember first discovering British trip-hop artists like Massive Attack and Portishead, their sound opening my ears to something entirely new. Amy Winehouse was a true gem—an artist I didn’t discover until my thirties, yet her voice felt instantly timeless and deeply familiar.

Jazz has always been an integral part of my life as well. Learning in college that it was created by Black Americans filled me with immense pride. Legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Nina Simone are, without question, true American treasures.

Kendrick Lamar, a true GOAT music artist, remains endlessly innovative and a forever favorite.

And last, but never least, Michael Jackson—the one and only. His music was the soundtrack of my upbringing, echoing through the voices of my aunties, my grandmother, and of course, my mother. His songs live not just in my memory, but in my spirit.

The record player by CoolGeek, is truly one of a kind. I wanted something both unique and timeless, so I spent a lot of time researching to find the best option on the market. When I discovered one that plays vertically, it felt even more special—a perfect centerpiece for my growing vinyl collection. With so many records to house, I made sure to find plenty of stylish storage, heading to HomeGoods and the Container Store to select the perfect bins and baskets.

I also have a soft spot for swivel chairs and discovering them locally in Midtown at Intaglia Home Collection felt like a small victory. They’re not only cozy and comfortable but also the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the music spinning from my vinyl records.

My go-to source for affordable mid-century modern lighting is the West Elm Outlet in Dawsonville. Their chandeliers are often discounted up to 70% off, which I truly appreciate since I always work within a tight lighting budget. Because of this, I’m typically able to source chandeliers for under $300. Their lamps and wall sconces are also incredibly budget-friendly, usually priced under $100. That level of affordability allows me to allocate more of the budget toward furniture and timeless investment pieces that truly anchor the space.

From the beginning, I knew a black sofa was non-negotiable for this room. I wanted something bold and different, especially since I historically gravitated toward neutral sofas. As my design style evolved and I embraced becoming more of a color connoisseur, I knew it was time to step outside of my comfort zone. While most chain furniture stores primarily carry neutral upholstery options, I was determined to find a local retailer that offered exactly what I envisioned. Intaglia Home Collection in Midtown became my saving grace. The moment I saw the sample in their showroom, I instantly fell in love. Although it was an investment—just over $3,000 custom-made in North Carolina, including tax and delivery—it was absolutely worth it for the quality, craftsmanship, and statement it brings to the room.

To ground the seating area, the area rug from Wayfair provided the perfect balance of affordability, softness, and luxury at a fraction of the cost of high-end alternatives. Since entertaining is a big part of how we use this space, having a Rocco mini fridge was essential for keeping beverages and snacks easily accessible when hosting family and guests. And, of course, the finishing touch that truly elevates the room is the 85-inch TV—perfect for enjoying films, sports, and shared experiences together as a family.

In the end, this bonus room became a reflection of my heart as a family. It balances beauty and function while honoring the memories, creativity, and shared experiences that continue to shape my story. Designed to grow with us, it remains a place where laughter, music, films, and meaningful moments naturally unfold—reminding us that the most beautiful spaces are the ones that bring us closer together.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS:

Design & Organization: Its Not Complicated Organizing

Photography: Marc Mauldin Photography Inc.

Florist: Flossom Studio

Wall Paint: Behr, Mystic Turquoise, The Home Deport

Apartment Sofa, BLACK: Intaglia Home Collection, Midtown Atlanta

Quintessa Wool Area Rug, 9x12 in Blue: WayFair

Coffee Table: Intaglia Home Collection, Midtown Atlanta

Mattice Coffee Table/Bench: Nadeau, Marietta

Kallax shelf unit, high gloss white: IKEA, Atlanta

Storage Bins and Baskets: Target, HomeGoods, The Container Store

Butterfly Tribe Jungle 24x36 Poster: Yvette Crocker

Sofa Accent Pillows: HomeGoods, Etsy - Love Pillow Art, Turkey

Swivel Chair Accent Pillows: HomeGoods, Etsy - Love Pillow Art, Turkey

African Masks: Spirit-Speaks

Sphere & Stem 7-Light Semi-Flush Mount - Milk: West Elm

Sphere & Stem Wall Light: West Elm

Record Player: CoolGeek VS-01 Bluetooth Vertical Turntable

Hebru Brantley - Into the Wild, 2021

Brian Dovie Golden - Pina Colada In My Hand, 2022

Christina Martinez - Only Time Will Tell, 2024; Under The Same Moon, 2025; & The Butterflies Will Come, 2025; Close Enough, 2025; Nana’s Garden, 2025

Tamara Tashna Downes - Remy

Mark Drew - Trouble (Ice Cube), 2022

Robert B. Moore - Jetsettin, 2021; Black to the Future, 2020; Me and my Dawg, 2022

Jessie Owens-Young - Meet Me At The Club, 2025 (Arte Haus Studios)

I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and share your experience, your favorite design tips, or even a piece that holds deep meaning in your home. Let’s inspire each other to create more spaces that feel like us.

And if this post sparked some ideas for your next project, feel free to share it with a friend who needs a little design encouragement. 💛