how to make a BEAUTIFUL DIY living room …
Sometimes, you can work really hard on a space, and in the end, the result still feels a little “ho-hum”. That’s reality, but it’s still the worst. Ever happen to you? Here’s one place it happened to us. Our DIY living room.
A couple years ago, we purchased an adorable 1950’s cape cod home. It had so much personality and potential. Before we bought, this was the living room. *This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure policy here.*
Here’s another shot…slightly different furnishings, but hopefully you’ll get the “gist” of the BEFORE space.
This is the first room you enter as you walk in the front door, so we wanted the re-make to be stellar.
And as with everything we do, it was a completely DIY living room (we’re too cheap to pay anyone to do any work for us). First thing was did was update the fireplace surround, and add some can lighting.
Burlap style grasscloth wallpaper was used on three walls to give some texture and dimension. The one we chose was by Schumacher, and I’m not sure it’s still being sold, but this one by Kenneth James, looks similar.
We updated the door, painted, new crown moulding…etc etc…
In the end here’s how our DIY living room turned out. I like it…we’re giving ourselves an A for Effort, but as far as Execution goes, I’d be hard pressed to mark us higher than a C+.
It just never really turned out exactly as we hoped. We were constantly tweaking and changing to try and perfect it. The layout of the room is a challenge with the location of the front door, the fireplace, and the room being flanked by the entry points for the kitchen and hall to second floor.
Floating around in my mind are still bunches of ideas for how to really perfect this space…one being add MORE COLOR! Two being remove the TV (but if I want to stay married, that’s never going to happen).
Anything you see that may “spruce” this room up? Leave us a comment! We love hearing new ideas!! Sometimes a fresh perspective is so helpful, don’t you think?
At the end of the day, the reality is, this room is JUST. FINE. It’s a place our family can sit and relax. We have a roof over our heads and a place to keep us warm and dry…and therein lies beauty. Grateful, grateful, grateful.
So…perhaps this room is a bit boring, but I guess in the end, it’s definitely BEAUTIFUL.
Pamela Jarecki says
Take away the tie backs on the drapes. Add natural roman wood blinds in bit darker color brown. Fur throw on the sectional will also add texture. Maybe a zebra hide rug under the coffee table.
Anonymous says
I quite like the room. The colors are soothing and neutral with a light airy feeling. I agree with putting the TV above the fireplace as it gives you one less focal point to arrange around. But I think the thing that mostly hit me of why it feels "not quite right" is that everything is very uniform and square. Perhaps adding a round or starburst mirror as one of the previous commenters suggested. Or even painting some sort of swirl design on the wall behind the pictures. (Which I would also change into different size frames so they don't look quite so lego blocks.) And if you are not so keen on the idea of adding lots of color – I love the neutrals – add one deep color as an accent that grounds the room a bit. If you do this, you do not need much of it, a splash here, an object there. I would go with either a very deep teal or maybe an eggplant color. I know it sounds like I am awful, but I really do like the room. I generally have the same feeling when trying to get my projects to come out. I always feel like something needs to be tweaked. The fireplace and the walls are awesome. Well done you.
Heather says
Such GREAT ideas. I love love love everything you suggested. Teal or eggplant both would be lovely, and the whole circular, less linear concept…I think that's EXCELLENT advice, and I couldn't agree more!! Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. Your sage advice is VERY much appreciated!
Kimberlee Gibson says
Your living room redo turned out great – love the neutral colors. I know what you mean about the TV – I don't mind so much having one in the living room but I would love to get rid of the one in the bedroom. We never had one in our bedroom until 8 yrs ago so we lived for 12 yrs without one and I never hardly use that one anyhow. Men and their TV time…
Sheila says
Oh, one more thing. I would change the frames on the gallery wall to black or something more modern, the gold doesn't go with the rest of what you have in the room.
Sheila says
I am no designer so you can take this for what it's worth. Also know that I have not read the other comments just in case any of this sounds redundant. I think your room turned out beautiful but there are some things that could be tweaked to give it that warm, cozy inviting touch. Here are my thoughts (like I said take them for what their worth)…
1. Let the curtains hang straight down (without tiebacks) for a more modern look.
2. Hang your TV over the fireplace. I know some designers say they don't like that look but more of them are doing it all the time and it is working out great.
3. Swing your sectional around one turn to the right (where the back of it is where your TV is now) if that makes sense. You can then place your console table that is under the TV right now behind that part of the sectional and add some lamps and other accessories to bring in some more color. That will make your living room feel more open and inviting to people coming in the front door. Right now they are coming in and having to make their way around the sectional or squeezing in between the sectional and fireplace just to find a place to sit.
4. Hang the art that is above your entry table where your TV is currently located.
5. Hang a gorgeous round mirror (starburst mirror) or other modern mirror above your entry way table (but not too high) The art you have there now is a little too high on the wall. The bottom of your art or mirror should not be more than 12 inches above the table top.
6. You need a coffee table to ground the room and fill some space between the sectional and fireplace. You can add accessories and color there too.
7. Add some colorful throw pillows and perhaps a throw (since the weather is cooler now) to the sectional and chair.
8. Get rid of the runner on the entry table.
I think that should do it. Please don't take any of this as criticism of your room. I think your room turned out great. I love what you have done with the fireplace and the grasscloth wallpaper is to die for. These are just my suggestions…You have a very lovely home.
Anonymous says
Kay West: Totally agree with Sheila's suggestions with just six tweaks: (1.) Swapping the current entry table and the accompanying lamps to behind the sofa (after it is moved); (2.) Having the "former" T.V. table close to the entry door will give you access to the two ottomans that are neatly tucked underneath; (3.) Hanging the birch painting behind the couch and between the two lamps (think this piece of art is more complimentary to the style and colors of the room; (4.) Moving the two candles (currently on the mantle) to the newly relocated entry table; (5.) Decreasing the number of ornaments. Try one special piece between the lamps behind the sofa, and one or two with the candles on the entry/ottoman table. If possible, choose one ornament that can catch your keys when you enter through the front door. (6.) Moving the occasional chair to the left-side of the fireplace, with its back to the door, and angled to face the sofa. * Sheila suggested the addition of a coffee table. A set of acrylic stacking tables won't absorb visual space, but will provide the utility of a place to rest a beverage. If you're entertaining and guests are seated on the occasional chair and the two ottomans, you'll have two tables from the stacked coffee table to place near these seats. * Heather, whatever you decide to do, please post a photograph. I think the room and the pieces you already have are lovely. It would be fun to see your final decisions.
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Stunning, what a fabulous difference. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me.
Sue Farmer says
I'm also a first timer to your blog. Love the room but since you asked for help, I think changing the frames on the gallery wall would be good. Maybe black. When the tv is the only black, it really sticks out.
Heather says
So glad you chimed in Sue, and so glad you came for a visit. You are completely on point with the TV. It is the only black, and it DOES stick out like a sore thumb. I really appreciate your input!!
Cindy Keith says
The room looks so much better, really soothing and pretty, but I think I see the blank spot….. no coffee table or ottoman….so no place for your eyes to land in the middle. But that might be remedied when you add a pillow or two… Also, though I love symmetry, you have three flat surfaces with two tall things on each end…. Restyling at least one of them might help give a little more interest – for instance, if you do the basket of birch logs beside the fireplace think about putting both candle holders and maybe another one of a slightly different height and width along with staggered size candles on the opposite side for balance. By the way, I love that chair… love it love it love it.
Heather says
Excellent point Cindy. Do you see those burlap cubes under the wood/chrome table? Those were made with the idea in mind that we could wheel those out (they are on casters) to use as a coffee table/extra seating, but in reality, it never happens. I agree…the room looks like it's asking for something in that empty space. I love your ideas…so glad you posted this message!!
Beck Campbell says
BTW, I LOVE your sectional…love it!!!!
Beck Campbell says
Definitely pillows and a throw…and maybe bold curtains with lighter walls….then check out rugsusa.com and find an inexpensive, colorful rug. It made a HUGE difference in my living room…and I have a light couch and walls like you. I would lighten the walls and use pillows, rugs and other accessories for "pops" of bright colors…blues, reds, yellows, greens. I am just starting to add "cool" colors to my "warm" decor…the difference is wonderful! I am actually looking for cool colors now. And I am a "warm decor" freak!!! Here is an example of a simple change I made that made a huge difference! http://beckwithstreasures.com/journal/2014/10/22/change-is-tough
Change is tough…I love 90% of what I have but its that 10% that frustrates me…and I am literally FORCING myself to look at colors other than black, brown and cream…lol!!!
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Oh I love it. I have a couple of rooms like that, really hard to work with, but I think yours turned out fabulous. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me.
Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says
Great room evolution! Thank you for sharing. You are one of the Fan Favorites at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link so you can check out your feature. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/10/sunday-showcase-from-make-it-pretty.html Hope to see you again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Kimberly Lewis says
Beautiful! Pinned. Hugs! Lou Lou Girls
Gwen says
First time I've visited your blog. Beautiful!!! Love what you did with this room. Can't wait to see and read more!
MissPrissyville says
This turned out to be a beautiful space. I love the fireplace makeover! Thank you for sharing.
Diane Amick says
Have to agree with everyone – a splash of color in either rug, drapes, throw pillows, afghan, contemporary artwork – would make a huge difference. Loving, loving, loving your FP transformation! Need info on what – how long – how expensive. I think it is exactly what my all brick to the ceiling FP needs.
Anonymous says
I think you've got a great start. I love the entry table, art, and lamps. The fireplace is very nice too. I agree with the majority suggesting pillows for color. You have a lot of the honey/taupe paint color and I really like the paint behind the entry table – could you use more of it, especially on your gallery wall. I would also change up the gallery wall, maybe using some different sizes, and also using the dark wood color in your chair and mantel. I also tend to like gallery walls with things besides pictures, like your family initial, number of people in your family,"&" sign, or perhaps a clock.
Heather says
Great ideas…especially jazzing up the gallery wall a bit with some other items of interest 🙂 Thanks so much for all these great thoughts!!
Suzan Sweatman says
I love it just the way it is !!!
Simplistic elegance – really everything you've done is just perfect
xoxo
Amanda says
What a beautiful room – I love that fireplace surround and how you made it so much larger! Maybe you could layer a flatwoven colored rug on top of the cream one to add some color. It's a huge trend right now and easy to change later on!
Heather says
Very fun way to bring in some more color/pattern/interest! Thanks for the idea Amanda!
Jessica Marie says
This room is GORGEOUS Heather! I love your couch! The first thought that came to mind when you asked about sprucing up this room was … some colorful pillows and a throw. 😉 I am all for simplicity and this room is just that! Clean, simple and a beautiful place to unwind! Awesome job!
Heather says
You are so sweet Jessica 😉 When you come visit, we can chill and talk HTML on that couch 🙂
Anonymous says
Hi, Heather…as always I LOVE everything you do…someone told us to get the white birch logs in a basket for our fireplace (old porch) need it on a small scale…I think everyone commenting is an expert so a little hesitant to comment, but when I saw your curtains I thought about mine in living room…always want to turn them into side panels, felt they may look a little "tricky", but think they've been hanging too long as they are..always checking out your "heathered nest" how lovely!…margie
Heather says
As always, you are super sweet Aunt Margie (I'm assuming that "Anonymous" is you) 😉 You'll have to send me a pic of your curtains! Glad you commented…always loved your style.
cynthia haller says
Hi, first, I love reading your blog, and I think this is my first comment here.
I love how this room is turning, I think you can make the room less boring by adding more colors in the furnishing, or change the sofa. the room has a Great Wall treatment and flooring, and an old cozy feel, and then there is a blank basic modern sofa that comes in the way and take all the space in the middle. A couple of throw cushions in bright colors and patterns would solve a lot of the "boring" problem, along with throw blankets here and there.
Heather says
So glad you commented Cynthia! I couldn't agree with you more…and I'm on the throw cushion idea. So glad you chimed in 😉
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
It is a gorgeous space! You did a great job.
If I had to suggest anything, I suppose a pop of color here or there that can be done with throw pillows, a throw, maybe a unique basket or container on either side of the fireplace. (How pretty would some birch logs in a basket with a painted stripe or basket liner in an accent color be!) Even though it's neutral, it's super easy to add a few accessories that could be the finishing touch you're looking for! But even if you decided to do nothing more, still beautiful!
Heather says
Oooohhhh…LOVE the birch log idea! THANKS Anele!
Diane says
My first thought was that the couch needed colorful pillows and maybe a throw draped over the back for more color? That could be an inexpensive start, especially if you sew.
Heather says
Absolutely. Very sage advice Diane. And yes, I'm all for inexpensive fixes…sewing a couple pillows and a throw is a perfect idea.