This client project was a lot of fun because it mainly involved rearranging and accessorizing- two of my favorite things! When I met with Dana she explained that, like a lot of people, she had started decorating this room and then hit a lull. She had the main pieces in place and even had custom drapes made to go with the room but after making those choices she stalled out.
Although the room had a great start it did not quite fit in with their busy family with 3 young boys! It was a little too formal and needed some toning down. I did this by softening the room with pillows, baskets, and some personalized touches.
First, here are some (bad phone) before’s:
This room had a lot of pieces that just kind of ended up there. Pictures hung to fill space, furniture pulled out of the attic without a real purpose, and a lack of accessories.
Although Dana really has great style, she just didn’t trust herself
when it came time to make decorating decisions.
Now, some after’s:
The first order of business was to change the layout of the room.
I rearranged the pieces so that the room provides a better format to hang out with guests
or to just sit and read a book.
I also wanted to add some personality to the room.
Pillows, flowers, baskets, and a new rug were definitely needed!
Dana also loved the idea of incorporating her three little cuties with these silhouettes…
Dana also had the genius idea of adding a desk chair to this piece- making it more of a writing desk for her. She is now on the hunt for the perfect chair! And she questions her design chops?!
We were able to use pretty much all of her existing furniture which was great since most of it has been upholstered and was made to coordinate in this room.
Just adding a chevron rug, to replace the dark shag one that had been there, immediately added a more casual vibe. Something that was needed considering this house is fully lived in by three little boys!
I also brought in some new pieces like this iron table. It added some additional table space and provided another texture other than wood.
The lamp was also an addition and ties in with all of the other natural elements.
It has a more modern vibe than the outdated gold lamp that was there before.
The wall above the couch is semi-done at this point. We tried to really utilize the pieces she had, including this mirror but it’s size is not quite right for the space. We agreed to let it hang on an existing nail for now until the right piece comes along (fingers crossed on a pair of driftwood mirrors!!)
The new pillows were crucial for bringing in some pops of color and really adding a happy lived-in feel to the room. I love the mix of patterns and colors!
Just switching the wall that the couch is on really opened up the room and created a much better view when you walk in their front door.
These lamps were a fun makeover project for the room that are also a personalized reminder for Dana’s family. After painting them with chalkboard paint I scribbled a quote that Dana shared with me…one she hopes will serve as a motto for her family:
Laugh a lot
Live much
And always remember to be thankful!
This room was a lot of fun to work on and I couldn’t have asked for a better client!
Dana is tending to her busy boys this summer but we are excited to move onto other rooms in their house once her schedule slows down a bit.
The dining room is right across from this living room so we will definitely be making some similar changes there. We will attempt to take away some of the formal feeling of her traditional dining set with fun fabrics, new window treatments, and some easy hardware switches on the china cabinet.
She already picked out a runner that coordinates with the lamp shades
in the living room and it looks great!
If you would like help creating rooms that you love contact me at:
Kim@Chattafabulous says
It's like a good facelift – the room looks younger and fresher! Well done!
http://www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com
desingpostinteriors@hotmail.com says
Young and fresh was exactly the look we were going for so thanks!
Emily | Recently says
What a great change! I agree that the chevron rug really gave it a relaxed feel, but also gave it a modern twist. Beautiful job!
desingpostinteriors@hotmail.com says
Thanks so much!
Mary Schannen says
Great change! I love your style – we have very similar taste. I would love to know where you got that yellow ottoman! Thanks!
desingpostinteriors@hotmail.com says
Thanks! that ottoman was a lucky Target find! Your photography is beautiful!!
Luci @Bungalow At Home says
I find clients get stalled at this exact point a lot! Nice transformation using mostly what she owned..
I'd love to do that kind of work all day!
desingpostinteriors@hotmail.com says
Totally agree Luci- this is my favorite kind of thing to do for people!