Case study: Decorating for newly-retired homeowners in Cottage Grove
The clients say they never want to leave their home! With a living room like this, it’s easy to see why.
Before & After
Before:
The clients had recently moved into their house from out of state. While they pared down many items pre-move, they found in the new space most pieces were the wrong size and shape. They didn’t love it and the space didn’t feel like the cozy home they envisioned.
After:
The space is entirely transformed through thoughtful layout, warm materials, and intentional layering. To feel collected over time, we wove in a number of vintage furniture and decor pieces. The clients love it so much, they say they never want to leave the house again!
Project Goals
The clients had recently retired from their professional careers and relocated from a small town on the California coast to Cottage Grove, Oregon, to be closer to their grandchildren.
Having moved into the new house, it was clear to them that the pieces they had brought with them were not the right fit and no longer sparked joy. They engaged Rory Everitt Design to overhaul the primary living spaces: living room, dining room, and primary bedroom. This was a re-decorating job, with scope including furniture, decor, window treatments, and lighting fixtures.
Key Design Elements
Strong floor plan supports their lifestyle. Hosting nearby kids and grandkids was of top importance, so we crafted a furniture layout that is perfect for hosting 2-6 guests at a time. The clients also have space to enjoy their hobbies and easy circulation movement for all ages around the sofa, dining table, and bed frame.
Curated eclectic style. The clients were drawn to natural wood, neutral colors, and vintage schoolhouse vibes. So we recommended an assortment of furniture and decor based on that core, while empathetically stretching their comfort zone with some color, pattern, and layering. To blend with an existing floor lamp and storage unit, we sourced local vintage pieces for side tables, lighting, art and trays.
Textiles create a cozy and warm bedroom. We added softness and comfort to their bedroom through the use of a large area rug underfoot, boucle bench seat at the bottom of the bed, room-darkening drapes, and a macrame wall hanging in lieu of a headboard.
Client Experience
Rory Everitt Design guided the clients through a thorough yet efficient design process, focusing first on nailing layout and dimensions, then defining the style and material palette, before shopping a specific budget to propose specific pieces for furniture, storage, rugs, lighting fixtures, and window treatments. RED managed the procurement process and scheduled a white-glove Install Day to transform the 3 rooms.
In the words of the client:
“We are happier in our home than ever before. It feels warm, comfortable, and unmistakably ours—and we now enjoy showing it off to friends and family.
Rory’s kind, thoughtful, and respectful nature made the entire process enjoyable. His confidence and enthusiasm were contagious, and we even loved meeting at his own home to discuss design ideas and see examples of design ideas first hand. That personal touch made all the difference.
We wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to recommend Rory to anyone looking for a home makeover. He made our dream home a reality.”
The Result
The final space is collected, comfortable, and uniquely them. The clients now LOVE their home and are super pleased with their lifestyle decision to move to Oregon.
Ready to Transform Your Life?
Whether moving to Oregon from elsewhere or transitioning to a new chapter of life, settling into a home can be done quickly and delightfully. Get in touch to explore the possibilities.