Elevated & Livable: A Designer’s Guide to the Ultimate ‘Family-Friendly’ Home

British-born designer Sam Donnelly of L.A. design firm Mercantile and Merchant is redefining what “family-ready” looks like. Her latest project—a fully gut-renovated five-bedroom home in Studio City for two young creatives expecting their first child—strikes the perfect balance between elevated and totally livable.

Expanding the footprint by over 1,500 square feet, Sam preserved the home’s original vaulted front room as a nod to its roots, using it as a foundation for everything that followed.

"Honestly, everything started with that vaulted room, "she said. "Once I walked through the door, that little vaulted space just stopped me in my tracks. It had this quiet charm and beautiful architectural detail that I couldn’t let go of. It became the emotional anchor for the whole renovation."

Take a look inside this gorgeous home!

"There was also a very practical bonus: the fireplace," Sam said of preserving the vaulted room. "In Los Angeles, you can’t install new mains gas in new construction, but because this was a renovation, I was able to preserve the original fireplace and retrofit it with a gas fire. That allowed me to keep the traditional warmth and soul of the home—both literally and aesthetically."

Furnished with an effortlessly eclectic mix—from CB2 staples to vintage finds—the home embraces a collected-over-time sensibility. It’s stylish without trying too hard, polished without losing its soul—and perfectly suited for the beautiful, messy rhythm of new family life.

From there, Sam layered in warmth and texture—think wood, painted paneling, stone, and handcrafted tile—to create a space that feels like a home with quiet confidence, where nothing feels too precious and everything feels considered.

The kitchen strikes a perfect balance between timeless and quietly bold, anchored by a warm wood island lined with sleek Crate & Barrel counter stools. Warm white brick and an arched range alcove nod to the home’s traditional roots, while soft, sculptural lighting from Soho Home adds a modern layer overhead. Just beyond, a pink-burgundy pantry offers an unexpected pop of color—bringing depth, personality, and a sense of play to the otherwise neutral palette.

When it came to materials, durability and lived-in beauty were top of mind. As Donnelly puts it, she gravitates toward finishes that “age well and can take a beating,” especially in the most-used areas of the home.

"I always start with the feel of a space: how it’s going to be used, how it needs to function, and how I want it to age, she said . " For this home, we made a big shift from wood to stone flooring in the kitchen and living areas. That decision brought in a rustic sensibility, but it was also about practicality. With kids running in and out from the backyard, I didn’t want to worry about water damage or scuffing."

Working alongside architect Ryan Perella, Donnelly also took a more thoughtful approach to layout, steering away from the typical all-in-one open plan.

"Families need moments of connection and places to retreat, she said. "We always prioritize quiet zones, cozy nooks, and—for me, non-negotiably—a generously sized scullery or pantry. It’s the ultimate antidote to daily chaos."

With a mix of hand-selected vintage pieces throughout, the home feels cohesive and fluid. Each room feels distinct yet connected, honoring the home’s past while fully embracing modern family life.

"I always like to throw in a healthy dose of vintage—it brings in character and prevents a space from feeling overly polished or too “done,” said Sam.

In the entryway, Sam and her team found a just-rustic-enough vintage bench. "It’s not precious—it invites you to throw your bag down, take your shoes off, and exhale."

The homeowners loved the wallpaper and the moments of whimsy Sam layered in. "Those are often the boldest choices—the ones that can feel intimidating when you’re making them—but they’re also the ones that bring the most joy," she said.

"Once the rooms came together and they could see how those patterns played with light, color, and mood throughout the day, they were thrilled. It felt personal, playful, and full of discovery. I think that’s when a house really starts to feel like a home," she adds."

One detail Sam loved was the wooden paneling in the downstairs bathroom. "It’s warm, tactile, and totally forgiving. That room has to straddle function and form—it welcomes guests but gets heavy use—so the paneling feels like the perfect, timeless solution," she says.

On the more practical side, Sam layered in pieces from places like CB2 and Zara Home. "But I kept the palette neutral and earthy, which allows everything to live together without clashing. When you focus on texture, shape, and utility, rather than labels, the mix just works," she said.

Here are Sam's tips for creating a home that feels collected and soulful:

• Start with the pieces that will work the hardest—your sofa, your bed, the dining table. These are the anchors of a room and where it pays to invest in quality and comfort.
• From there, build outward with pieces that tell a story. I’m a huge fan of vintage dining tables and chairs—they bring a sense of charm and history to everyday moments.
• The beauty of older furniture is that it already carries the patina of life—it’s not too precious, and it instantly adds depth and character to a new space. A “collected” look doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s the point—it’s meant to evolve with you.

Finally, she said, have fun with your home. "Don’t design it around resale value or trends—design it around you. I genuinely believe homes have a soul, and when you spend time in a space, you start to intuitively understand what it needs."

"Keep the foundation classic, but don’t be afraid to add a sense of play—especially in smaller spaces like powder rooms or kids’ bedrooms. That contrast between timeless architecture and unexpected touches is where the magic happens."

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