As you know, we spent a wonderful Christmas holiday with my mom and sister in San Diego. After the tree came down, we did some decorating. Here are six tips for a family room refresh for less than $400.
More “decorating tips” were one of the top things you asked for in my recent reader survey.
On Christmas Day, the arms fell off the old leather recliner below. Last year, my sister Teresa got a quote for $2000 to recover the chair (it had stains–that’s why it’s covered up and the piping was falling off). I said why spend good money after bad? I never liked the design of the chair. But when it finally fell apart, it was a little sad.
Six Tips For A Family Room Refresh For Less Than $400
1. Look Around For Items That You May Already Have
I knew that there were two club chairs in her upstairs loft that were comfortable and in pretty good shape. They used to be ours and they were custom made 25 years ago in a Blackwatch plaid…then slipcovered in cotton duck…then the worn slipcovers were removed. The classic shape is still in style.
The chairs are darker and I know my sister likes a lighter look so I said: “Let’s go to HomeGoods to look for a lighter rug and perhaps some new pillows!”
2. New Rug
We both liked this wool, handmade rug at Homegoods. The sage green is similar in shade to her Chesterfield sofa and the ivory would lighten things up. It was $299 for an 8′ x 10′! We also grabbed some pillows to try out.
3. Put larger inserts in throw pillows that start to get dilapidated.
That helped the green pottery Barn pillows (I’d still like new here though) and the designer leopard print pillow that Liana made years ago still looks great.
The Chesterfield sofa was moved to the other wall.
4. Protect Sofa Seat Cushions With a Pretty Throw
We used the striped Dash and Albert throw on the seat rather than the fleece throw. Even though the Chesterfield sofa is in performance fabric, this is just easier with two dogs (three when Chief visits).
5. New Pillows To Update the Club Chairs
Look for pillows that have zippers and down and feather inserts for a plusher feel.
These lumbar pillows were about $30 each from HomeGoods.
6. Corral Clutter with Trays, Baskets and a Good Old Fashioned Clean and Purge
Moving things around gives you the motivation to do thorough CLEANING and organizing! I put their magazines in a basket, the games in the closet…
the extra throw blankets in a basket under the fireplace bench, and a coffee table styling edit with flowers from the garden.
Those are six tips for a family room refresh for less than $400. Of course, it helped that Teresa and Mom had good basics to start!
Have a wonderful day.
Beautiful!! Can you share where the coffee table is from?
It’s from Noir.
Can you share the rug brand?
Safavieh from HomeGoods.
Love the new look ! I never noticed the blue plaid chairs upstairs . They are perfect and I adore the animal print pillow . Brilliant work Mary Anne
Thanks, Liz!
A refreshing way to start the new year. However, bang for the bucks I’m voting for Chief’s bowtie as the best accessory to lighten up his face and the place.
A LOVELY RE`DO!
I hope CHIEF APPROVED!!!
XX
This is great. The room looks fresh and inviting. You did a great job and I’m sure your sister and mom are thrilled. It’s always great to see ideas that don’t break the bank but provide great style. Thank you,
Karen
What is the make and model number of your Magic Wand, Mary Ann? I need to get one ASAP! 😉
Your sister had some great pieces for you to work with. BTW, I love the painting above the fireplace.
Mary Ann, I love how you used the throw to cover the cushions and the mix of patterns makes everything so fresh and interesting! You always work your magic…and for $400! I would say you and your sister are a a great team!
xo
Annie
I love the update and the chairs!!!! I would take those chairs in a heartbeat, my favorite plaid.
The room looks wonderful Mary Ann!! A total transformation. So happy you could do this for Teresa and your Mother!!
Thanks, Robin. Teresa said she didn’t need it but as her older sister, I, of course, didn’t listen to her. 🙂
Looks so good and so do-able. With your vision and HomeGoods affordable options, anything is possible. Love the look of those new pillows on the plaid chairs. Who did all of the furniture moving?😉💪🏻
Fortunately, we had my son and husband there! And we did get lucky at HomeGoods!
I’d say it was more than a refresh – it was a complete transformation for me and I love it! Thanks again so much, Mary Ann!!
I love YOU, TC.
Your sister’s family room came out beautiful Mary Ann! It’s amazing what a few tweaks can do. I have a large round basket from my in-law’s estate. I was going to sell it on ebay (I’ve already sold hundreds of items of theirs) but I ended up keeping it…filled it with magazines and it’s now under my coffee table.
Linda S.
P.S. I think I have a tray addiction. :o)
What a pretty refresh! I bet your mom and Teresa love it!! Great idea to cover the cushion with a throw! You are so good at these quick refreshes!
Yes, she is, Cindy – I am very lucky!
Thanks, Cindy!