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NEW BUILD, NEW LOOK

Adding Personality in Elizabethtown, PA

Building a new home is such an exciting endeavor. However, the reality is that often you are left with a lot of white walls and “builder-grade basics” throughout. Our homeowner had a strong sense of style and knew that she was ready to add her personal stamp on her gorgeous new home. But, as a busy professional and mom, she needed help unlocking her home’s full potential. Enter Haven Made. We helped make some massive changes by introducing new paint, bold wallpaper, and custom wall treatments, not to mention, adding in wood tones and lots of styling! Check out some of our favorite spaces below…


The entry welcomes guests with a hefty dose of “Hi! Welcome to our awesome house. A cool family lives here!” Just look at that wallpaper. It made such a difference. We love that our homeowner fell in love with this wallpaper just as much as we did. Knowing her love of bold prints and a desire for a black and white color palette that flowed throughout the main living areas, we felt this was the perfect choice. We loved that this print was graphic, while still maintaining an organic feel with its shapes and gradations of black and charcoal. The black door adds depth, the line are layers in another punch of color and bench got a makeover to add warmth and personality with a custom cushion, pillows, and baskets for shoe storage. Welcome home.


Right inside the entry is what we refer to as the “mini-office.” It’s the spot where our homeowners house their printer, pay the bills, and keep work documents. So, function was key. However, being right inside the door where friends and family enter, it had to look cute too! We swapped their white utilitarian desk for one with simple clean lines and a beautiful wood tone. That, along with a few simple rattan organizers, add warmth to this area. The art injects a splash of color to the crisp white walls. It’s always fun to see how just a few small tweaks can really transform a space. 

This first floor powder room was cute from the start. We loved the black and white tiles, mirror and fixtures our homeowner had chosen for her new build. But we all agreed— we could kick it up a notch! Cue the board and batten and wallpaper! Now, it's got added dimension and interest. To keep things from feeling stark, with all of the black and white, we added a small dose of mustard and and the warmth of wood in the art and table. And, as an added bonus, she’s now got a bit of additional storage and spot for some pretty candles.

Once again, we utilized wallpaper in the design. While bold prints dominated in the entry and powder room, we went for something more subtle in the main living area. A faux grasscloth adds interest and texture, and just enough contrast to make their fireplace really stand out. While large scale art was considered, ultimately our homeowners decided to style their space with smaller art and accessories (including some family heirlooms) to keep this feeling simple and light. We think it was a great choice. If you check out the before photos, you’ll note that all of the core furniture remained. Yet, we were able to transform this space by swapping out some of the bolder throws, pillows, and accessories for textiles and decor items that are more muted. Now, this room’s stunning architectural features really shine! Further proof that you don’t have to start from scratch to make a big impact. 


Our client had created a work-from-home space in her basement that served her well functionally, but aesthetically— not so much. Her schedule is full of video calls and presentations and she wanted her backdrop to be camera ready. In addition, we all agreed that this space should reflect her personality, her work, and her brand. Paint, storage, and styling completely changed this space! There is room to display books and items important to her work, as well as ways to bring in personal touches through family photos and plants (While these are faux since it is a basement, she actually has a very green thumb!) The paint and artwork compliment her brand colors and really complete the workspace.

Come take a peek behind this bedroom door! Here, it's just as much about what we DIDN’T do, as what we did! 

So here’s what we DIDN’T do:

  • change the layout
  • paint the walls
  • purchase a whole new bed
  • buy a new dresser or nightstands
  • get new lamps
  • add curtains

Here’s what we DID do:

  • be intentional with our spending 
  • used a statement wall hanging to add color, texture, and make a big impact
  • swapped out the headboard for something simpler, so as not to compete with the wall hanging above 
  • layered an area rug to further add color and pattern to the room
  • kept the cool, sculptural lamps, but swapped their shades for ones with a more modern silhouette 
  • styled the space with a mix of new accessories and the homeowner’s own
  • created a relaxing space that feels brand new for our client 

This is a good reminder that you do not need to start from scratch with your space. We can keep what you love and what’s working for you; we’ll develop a plan to create a room you love. 


In the en suite, take a look at what paint and some styling can do to a room! This primary en suite was beautiful from the start. But, now it feels luxe and just a touch moody.


Move the arrow to see the before & after

Wallpaper & Paint: Two Dudes Painting

Board & Batten: Payne Brothers

Bench Cushion: K Designs Furniture

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