Hello, I’m Anu - a Residential Architect, Interior designer, and Airbnb Superhost

I was born and raised on a small, beautiful island - surrounded by nature, close family ties, and a deep sense of home. In 2014, I moved to Canada, carrying with me not just my education and professional training, but also a strong belief that the spaces we live in shape the way we feel, connect, and live our everyday lives.

Today, I’m an architect and interior designer, and also a mom to three boys, including a set of identical twins. If you’re a parent, you already know-life gets busy. Really busy. Between school runs, meals, work, playtime, and trying to squeeze in a moment for yourself, the home often becomes a place we function in, rather than truly enjoy.

And that’s exactly why I started Just Living Rooms.

I help homeowners and property investors create short-term rentals that stand out, attract bookings, and deliver memorable stays.

But my journey into STR design didn’t start only from a design perspective - it started from real hosting experience.

Why the Living Room?

The living room is where real life happens.

It’s where toys pile up five minutes after you tidy. Where guests gather, kids sprawl, conversations unfold, and evenings wind down. It’s the most used space in the house - and often the most overlooked when it comes to thoughtful design.

As a designer and a mom, I understand both sides:

• The desire for a home that looks beautiful

• And the reality of family life, mess, movement, and time constraints

You don’t need a picture-perfect magazine space. You need a living room that works for your life - while still feeling calm, welcoming, and intentional.

What I Do at Just Living Rooms

Just Living Rooms is a focused design studio dedicated to helping homeowners elevate their living spaces aesthetically and functionally, without unnecessary overwhelm.

I help you:

• Rethink how your living room is laid out

• Improve flow, comfort, and usability

• Identify what’s missing (and what’s not needed)

• Create a space that feels more balanced, cohesive, and you

Whether you want a light refresh or a complete transformation, my services are designed to meet you where you are - both in lifestyle and budget.

Services I Offer

Here’s how I can support you:

Virtual Living Room Assessment

Perfect if you want professional insight without a full design package. I review your space and provide clear guidance on layout, missing elements, and opportunities for improvement- ideal if you like to do your own shopping and keep costs low.

Living Room Edit

A curated refresh that keeps most of your existing furniture (up to 80%) and elevates the space with thoughtful additions. You’ll receive design direction, product suggestions, and a digital mood board that brings everything together beautifully.

Signature Living Room Design

For those ready for a full transformation. This service rethinks the living room from the ground up - layout, furniture, finishes, lighting, and styling - creating a cohesive and intentional space tailored to your lifestyle.

Virtual Floor Plan Review

For homeowners planning a full renovation, this service goes beyond the living room. As an architect, I assess your entire floor plan, reviewing orientation, circulation, zoning, and spatial relationships - helping you make smarter decisions before you build.

My Design Philosophy

I believe good design should:

• Support everyday life

• Feel effortless, not forced

• Balance beauty with function

• Be thoughtful, not excessive

You don’t need more things - you need the right things, placed with intention.

As a mom, I deeply understand how important it is for a home to feel calm, flexible, and livable. And as an architect and interior designer, I bring professional training, spatial thinking, and a trained eye to help you see possibilities you may not have considered.

Let’s Rethink Your Living Room Together

Whether you’re a busy parent, a professional, or someone who simply wants their living room to feel better without starting from scratch - I’m here to help.

This blog is a space where I’ll share:

• Living room design ideas

• Layout tips

• Common mistakes and easy fixes

• Thoughtful ways to make your home work harder for you

Welcome to Just Living Rooms. I’m so glad you’re here - and I can’t wait to help you fall in love with your space again 🤍

With much love,

Anu Ranasinghe