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.
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.