Sometimes I feel like if I post about projects I plan to do, it will make me more motivated to get them done. We’ll see if it works this time around. . . . It’s been a while since I’ve posted about our living room. You know, the space you swear you’ll spend hours lounging and reading in when you first buy the house. Then, it slowly but surely gets neglected until it’s almost completely unused.
I bought a huge abstract painting (from Craigslist) before we moved in and it quickly became the centerpiece of the room. Besides that, this room has somewhat stood still. Even worse, it has actually regressed. Here’s what it looked like initially:
I quickly assembled it, and then started picking it apart bit by bit. The rug found a new home in our dining room. The accent chairs and one of the end tables also went elsewhere. Basically, I’m left with beige walls, no pillows and a big case of the blahs.
So, I thought it would be fun to put together a small idea board with some initial changes I plan on making.
- I’m going to start by painting the room the same mocha shade as my dining room. (These two rooms face one another across our entryway, and I want them to feel like one big space.)
- A big loop rug that currently never sees the light of day under all of the toys in our playroom is moving downstairs.
- The round wood/glass coffee table that previously got the boot gets to come back.
- I’m (make that, my husband, is) installing green curtain panels (from IKEA). I recently hung the same ones in our dining room.
- Our living room currently houses a big armoire that has become art central for my kids’ crayons, paint, paper and other supplies. It looks very traditional in a cherry wood tone right now. I’m considering painting it black and updating the hardware.
- My sofa needs pillows–and lots of pattern!
- And, finally, I would like to add two small sunburst mirrors above each of the two lamps. Unless I find a dirt cheap source for these soon, I think I’ll give Janell’s DIY sunburst project a try. (She always makes it look so easy!)
So, that’s the plan in a nutshell. Now, where’s the time?
To do lists are up my alley – I love this post and have been meaning to do the same. I think I post weekly about something I need to do to my living room. My fiancee and I just moved into our apt in Chicago this summer so a lot is left to be done!
Cara
http://www.anurbancottageblog.blogspot.com
I like the way it is. I think the new picture looks kinda cluttered.
But your home is gorgeous and I love your taste. So I bet when you finish I will be surprised. Must say the bamboo coffee table really works!
This is goint look fabulous. You are so talented to understand what a room needs.
When I need motivation to get projects done, I invite people over. Knowing company is coming lights a fire under me to get moving.
I like it! As for the time, yeah, I haven’t figured out where you can buy that!
Ha, I find it very effective to post what I plan to do, definitely motivating. Your living room looks great already, it will be divine with these changes…great looking sofa and canvas!
Thanks for the shout out, let me know if you have any questions about the project when you get started!
Janell
Don’t feel bad. I moved into my house about 7 weeks ago and still have boxes everywhere and changes to do everywhere. I feel overwhelmed yet inspired by your moodboard. It looks great!
Great plan, I can’t wait to see the room all done. Hugs, Marty
It looks like a great plan! I love the use of all the different pillows. Great post and blog as always!!
I recently started a new blog here in Vancouver, BC http://www.lovinthat.blogspot.com Love to have your feedback!
I really like the new paint color you picked, I think it will look awesome in your living room.
Love the green drapes and the changes to come! I wish I were more like you that way. I posted about a little end table I am redoing two months ago . . and here it sits staring at me!
That will look great! Accountability is a great way to get you motivated! You should take pictures along the way…
Me likey! Can’t wait!
You’ve got the hard part done…deciding what you want to do!! It’s going to look amazing…love the mirrors on either side, and great pillows!!
Love the mirror idea! Here’s hoping your motivation continues! It’s going to look great.
Sounds like it is going to be great! I really like all of the pillows. {I chuckled a little when I saw how you do your concept board, because that is exactly how I visualize a space… cut and paste ;)}
Oh gosh…if posting about projects you plan to do works, PLEASE let us know. I’ll be creating myself a blog ;)
I really like the idea of painting the walls to be more seamless with the dining room. Smart. And isn’t shopping for throw pillows the best?
I try to use my blog to keep me accountable, but it still takes me months to finish something up in our house because my decorating budget doesn’t grow as quickly as my vision for a room!
Love the current, love the new! Time? If you discover a way to find more, please share the secret! :)
I love your couch, do you mind sharing where you purchased?
@ariez The sofa came from Craigslist, of course. At $150 and almost brand new, it was one of my best purchases. Unfortunately, I don’t even know the brand name.
The one thing I love about our living room is the fact that it is the one room in the house that does not get messed up! Good luck on your makeover. :)
I love it and I also like the before. The green curtains are fabulous – do you know what line they are from? I’d love to get something similar for my living room.
Karla
@Sugar Bear I bought the green Aina curtains from IKEA ($49.99 for the pair, I think).