Jasmine Sims looking at interior design magazines

Design Inspiration: Modernizing a Mid-2000s Model Home

Design Inspiration: Modernizing a Mid-2000s Model Home

As the years go by, trends change, and styles evolve. Our recent project involved taking a 2000s-style home and updating it to reflect today's aesthetics.

We redesigned the entire first floor of this home, inclusive of communal spaces such as the eat-in kitchen, living room, entryway, and sitting room. The cherry on top was converting a formal dining room into a functional reading + music room, an apt transformation for our clients who are lovers of the arts. Join us as we walk you through this stunning home transformation that features a neutral color palette, updated carpentry, and exclusive decor and furniture pieces.

Understanding the Design Challenge

The 2000s were a time of bold colors and strong design statements. Because this home was the model home for its development, it had that quintessential 2000s home decor look in spades. Needless to say, as many homeowners are looking for a more neutral palette and a modern aesthetic, this home’s style was outdated. Check out these before photos to understand the full effect.

Custom interior design solutions + goals

Our extensive conversations and engagement with the client led us to three design goals, which ultimately grounded our work and the finished product.

Goal 1: Modern and Neutral Aesthetic

The first design goal was to update the overall aesthetic of the home by embracing a modern and neutral look, opting for an Organic Modern design style. We achieved this style by carefully selecting design features that would create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. Core to the envisioned design aesthetic were a neutral paint color palette, warm wood materials, and natural fabrics such as linen. We also wanted to incorporate unique decor elements such as wicker baskets and juju hats, amplifying the natural, organic home style. From the updated fireplace to the sleek, minimalist lighting fixtures, every element of the design was chosen to enhance the home's contemporary appeal. This fresh and timeless approach ensured that the transformed space will remain stylish and inviting for years to come.

Goal 2: Supporting Personal Interests

Our second design goal was to create a home that supports the clients' personal interests, particularly their passion for books, music, and family. By converting the formal dining room into a functional and inviting reading room, we were able to design a space that perfectly caters to their needs. Bookshelves provide ample storage for their extensive book collection, while plush seating and elegant lighting create a comfortable environment for reading and relaxing. Secondly, we created space in the sitting room for fellowship and connection with others through music. Finally, we were able to incorporate cherished family artwork and heirlooms throughout the home. Most notably, we were able to include a late family member’s hand-drawn sketches as artwork in various spaces throughout the home. This personalized touch transformed the home into a true reflection of our clients' passions and lifestyle.

Goal 3: Cozy Ambiance in a Large Home

Finally, our third goal was to make this large home feel cozy and welcoming. To achieve this, we focused on selecting furniture, textiles, and decor that would create a sense of warmth and intimacy throughout the space. In each room, we incorporated layers of texture, soft lighting, and carefully curated artwork to add depth and interest. By using a cohesive color palette and design elements that flowed seamlessly from room to room, we were able to create a harmonious atmosphere that made the expansive home feel warm and inviting. This thoughtful approach allowed us to strike the perfect balance between spaciousness and coziness, ensuring our clients can fully enjoy their beautiful home.

Unrelated to the design itself, the process was a special one for us. Because our clients hired us months ahead of their physical move (one of our key recommendations if you’re planning a move), we were able to operate as the eyes and ears for our clients. We worked with painters, carpenters, and movers to achieve the envisioned design, making frequent site visits and asking for adjustments with the trades. We also joined our clients at their Cape May summer home for our signature Design Presentation. By meeting the clients where they were (literally), we made it easy for them to engage in our process and have a well-designed home to spend their fall and winter and spring months.

The big reveal: A cozy + organic first floor redesign

We couldn’t have been more thrilled with the results of this project, and were honored to deliver this home to our clients. Key features include:

  • One of the most significant changes we made was to paint the entire home in a more neutral palette. We opted for the Sherwin-Williams suite, with Shell White as our base color, Still Water for the reading room accent wall, and Worldly Gray to bring the unique accents to a more neutral palette (from the previous gold paint color). This choice created a sense of calm and sophistication throughout the space, allowing the updated design elements to take center stage.
  • The original stone fireplace was a focal point of the living room, but its outdated style needed a modern update. Our skilled carpenters transformed the fireplace with a sleek, minimalist design that instantly elevated the room. The new look not only complements the neutral palette but also highlights the modernized aesthetic of the home.
  • With our access to decor and furniture pieces only available to the trade, we were able to select exclusive items that perfectly fit the updated style of the home. From bespoke lighting fixtures to custom upholstery, each element of the design was carefully chosen to create a cohesive and luxurious atmosphere. Our favorite brand to use this home was Four Hands. You can find our selection of curated Four Hands furniture at our storefront here.
View More on Our Portfolio
View More on Our Portfolio
View More on Our Portfolio
View More on Our Portfolio

Reflection and Feedback

This home transformation successfully brought a 2000s-style home into the present with a timeless and elegant design. By focusing on key areas, incorporating a neutral color palette, updating carpentry, and sourcing exclusive decor and furniture, we created a living space that not only reflects today's trends but also caters to the unique needs of our clients. The result is a beautiful, functional, and inviting home that will continue to impress for years to come.

Delivering a design personalized to our clients and optimized for their lives now - that’s what matters to us at Sims + Co. Design.

What our

Clients are saying

“I moved into a new house and had no idea how to decorate my bedroom. Jasmine was there to help me with every step of the process. She made sure to understand my preferences with color schemes and aesthetics, and she provided me with multiple options to choose from. Whenever I had questions, she was always communicative and I never felt uncomfortable reaching out to her.

Now I have an amazing space that I love. Thank you, Jasmine!”

Jessica, Charlotte NC

“Jasmine helped take out so much confusion and overwhelm in planning out a move into my new townhome. She is thorough, efficient and a pleasure to work with! It was my first time working with an interior designer, and I'm grateful I found Jasmine. Trust her process and you will not be disappointed!”

Frank, Durham, NC

“Working with Jasmine was amazing. Everything from design to implementation was spot on. My style as we discussed was brought to life.”

Donald, Charlotte NC

“I literally sleep better having beautiful design surrounding me. Thank you Jasmine for your amazing vision and deliberate execution!”

Ray, Washington DC

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Name