How to create an alcove that feels warm, balanced and distinctly your own
Build a space that sings with expert advice from Group 3 Designs.
Story by Barry Kaufman
Photography by John McManus
Key Points
● Add emphasis with a focal wall, statement mirror or standout piece of art
● Let your personality set the mood with a piano, record player or other hobbies present in the space
● Bring in soft symmetry with paired accessories or similar shapes
● Invite the outdoors in with natural lighting
● Choose a harmonious palette of soft neutrals, warm woods and subtle metallic finishes
For more than three decades, Dan and Shannon Stratton have treated their Brams Point home as both a retreat and a gathering place. When they set out to update the home again, one of the biggest transformations came from pushing the rear wall outward, reclaiming what had once been part of a wide Southern porch. The change opened up the living room and gave new energy to the space where the couple entertains most.
Their baby grand piano, long squeezed into whatever corner it could occupy, now has a dedicated alcove shaped specifically for it. The expansion was not simply about gaining square footage. Working closely with Group 3 Designs, the Strattons created a true focal point, anchored by a striking mirror they had collected and framed with custom trim.
“It created a nice accent wall,” said Ruegamer. “The room really came together around that.”
With French doors that spill out to the screened porch, the living room now lets music drift easily inside and out, offering a space that feels both elegant and welcoming. It is a room designed to be heard and enjoyed.
A sculptural mirror, the shine of the baby grand and soft drapery layers create a quiet moment of glamor in this Brams Point living room. Balanced accents and warm neutrals keep the space serene, while the open French doors frame a calming Lowcountry view.
Try this at home
With a few thoughtful choices, you can create an alcove that feels polished, inviting and personal, much like the Strattons have achieved in their Bram’s Point home.
- Create a focal wall: The custom mill work surrounding the sculptural mirror turns the piano alcove into the star of the room. A statement mirror or standout piece of art paired with trim or paneling can elevate an otherwise simple wall.
- Let music set the mood: The baby grand anchors the space, but the idea works in any home. Give instruments or a listening setup a dedicated spot to add personality and make the room feel lived in.
- Bring in soft symmetry: The draperies frame the French doors on both sides and help balance the curves of the piano and mirror. Even small repetitions, like paired accessories or similar shapes, create a calm sense of order.
- Invite the outdoors in: The French doors lead directly to the screened porch and pull the Lowcountry view into the room. If you cannot add new doors, look for ways to improve sight lines to bring in more natural light.
- Choose a harmonious palette: Soft neutrals keep attention on the water and the reflective surfaces. Light walls, warm wood floors and subtle metallic finishes work together to create a space that feels elegant without being formal.
