When a dated living room needs a lot of work…like a total overhaul, it can seem intimidating. Where do you start? Here are the steps we used to update a traditional living room.
Before
Replacing the wall to wall carpet with wood floors, was my first recommendation. Followed by the need to create a focal point with a console and art. After taping out dimensions on the wall for scale, my client, Cindy searched for art on Minted.com that had meaning to her family.
We bought the comfortable Irving leather chairs on sale from Pottery Barn and used the old television console as a table behind the new sofa. By the way, Pottery Barn is having a big extended Labor Day sale right now…so hop on it if you are considering something. Yesterday, another client got 30% off her dining room table order.
Before
The walls were painted Benjamin Moore Classic Gray. We added a Crate and Barrel console to the other side of the room where the television used to be. The cubes from Ballard provide extra seating for playing board games on the coffee table.
The compact dining room also got some love with wood floors, paint, new furnishings and linen curtains.
Before
And the new buffet provides lots of needed storage. 
We used a lot of Cindy’s existing accessories and added turquoise vases from West Elm to update a traditional living room.
The powder room was also completely updated…
Hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend! Chief and I are in San Diego for a visit. We’ve had a break in the heat and it feels like feel Fall is around the corner. Especially since I have been working on Fall tablescapes and entertaining for the family here for some upcoming posts! How about where you are? Ready for Autumn?
You may also like: Four Quick Tips to FRESHEN YOUR LIVING ROOM or Nine Simple Ideas for Beautiful Living
Mary Ann
Marty Oravetz says
September 4, 2018 at 8:28 amLooks so pretty. Love the new furniture arrangement and art.
Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says
September 4, 2018 at 9:55 amBeautiful transformations! The hardwood floors make such a huge difference and I love the furniture that you chose! We still have summer temperatures here in NJ…in the 90s most of the week but I think the end is in sight! Now that Labor Day has passed, I am ready for fall!
Shelley
nancy says
September 4, 2018 at 10:00 amlooks terrific as always 🙂 very fresh and hip!
Stephanie says
September 4, 2018 at 10:12 amLove the new wall color. Good idea to change the window treatment in the dining room!
Cindy says
September 4, 2018 at 10:53 amThanks for all your help and encouragement. We love our new living room!
Mary Ann says
September 4, 2018 at 2:28 pmYou are so much fun to work with, Cindy!! THANK YOU!
Taste of France says
September 4, 2018 at 10:59 amI don’t want this to sound negative or mean, because we’ve all done things where we aimed maybe too high: the before curtains were too complicated and too skimpy. Maybe they wanted the effect to be light, and so didn’t go for more fabric. Often such choices are completely rational, but don’t quite turn out right. To me, the change in drapes is a huge improvement. The new sofa is much more modern, and the wood floors are beautiful. I bet they are thrilled.
Sandra Sallin - Apart From My Art says
September 4, 2018 at 11:58 amPhew! I thought I might be stuck in the 80’s. Well, I dodged that bullet. You made this home look all fresh, young and bright. Great job! Always a treat to see what you’re up to.
Amy says
September 4, 2018 at 12:46 pmLove the transformations MaryAnne! Can you share a source for the powder room vanity and toilet?
Mary Ann says
September 4, 2018 at 2:26 pmIt was custom by a local company. They did a great job.
debra@5th and state says
September 4, 2018 at 6:33 pmBRAVO!
huge transformation, your client must be thrilled! a totally different house, wow!!
debra
Elizabeth says
September 6, 2018 at 5:16 pmThis looks fabulous! I am sure the owners are thrilled.
LA CONTESSA says
September 7, 2018 at 9:46 amGO visit my friends on WEST LEWIS STREET in San Diego at CHATEAU BEL AGE BOUTIQUE.Plus, BEL AGE BOUTIQUE Plus the GIFT SHOP which the husband runs……WITH LOVE GIFT……all two minutes from one another!
A COFFEE SHOP A wine shop a hair shop all there too…….I promise it will be a fun excursion!5 minutes from the airport!
GREAT RE-DO!!!!!!!THEY MUST BE HAPPY!!!!!!
XX