Step Inside This Cozy Rom-Com Inspired Living Room by Oho Interiors

The Charm of Rom-Com Living Spaces

In the heart of a rom-com winter, many of us crave the lived-in comfort of movie set homes. This is beautifully captured in a recent project by Melissa Oholendt, founder of Oho Interiors, where the design brief echoed a blend of Nora Ephron and Arts & Crafts styles.

A Warm and Inviting Space

Nestled on Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota, the homeowners, a couple in their late 60s and 70s, sought a fresh look after decades with the same furnishings. Oho Interiors aimed to create a cozy retreat that felt collected and personalized, enhancing the existing 1980s Arts & Crafts architecture while ensuring the space remained functional for hosting guests.

Image credit: Oho Interiors / Photography Judith Marilyn

Blending Styles for Comfort

Melissa describes the design approach as a balance of pattern, color, and the warm oak tones characteristic of the Arts & Crafts style. The goal was to evoke the comfortable mix found in beloved Nora Ephron films like You've Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle—a space that feels impossibly livable and cozy.

Flexible Layout for Gatherings

To maximize the beautiful lake view, furnishings were kept low, allowing for a modular layout that accommodates both intimate nights in and lively dinner parties. The dining room was designed with similar flexibility, making it a perfect spot for gatherings around the piano.

Image credit: Oho Interiors / Photography Judith Marilyn

Personal Touches

A standout feature is the gallery wall, which is a mix of family photos, personal art, and mementos. This wall not only adds character but also tells the homeowners' story, filled with personal history and life.

Image credit: Oho Interiors / Photography Judith Marilyn

The fireplace, a focal point, was updated with a contemporary firebox and a marble surround that reflects the waves of the lake, merging old charm with modern aesthetics.

Conclusion

The homeowners expressed immense joy upon seeing their personal history brought to life in the design, with plans for a Phase 2 already underway, demonstrating the ongoing relationship and creativity between Oho Interiors and the homeowners.