Builder-grade home upgrade: Project Modern Meets Traditional reveal

Jessica Luna
Jul 30
3 min read

Modern Meets Traditional: A Fresh Project Update from JLL Interiors

Modern living room with beige chairs, blue-patterned dining chairs, and artwork. Gold pendant light and vase with yellow flowers add elegance.

At our Atlanta interior design studio, we love transforming builder-grade spaces into personalized, high-end interiors. We’re excited to share a project reveal on one of our latest design transformations, “Modern Meets Traditional,” located in a charming suburb just outside of Atlanta.

A Builder-Grade Home Upgrade: A Space in Need of Personality

Bland living room featuring blue and gold canvas over living room — BEFORE

Our clients reached out wanting to update their builder-grade living room and dining nook into spaces that better reflected their personality and lifestyle. They had a few key requests: incorporate some of their existing modern-leaning furniture, add custom window treatments, and create a space that felt both livable and visually striking for entertaining.

Starting with Inspiration

Modern living room with a white fireplace, colorful abstract painting, two tall vases, and white flowers on a table, creating a cozy ambiance.

As with most of our designs, we began with inspiration. For this project, the starting point was a striking piece of mantle art the clients already owned. The palette of rich blue and gold set the tone for the rest of the home, and we thoughtfully wove these colors through

various elements in the space.

Blending Old with New

Modern living room with a navy sofa, chevron pillows, white coffee table with books, and a vase of flowers. Minimalist and cozy ambiance.

We kept their existing leather sofa and marble coffee table, which grounded the room in a sleek, modern aesthetic. Since the clients and their beloved pet frequently lounge on the sofa, it was important that any new furnishings offered durability without sacrificing style. We designed a custom sofa upholstered in a patterned performance fabric—deep enough for comfort, strong enough for daily use, and stylish enough to elevate the entire room.

The Living Room’s WOW Moment

Modern living room with gray sofa, beige chair, and geometric chandelier. White shelves hold decor, and blue abstract art is above the fireplace.

To give the living room that coveted “WOW” factor, we added a large brass chandelier with exposed globe bulbs over the coffee table. Its scale and modern flair draw the eye upward and anchor the space. In contrast, we added tailored custom window treatments in a more traditional style, creating a balanced juxtaposition of old and new.

Elegant & Functional Furnishings

Modern living room with a gray sofa, armchairs, white curtains, and a coffee table with books and a flower. Bright windows and light decor.

Additional seating includes two swivel club chairs and a brass-and-marble cocktail table, perfect for both casual lounging and formal entertaining. We layered in patterned pillows—a mix of floral and abstract designs—to add texture and visual interest.

Making Use of Every Inch

One of the most functional (and beautiful) updates we made was the addition of built-in cabinets and a bookcase next to the fireplace. What was once an underutilized niche has become a focal point and a highly functional storage solution. When it comes to upgrading a builder-grade home, a worth-while investment is adding storage and millwork like built-ins.

A Kitchen That Complements the Living Room

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, blue patterned chairs, gold pendant lights, and a vase with yellow flowers on a white island counter.

In the kitchen, we swapped out the existing glass island pendants for larger, gilded gold fixtures that make a bold statement and echo the brass tones from the living room chandelier. For the island seating, we designed custom barstools featuring modern abstract fabric on the back and stain-resistant performance fabric on the seat. The vibrant design stands out beautifully against the dark navy island and adds a polished view from the living area.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a large island. A striped bag, oil bottle, and mug are on the counter. — BEFORE

Dining Nook Details

A bright dining room with blue-patterned chairs, white table, and abstract blue art. Two white lamps and an orchid sit on a blue sideboard.

The kitchen dining nook now features a stunning blue grasscloth-covered credenza for storage, topped with stone white lamps for added texture. The table, with its stone and brass base, mirrors the living room’s coffee table for flow. Dining chairs clad in our favorite blue cloud fabric complete the space—a perfect blend of color and softness.

Minimalist room with a round glass table, abstract blue art on the wall, large window with blinds, wood floor, and pet bowls. — BEFORE

A Joyful Transformation

Modern interior with two white lamps, abstract art, and green spheres in a dish on a table. Blue-patterned chair adds a bold accent.

This project was a joy to design—a creative blend of traditional elegance and modern style. We’re passionate about elevating homes through thoughtful design tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking to update a single room or reimagine your entire home, our Georgia interior design team is here to help bring your vision to life.If you’re ready to begin your own design journey, we’d love to connect with you.