The time has finally arrived for me to share the refresh of my living room with you. It has been a long time coming and I am thrilled that I am able to share the completed projects! I think, though, that I will stop talking about how long my projects take. I may just have to accept the fact that this is my project rhythm. I start, stop, add plans, change plans, etc… I will continue to work on planning, organizing and executing more efficiently. I’m looking at taking some online classes regarding this area.
To recap, I wanted to do this project because I really wanted a new, lighter paint color on the walls. I still liked the brown color but especially in the winter it was very dark and cave like and I was done with living in that darkness!
I also wanted to de-clutter and get rid of stuff as well as organize some things better. I also wanted to have less visual clutter. I do believe that I have accomplished all of these with this refresh.
In previous posts, I talked about the wall color which is Passive by Sherwin Williams. I have lived with it for several months now and am very happy with it. I also painted the fireplace in Tricorn Black, added a new area rug and more lighting. I am so happy with the lighting. I have four units and the living room is so bright when they are all on (which is almost never)!! I can’t wait for winter!
Additionally, I showed how I was concealing cords to help with the visual clutter and make the space look neater.
BEFORE:
Here is a brief look at where I started:
The shape of this room makes it hard to photograph the whole thing in one shot. I had very little storage as well as too much stuff!
AND NOW THE FINALE:
I changed the layout of the furniture and added a few pieces as well. I thought long and hard about covering the sofa and 2 chairs in a different color fabric but ultimately decided not to.
I painted the fireplace and added decor including a live plant. I am terrible with plants but really wanted to try keeping one alive. So far, it’s still alive!!
I added a basket for the fireplace wood and a couple of tools and I added a fun shag rug for a touch of whimsy.
I now have this tv stand flanked by 2 bookcases. This gives me the storage that I needed allowing the space to look much less cluttered. The bookcases also add some much needed height to the room.
I also added some art work to the wall above this antique table that I adore. My tv used to sit on this table.
I made this blanket ladder and flower ball for decor and color. I’m very proud of this ladder as I did not have to purchase anything to make it. I used wood from my master bathroom project that did not get used. I didn’t change the stain or anything!
I was able to incorporate this sewing table that used to be my grandmother’s. The top opens up and there is a sewing machine inside. At some point, I’ll likely refinish the table but right now it is not a priority.
The photo on the right is a close up of my tv stand with the doors closed showing the additional storage available.
The other added storage are the 3 IKEA shelves that house my photos and memory keeping supplies. This is one area that really needed to be dealt with.
I did not realize until I started working on this refresh how much I needed this storage. I have tens of thousands of photos and I’m really pleased that I can house my memory books and photo albums!!
Overall, I am very happy with how it has all come together even if it did take longer than planned. I know that I will play around with the decor some but for all intents and purposes this room is now done!
What do you think? Is there anything I should have done differently? I’m always open to new ideas and new ways of seeing things!!
What about you? How long do your projects take? Share in the comments.
