top of page
Search

A Bold First Impression: Transforming a Neutral Entry into a Moody, Modern Showstopper

  • Writer: Burcu
    Burcu
  • Jan 8
  • 4 min read

Alpharetta Interior Design Project | Dining Room, Home Office & Powder Room


Modern office and dining area with wood tones. Text: "PROJECT MARTHA #FROMNEUTRALTOWOW." Calm, sophisticated vibe.
Project Martha - Main Floor Renovation by Design & Curations

First impressions matter — especially in design.

When our clients came to us, their brief was simple yet bold: “Make people say wow the moment they walk in but keep it cohesive with the rest of the house.”


Their home featured a calm, neutral palette throughout, which is great for open spaces, the living room, and the kitchen; but the entry foyer that connects the dining room, home office, and powder room needed a stronger 1st impression effect. This space was in the front and center.


Our challenge? To create depth, character, and drama without breaking harmony and to strike the perfect balance between refined and masculine for the husband’s office, while still feeling warm and inviting for the wife. No biggie...


Let's chat on:

  • Sources & links and "MOST ASKED" paint colors,

  • The process, before vs afters,

  • The design thinking and WHY we did what we did...


The Scope of the Project







Dining Room · Home Office · Powder Room (All located within the entry foyer)

We began with a clean slate — removing all existing wainscoting and reimagining the entire zone as a layered, cohesive experience rather than a series of separate rooms.

Designing With Architecture in Mind

Dark wooden double doors with window panes open to a leafy suburban view. A beige patterned rug and a tennis ball lie on the floor.
Project Martha - Arched Entry Door - Before

One of the most powerful design tools in this home was already there: architectural detail.

The entry door features a segmental arch, which became our guiding design language. We echoed this curve to frame:

  • the dining room entry

  • the custom dining built-in

Repeating the arch created a subtle, vaulted, gallery-like rhythm that naturally pulls you inward. The result is quiet drama & intentional, elegant, and timeless.

Layering Mood, Contrast & Warmth

Design board for a modern library features charcoal cabinets, cream curtains, a tan leather chair, oak accents, and featured artwork.
Project Martha - Design Mood Board by Design & Curations

To anchor the boldness, we leaned into contrast already present in the home — particularly the charcoal, floor-to-ceiling fireplace surround.

We echoed these deeper tones throughout the foyer, then softened them with:

  • weathered oak custom built-ins

  • brick-look tan and beige tile around the dining built-in

  • warm rugs and subtle detailing

This balance allowed the palette to feel moody but livable, dramatic yet welcoming.

1. Deep & Inviting Dining Room

Stylish dining room with dark walls, wooden arch, and modern chandelier. A person adjusts settings on a dining table with white chairs. Cozy vibe.
Project Martha - Dining Room Design by Design & Curations

THE most asked question: THE WALL COLOR? For the dining room, we used Roman Clay in “Rock Store” by Portola Paints — a cool slate tone that connects seamlessly to the living room fireplace and accent chairs while remaining soft and textural.

To balance the depth:

  • An oval dining table introduced fluidity

  • creamy marble added quite a sophistication

  • Brushed brass lighting brought warmth and glow

This space also marked a thoughtful introduction of mixed metals, blending brass with existing bronze tones for a collected, elevated feel.

2. Moody, Classic Home Office

Modern home office with a desk, laptop, and plant. Warm wood tones, black sliding door, and soft lighting create a cozy, professional vibe.
Project Martha - Home Office Design by Design & Curations

When we first walked into the office, it was white-on-white, one black desk floating in the middle.

The request? A moody, cozy, elevated, masculine home office that still felt intentional and inviting from the moment you walk in.

The brief:

  • keep the existing desk

  • add built-in storage

  • make it moody, not gloomy

  • add texture, warmth, and story

We designed custom charcoal built-ins paired with soft oak, grounding the room while keeping it fully functional (yes — even space for the printer). A light, movable rug added balance and flexibility.

One of our favorite moments? Wallpaper on the ceiling, unexpected, bold, and deeply personal.

This space now feels confident, tailored, and quietly powerful.

3. Powder Room: Surprise & Delight

Dark bathroom sink with gold fixtures, a wicker tissue box, a soap dispenser, and a towel on a gold rail. A large mirror above.
Project Martha - Powder Room Design by Design & Curations

The powder room became a true moment of surprise.

What stayed: the existing mirror, a beautiful anchor

What changed: everything else :)

We leaned into contrast by mixing brushed brass fixtures with the mirror’s vintage silver tones, then drenched all five surfaces, walls and ceiling.

COLOR DRENCHING? WHICH COLOR?

We used Damascus Roman Clay by Portola Paints, a deep medium brown with gray undertones.


The custom vanity was hand-drawn by me (crying from happiness) and designed with:

  • soft curves and scalloped sides

  • high-function quartz to protect walls from spills

  • a black suede quartz finish that was truly the final chef’s kiss

Paired with a faucet by Kohler, the vanity feels sculptural, practical, and timeless.

The Design Process: From Vision to Reality

This project required trust, and we don’t take that lightly.

At our design intake, we arrived with samples galore: cabinet doors, stains, rugs, hardware, finishes. We believe deeply in sensory decision-making — touching and seeing materials creates confidence.

To reduce overwhelm while encouraging collaboration:

  • We presented two design directions,

  • refined the chosen concept together,

  • created 3D photorealistic renders so our clients could see every detail before construction began

Those renders? Even we double-took at how real they looked.

The Reality: Patience Meets Craftsmanship

Not every project is without challenges.

The ceiling wallpaper installation pushed us — alignment issues, an ill installer, and a finish that wasn’t quite right.

So we’re redoing it.Because at Design & Curations, we believe in doing it right, not rushing it.


Sources & Links

Office: 

Dining Room: 

Powder Room:

What started as a blank, white entry became a moody, modern foyer filled with texture, personality, and timeless warmth.


This Alpharetta interior design project is a reminder that when collaboration, creativity, and craftsmanship come together, even transitional spaces can become true showstoppers.


If you’re ready to turn your blank space into something extraordinary — Book a Design Consultation with Design & Curations.


Let’s design a space that tells your story, beautifully.


XO,

BurJu




*This blog post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from me, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

bottom of page