Downing Park Home Furnishings Project: A Fresh & Beach-Inspired Kitchen, Dining & Living Room Transformation

Fresh, light, and airy with coastal vibes… this Downing Park home brings the five-star beach hotel experience home with thoughtfully selected high quality pieces, perfectly supporting our client’s lifestyle.

Meet Max (name changed), our wonderful returning client. He recently purchased a new home and reached out to us asking for support furnishing it. As vice president of an automobile company with weekly traveling commitments, he knew he didn’t have the time to thoughtfully or expertly select the right pieces. We were thrilled to work together again and help create a space that would celebrate his individuality.

Project Scope & Challenges

As an ambitious person who knows what he wants, Max approached us with a clear vision: he wanted a home that felt light, fresh and airy, and free of clutter to keep his mind and mood calm. The previous home that we had designed for Max was very mid-century driven, and we were eager to infuse his new home with his evolved style preferences

Max’s travels often bring him to the bustling city of Miami, where he loves to escape the commotion after work by unwinding at the Miami Beach Edition Hotel. When we first spoke, Max shared his love for the hotel’s soft neutral tones, beach vibes, and contemporary atmosphere. We used this as inspiration for our design concept and expanded from there.

Max was invested in the design process from the start. As a discerning client, comfort and quality were very important to him, and he wanted to personally touch, feel, and sit-test furnishings before approving them. Since there are limited furnishings on the showroom floor that met our design concept, it took more time and effort to find the perfect pieces. This investment paid off, however, as the results are breathtaking. Let’s step inside.

A Calming and Comfortable Dining Room & Kitchen

We took a different approach in the dining room. Rather than adding a typical table, chairs, and chandelier, we chose to create a focal point with a custom 10-foot upholstered bench, complemented by wall sconces and a textured natural wallcovering above that evokes a relaxed, beach-inspired feel. The result offers him resort-style entertaining when friends and family visit.

Adjacent to the dining area, the kitchen’s ten-foot island serves as both a practical workspace and a social hub. Rather than traditional two to three pendants over the island, we installed a seven-foot linear light fixture to preserve the open, streamlined look and emphasize the island’s impressive length. The result is a modern, clean aesthetic that reduces what I like to call visual noise and invites a calm feeling.

An Elevated, Beach-Inspired Living Room

When furnishing a new space, creating a functional layout is the first step, and it is a critical one. We discussed the planned use of this living room with Max and created an arrangement of pieces that would support its function and flow well. Since Max hoped to use this room as an elevated space to relax and entertain guests, a sofa and side chairs arranged for conversation were the best choices.

We selected high quality furnishings that would stand the test of time for Max, creating a space that felt both luxurious and comfortable. A variety of warm, neutral tones, the textured sideboard, live palm, and sheer window panels create an elevated beach vibe, reminiscent of Max’s favorite Miami hotel. 

The geometric coffee table and minimal accessories add a contemporary feel to the space, making it feel upscale and intentional. Max now has the perfect space to relax in style with his guests for drinks and conversation after dinner.

Opposite the main seating area in the living room is a small, light-drenched corner. We knew that this would be the perfect space for a reading nook, and selected furnishings to support this purpose. A soft, comfortable chaise for two with contemporary curves anchors the space, and a floor lamp and side table bring beautiful functionality. We know that Max will enjoy kicking back with his latest book or magazine to relax in this now purposeful nook.

Key Takeaways from This Downing Park Home Furnishings Project

• Reflects a Relaxed & Sophisticated Lifestyle: We focused on calming neutrals, beachy textures, and contemporary furnishings.

• Created Inviting Spaces: We designed spaces for hosting family and friends, including a custom banquette dining area and comfortable living room seating.

• Balances Luxury & Comfort: We infused the spaces with warm tones, layered textures, and timeless pieces.

• Thoughtful Design Details: Design aspects, like the serene reading nook and high-quality materials, ensure the home feels both personalized and enduring.

• Travel-Inspired Design: This home is a perfect example of how intentional interior design in Atlanta can bring a touch of Miami-inspired tranquility to everyday living.

The result is a home that feels deeply aligned with Max’s lifestyle — calm, organized, and quietly luxurious. Each piece was selected with purpose, creating an environment that supports both focus and rest. For Max, every day now carries the sense of ease and refinement he’s come to love from his travels — no boarding pass required.

This is only the beginning of our journey with Max’s new home. In part two, we’ll head upstairs to share how we continued this serene, contemporary design approach through the private spaces — from the bedrooms to the retreat-like bathrooms.

In the meantime, if you’re feeling inspired to see how home furnishings can transform the way you live in your home, I’d love to connect. Reach out here, and let’s begin the conversation.

Warmly,

Radhika

About the Author

Radhika is the founder and principal designer of Emora Design Studio in Atlanta, Georgia. She specializes in home renovations, new builds, and luxury home furnishing projects. Radhika is known for creating interiors that feel like personal five-star retreats and celebrate individuality. When she’s not