Kerry Clare transforms an extra bedroom into a personalized sitting room
Pam and Van Smith have lived in their home for over 30 years, and as they prepare for retirement, their wish was to refresh their living room and transform an extra bedroom into a comfortable sitting room designed especially for Pam.
One of my key design suggestions was to remove part of the wall between the living room and the new sitting room. This approach opened the space visually and allowed light to flow freely throughout the home, while still offering flexibility. At any point, double glass doors can be added to provide privacy without sacrificing that natural light or the connection between spaces.
Pam loves spending time with her sisters, while Van and the brothers-in-law enjoy watching golf or football together. The goal was to create a space where everyone could feel connected—a cozy area where Pam and her sisters could sit, chat, and relax, while still being close to the gentlemen. At the same time, the room needed to function as a practical and inspiring home office for Pam.
Pam and Van share a deep love for horses and the beach, and they asked that these two passions be thoughtfully blended into the design. Pam’s love of horses is especially meaningful, and Van has lovingly collected horse memorabilia for her over the years. We designed shelving and display areas that showcase these treasured pieces in an intentional, beautiful way, weaving them together with decor, artwork, and photographs that tell the story of their lives and their journey together.
When I leave a home, my ultimate goal is that the space reflects the people who live there—their history, their passions, and their future. There should be no trace of me as the designer. Instead, the home should feel deeply personal, authentic, and unmistakably theirs.
This project was exactly that: a home that honors 30 years of memories while creating space for the next chapter.
