Let’s talk about the ultimate great room—a brand-new addition to the back of a charming Lancaster home that’s now the hub for Sunday football, teen movie nights, and all the family gatherings.

When our clients came to us, they had just added on this beautiful vaulted space, flooded with natural light and overlooking their newly designed backyard and patio areas. The goal? Turn it into a comfy-yet-chic destination for relaxing, entertaining, and hanging out. The space had to look good, (of course!), but also needed to stand up to teenagers, big game day snacks, and a full house any night of the week.

A New Room with Purpose

The architecture of this new great room alone had tons of potential. But open space can be tricky—it needed zones for lounging, snacking, watching games, and doing homework (yes, that happens sometimes too). So we got to work designing a layout that balanced beauty and function, with plenty of space to move around and move things around in it. Versatility was going to be key!

The client’s vision? Neutrals and blues, layered textures, and enough comfy seating for the whole family. And one thing was clear from the beginning: this room had to do it all and look great doing it.

Neutrals & Blues with a Bold Personality

We started with a calm, classic color palette: soft neutrals and rich, saturated blue tones. We then layered in prints, texture, and statement pieces to bring it to life. The showstopper? Wallpaper. Specifically, Farrow & Ball’s iconic Lotus print, used as a bold accent wall that instantly sets the tone for the room.

If you’ve ever touched a Farrow & Ball wallpaper, you know the difference. The quality is so luxurious—thick and textured, using actual paint transferred onto the substrate. I mean…come on…

In front of that fabulous wallpaper, we added two of everything: shagreen textured cream consoles, tall buffet lamps, and mirrors that reflect the natural light and kept the space glowing. One of our favorite functional elements? A pair of velvet teal croc benches. YUM. These beauties look like ottomans but function like seating superheroes—they can easily be pulled around for extra guests, placed at a table for quick meals, or just styled up under the consoles for a luxe layered look. Pretty and practical? Yes, please!

Built for Lounging, Chatting & Cheering

The center of the great room is all about comfort. We anchored it with a tribal-inspired rug, bringing in subtle pattern and warmth underfoot. Atop it, a slate blue-gray sectional offers plenty of sprawl-out space—even for the tallest of teens! It's deep, cozy, and ready for everything from movie marathons to accidental naps. Oops?!

To bring in a fun mix, we styled it with zebra and teal pillows, tapestry covered ottomans, and added a leather swivel chair that’s perfect for switching between TV viewing and conversation modes. Whether you’re watching the game or chatting with a friend, this corner has you covered.

Textured (and already “weathered”) coffee tables and accent pieces bring even more layers into the space—providing places to rest a drink, set up board games, or serve snacks during parties. Every piece was chosen for its form and function, which means the space always feels lived-in, but never cluttered.

A Statement Art Moment

In one corner, we added a bold art print with a large heron strutting and posing—and wow, does it deliver. It’s large, graceful, and the perfect finishing touch to this layered space. It pulls together the blues, neutrals, and rich textures, and instantly draws the eye.

This one piece grounds the room in color and adds a bit of personality and drama—a true conversation starter.

Café Table Goals

We found the perfect little niche in this big room to place a quaint café table and chairs: a sweet, functional moment that quickly became a family favorite. Whether someone’s nibbling on snacks during the game or working out a math problem (with the game on in the background, of course), this space is flexible, fun, and just feels good.

It’s tucked near the windows with a great view of the backyard, and lets the whole family enjoy the space in their own way—together, but not on top of each other.

A Seamless Flow Through the Home

One of the best parts of this addition? It flows directly into the newly renovated kitchen and bar area, making entertaining an absolute breeze. You can be cooking, chatting, serving drinks, or watching the game—and never miss a beat.

And just off the great room, we designed a fantastically wallpapered powder bath and an organized, functional mudroom that keeps the rest of the house tidy and on track. This entire back section of the home now works as a cohesive, modern hub where the family can live their fullest, busiest, most joy-filled days.

From Blank Canvas to Family Headquarters

When we first stepped into this newly built room, it was a blank canvas: vaulted ceilings, beautiful windows, and a ton of possibility. Now? It’s the center of this family’s daily life.

It’s cozy, yet elevated. Stylish, but durable. Every inch was designed with intention, and it shows.

Whether it’s the sound of a football game on Sunday afternoon, the quiet buzz of homework on a school night, or the clink of glasses during a celebration, this great room is where it all comes together.

Design Tips from This Project:

Want to bring some of this layered, luxe energy to your own space? Here’s what made this great room great:

Zoning is key. One big room doesn’t mean one big function. Create distinct areas for lounging, eating, reading, and snacking.
Mix materials with confidence. Velvet, leather, shagreen, wood, woven textures—layering is what adds depth and character.
Anchor with color. A strong but subtle palette like neutrals and blues keeps things calm but not boring.
Add a wow moment. Wallpaper, artwork, or a statement piece of furniture can completely elevate the space.
Don’t forget lighting. Table lamps, tall buffets, and natural light help shift the mood from morning coffee to movie night.
Use flexible seating. Those teal benches are a great example—beautiful under a console, but even better when they jump into action for an extra guest!

This family knew exactly what they needed—a comfortable, stylish space that could grow with them and support their lifestyle. With thoughtful design, beautiful materials, and a few bold choices, this newly added great room became everything they dreamed of.

3D renderings…