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.
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.