The Dark Academia Dream Home

Our client came to us with a beautiful foundation: charming original details, a rich love for interiors, and a home that already told a story. She wanted her front rooms — the living and dining — to feel complete. A touch more warmth. A bit more drama. A sense of intention in every corner.

She also dreamed of turning her aging, unusable porch into a cozy, functional screened in porch. The wood was rotting, and what could’ve been a sanctuary was instead just collecting dust.

As we began, the project scope quickly shifted. Below the main living spaces, her basement offered unrealized potential. It was chopped up and cluttered with exposed electrical, floor joists, and a bulky hot water heater closet that swallowed the space. She needed storage. She needed comfort. She needed function.

So we created it.

Working hand in hand with our contractor, we relocated the hot water heater, closed in the ceiling to hide the chaos, and added hidden storage throughout. Her existing sofa was reupholstered in a dog-friendly, easy-clean fabric that could withstand Finley’s fur and drool (he’s the goodest boy). We added a gas fireplace and wrapped the walls in dark, elegant trim that called back to an era of scholarly romance.

And then came the moment that gave this project its name: Dark Academia.

Our client is a self-proclaimed grand millennial with a deep affection for Harry Potter, tufted leather, rich color palettes, and stories in every corner. One of our favorite pieces to design around? A large, leather tufted chair that once belonged to her father. We built in custom storage beneath the stairs — a cheeky nod to a certain boy wizard — and even concealed a safe behind the trim work. Layers of history, memory, and magic now live in this once-forgotten basement.

But like many older homes, once we pulled one thread, more unraveling followed.

Removing the unused radiators from the upstairs entryway created unexpected holes — including in the primary bathroom floor. Our client saw it as the perfect opportunity to redo the layout and functionality of her bath, but what began as a refresh quickly escalated when we discovered unsafe knob-and-tube wiring and structural issues. The entire back of the house needed to be reinforced. She temporarily moved out, and we got to work making her home safe, strong, and spectacular.

While she was out, we spotted a leak in the kitchen. Her response? “Well, while you’re here…” And so began the kitchen renovation.

Before Kitchen Remodel:

We reimagined the entire flow — transforming the space into a baker’s dream. A generous island, a warming drawer, hidden storage, and a dedicated zone for Finley’s food and toys. The once undefined back room became a multifunctional mudroom and wine storage area — elegant, practical, and totally hers.

After Kitchen Remodel:

Everything, from the cabinetry to the trim, came together in a rich palette of black and deep forest green — moody, timeless, and completely enchanting.

A year later, she has the house of her dreams. From forgotten corners to the front door, every space now reflects her values, her history, and her story.

This is what we do at Metta Home: we listen closely, collaborate deeply, and design with intention — so that every home tells a story of love, kindness, and belonging.

Photo Gallery:

After Working with Metta Home:

Before Working with Metta Home: