Designer: Amy Leferink of Interior Impressions
Location: Minnesota
Size: 360 square feet (33 square meters); 18 by 20 feet

Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted their living room to feel more intentional, cohesive and elevated while still being comfortable for everyday use,” says designer Amy Leferink. “The existing space felt a bit disjointed, with a traditional fireplace that didn’t align with their desired aesthetic, and lacked both visual impact and functional storage. Our goal was to create a strong focal point while adding warmth, texture and purpose. We reimagined the fireplace wall entirely, incorporating built-ins and layered materials to bring both beauty and functionality into the space.”

Built-in details. “The built-ins were designed as an extension of the architecture rather than feeling like added furniture,” Leferink says. “We incorporated custom cabinetry in a rich black painted finish (Caviar by Sherwin-Williams) to anchor the fireplace wall and provide concealed storage. Flanking the fireplace, rift-sawn white oak floating shelves add warmth and contrast, creating a balanced mix of light and dark tones.

“A substantial wood mantel ties the composition together, while the cabinetry and shelving provide both display space and everyday functionality. This approach was chosen over standalone furniture to create a more cohesive, built-in look that feels intentional and tailored to the home. It allows the entire wall to function as a unified design feature rather than a collection of separate pieces.”

Other special features. “The fireplace itself was updated to a sleek linear design, surrounded by a minimal black granite stone for a clean, modern look,” Leferink says. “The entire wall was wrapped in horizontal shiplap and painted in a deep black to create contrast and depth. To soften the darker elements, we introduced a textured grasscloth wallpaper on the adjacent walls, which adds subtle warmth and dimension without competing with the focal point. Throughout the space we layered warm wood tones, soft neutrals and aged brass accents to create a refined yet inviting palette. Updated lighting, including picture lights above the shelving, adds both function and a warm ambient glow.”

Designer tip. “Don’t be afraid to use contrast,” Leferink says. “Pairing darker architectural elements with warm wood tones and soft textures creates depth and balance, helping a space feel both grounded and inviting rather than flat or one-dimensional.”

“Uh-oh” moment. “One of the biggest challenges was balancing the scale of the fireplace wall,” Leferink says. “We knew we wanted it to feel impactful, but there was a moment during the design phase where we questioned if going dark and full height would overwhelm the room. Creating 3D renderings of the space helped us work through that hesitation. Seeing the proportions, materials and contrast come together digitally gave both us and the homeowners confidence to move forward — and ultimately it became the defining feature of the space.”

Leferink uses Houzz Pro software to manage projects. “We utilize features such as the 3D Floor Planner and renderings to help clients visualize their space early in the design process,” she says. “For this project, renderings of the fireplace wall were especially helpful in communicating scale, materiality and overall design intent, allowing the client to feel confident in their decisions before construction began.”

Wall paint: Drift of Mist, Sherwin-Williams

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