This den didn't need a total overhaul—it needed intention. White walls, white trim, and a hodgepodge of furniture gave way to a layered, collected look built on smart budget choices and strategic splurges.

A moody color refresh grounded the space, with black window trim and custom wood trim framing the transitions to dining room and office—adding architectural warmth the open layout was missing. Most furniture came secondhand: a rattan and velvet chair, a chess table, and a Victorian couch recovered in black velvet on the front with a floral back visible from the dining room. A beloved passed-down chair was given new life with the same velvet floral with a chartreuse houndstooth seat—small chairs are made for that kind of whimsy.

The splurges earned their place: a large hand-knotted rug found secondhand for a fraction of its original price tag, and a custom olive performance velvet sofa that's held up beautifully despite four dogs and a cat. Victorian meets mid-century meets Goodwill finds—it works because of a consistent color palette, elevated anchor pieces, and design choices that carry throughout the home.