New Life To An Open Plan Living Room: Before & After
With their children out of the nest and after years of worthy service, it was time to give new life to Laura’s open plan living room! We started with mood boards and narrowed down her preferences. Then we had a game plan! This didn’t happen overnight due to Covid delays but Laura and her husband are happy now.
The Game Plan
1. Paint Works Wonders
See how the color of the walls contrasts with the slope of the ceiling making the window wall seem short? Also, the color wasn’t delivering the fresh feel Laura wanted.
We used Benjamin Moore Featherdown (the same color as the baseboards) and painted the walls in the kitchen too. Everything feels fresh! The color looks lighter here due to all the sunlight.
2. New Rug
The next thing that had to go was the carpet. We tried an 8 x 10′ (hoping to show more of the pretty wood floor–see the tape) but realized we really needed this 9 x 12′. This Reeva rug from Pottery Barn is a good price for a hand-tied wool rug.
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3. New Custom Sectional in Performance Fabric
A sectional makes sense here as it’s a good use of the space.
We ordered this one from Lee Industries in North Carolina (similar here). With Covid…what would normally take 10 to 14 weeks to make and deliver…took 30 weeks! The craftsmen had to work staggered hours and 6 feet apart. I am never nervous on an install day…but I was the day this baby was delivered! I didn’t want anything to go wrong. But it was in great shape and white-glove delivered down those front steps out the window. It’s covered in a sun and stain-resistant fabric.
4. New Matching Swivel Chairs
It made sense to replace those chairs with swivel chairs, pulled closer to the coffee table.
Now they can turn around to watch the television. These swivel chairs are comfortable and covered in a Sunbrella herringbone performance fabric. I suggested a plant for that left corner to add some life.
You can see I “styled up” the mantel a bit.
5. Updated Coffee Table
This interesting wood coffee table is substantial but still casual.
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6. Accents: Pillows, Round Mirror, and Plants
The round beveled mirror in the entryway reflects light and mimics the curve of the arch. I did a few designer pillow mood boards but ordered some from Pottery Barn and ended up liking them all. Pottery Barn has really good prices and I usually like to “fill in” with them. A couple of these are already sold out. Laura got the throw blanket at West Elm (on sale right now).
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And those were the steps we used to bring new life to an open plan living room.
You may also like to see Laura’s pretty outdoor spaces. And next week, I will show the few changes to Laura’s dining room that make it feel fresh and new!
Hi Mary Ann- I know this post is from a while back but I am a new fan of yours so I am just now seeing this. I am looking for some fabric to reupholster a small set of chairs and love the gray(herringbone?) fabric you used. Can you tell me what it is? I like that it is a light fresh gray. Thank you!
It’s a Pottery Barn performance fabric.
Wow! Looks great!
Fantastic, MaryAnn! Love the fresh new look!
Thanks, Carla!!
Mary Ann, as usual, you did a brilliant job. Such a great transformation, they must love it.
Thanks so much, Gail!
Mary Ann,
I love a good before and after. This really looks so much more up to date and yet is still inviting and has a cozy feel.
Great work.
xo,
Karen
Thanks, Karen. I think it’s cozy, too.
This living room is so beautiful. I love that you chose those camel pillows to add the perfect contrast and perk up all the other pillows. I remember when you shared that backyard and I think my oohs and aahs were actually heard by my husband in the next room. I love all the projects you share with us.
Thanks, Annemarie. Laura’s back and front yards are beautiful.
I love everything about this room but the table is my favorite piece. When we downsize we will be calling you!
Thank you, Elizabeth!!
A nice refresh Mary Ann! The new paint really transformed the space. I noticed the beautiful yard through the windows right away. I have heard orders are taking a long time. A small brass cachepot I ordered from Ballard in January won’t be here until May!
If you need a good laugh and haven’t seen it, check out Weird Al Yankovic’s video “First World Problems”. Hilarious but it does make you think.
You are in my thoughts.
Linda
I WILL check out the video. I haven’t seen anything by Weird Al in a long time!
Fantastic transformation. You nailed it perfectly!
Thanks, Patricia!!
Mary Ann,
You are such a pleasure to work with. Thank you for the makeover. It feels so light and bright and fresh, thanks to you!
Thanks, Laura…loved working with you!!
Wauww! What a huge difference – love it totally!!
Thanks, Tina!!!
Enjoyed this!! Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful – great job, Mary Ann!
Thanks, Ann!
Dear Mary Ann
Your mother will not be forgotten, we will all
miss her. Thinking of you and your family
at this time.
The room is so amazingly beautiful!
You are so sweet, Jennifer.
Wow!!! I am soaking it all in. Fantastic Mary Ann. We have a sectional from Lee and it has stood the test if time so well. Wonderful quality. Everything looks so fresh and welcoming. That coffee table is so unexpected and brings such great visual interest. Still soaking it all in .LOVE LOVE LOVE it.
Lee does make good quality furniture!