If you remember our inspiration board last week, we were really excited to dig into a client’s space, and make some great changes for them. Today we’re sharing their living room reveal, along with some super fun details!
Our fantastic clients, Ginger and James, had a living room that they were looking into livening up a bit. Years of marriage and two kiddos later, they’d never really invested in any furniture for their space. They were ready to take the dive, make an investment, and truly wanted the chance to bring in some family friendly personality for entertaining and every day enjoyment.
Their space had a lot of challenges in it from the standpoint of a room layout… and we were ready to dive right in. These are the problems that we love, after all!
Our goal was to bring a cohesive look to the space, with intentional, practical choices to let their room reflect who they are as a family. So we put our heads together, worked closely with their budget by finding a great combo of things on sale, salvages, and investment pieces… and here’s what we came up with.
Once again, it was down with the brown! Brown can be beautiful, in it’s own {natural wood toned} right. But we started by brightening their walls with a transformative blue {Benjamin Moore’s Opal Essence} and carried that color all the way through the kitchen, since the space was so open. We also used a shade darker for their hallways, to soften the transition {Green Wave}. We got rid of that dreaded matte finish {hello finger prints galore} and gave them that much needed eggshell for life with littles. Lighter colors are actually counter intuitive when it comes to keeping them clean. A few wipes and finger prints are gone.
Buhbye, beige!
James had a {fantastic!} fish tank that had resided in the space for many years, but it was taking up valuable real estate {we do believe it’s been there since his bachelor days} But because of the layout of the room, the TV was a little limited to over the fireplace placement. And when the fire place was used, it made the tv really hot. Dangerously, not-good-for-your-tv, hot.
Ahhh, marital compromise. It was time. So, first things first: change that tv location!
All the fish were {happily} relocated to their little boy, Luke’s space. They’re hoping it will have the added bonus of helping him sleep in his bed at night. {Been there, done that.}
We’ve recently learned how to weld, and James is also a seasoned expert. So we saved them {thousands} by putting our heads together, and coming up with a plan.
With just the right materials and measurements, a practical solution was born to house the tv, offer storage for toys, books, and movies… and showcase their television in a modern industrial stylish kind of way. They also got their own custom measurements just for their space, that would have been impossible to find anywhere else.
The front actually swings open, and houses all those formerly dangerous cords, boxes, and visual clutter. They placed a TV in the center with a stand {switched places with another from elsewhere in their home}. We love the results!
And once that TV was removed, it left a little space for some detail love in the room. Call us traditionalists, and we know sometimes ya just gotta do what ya gotta do… but we love art over the fireplace. We added some shiplap action, and brought major character to the corner. It helped define the space and give it a cozy, intentional feel.
We actually saved this as a surprise for Ginger + James, but took a piece of music from their wedding, and framed it just for them. {See the how to here}
One of my very favorite additions was this red pitcher we found at the local antique store. I loved it so much, I almost kept it for mahself… Ahhh the internal struggle that is doing spaces for others and making myself totally jealous. ;}
Candle sticks from World Market.
Sometimes it can get a little overwhelming with where to put what. Because of that, things sometimes aren’t given room to breathe, and can get lost in the shuffle. This beautiful chifforobe was James’ grandmothers, and it was relocated to their entryway where it sits beautifully unpainted, and in the entryway spotlight. {A now-gorgeous contrast with Benjamin Moore’s Green Wave.}
And the piano…
Was a great yard sale find, where that laminate {70’s} finish was brought back to life with a little chalk paint love.
It shall henceforth be known as the piano that almost killed us, took the better part of a day and needed a little help. But it was totally worth it, when said piano went from foreboding laminate, to charming cottage.
We kind of feel like a few illustrated woodland creatures might join you in serenading Disney songs, if you were to sit here and play.
It’s the perfect little addition for their children to enjoy for years to come.
We added a little handmade art over their piano for their sweet little fam of 4. {See a few tips for painting a piano + a how to for number art}
Their space had a bit of a challenging layout. With an octagon ceiling, the rest of the walls reflected it in a way, with limited wallspace in an open kitchen. Which is great, until you decide to position your furniture around the walkways and a catywompus fireplace. And a TV. And a rug. And… see where I’m going with this?
So we anchored the space with two rugs, {the natural woven sisal rug from overstock} and a fun kilim from West Elm for a splash of personality and soft surface for little knees. Centering it made space to center the furniture more, and open the entire arrangement up without the rugs hitting on a tangent with the mantel, as it had previously. It felt more intentional, and gave a great base to build from.
We felt like we really struck that cord in leaving space for easy updates with classic accents to stand the tests of time, all with fun personality.
We updated with great affordable accents like these fun chairs from World Market,
And then added in forever investment pieces, like the sofa, coffee table and side table from the wonderful Andella Home. No, seriously. They forever rock our faces off as a great source for those lovely, one of a kind pieces.
People are often surprised when I tell them that finishes like these with kiddos are totally doable. I stand as a testament to that. If you have kids, you don’t have to stay with leather. Or slipcovers. Both are fabulous, just don’t let them limit you out of fear. Making the move from leather to a fabric is definitely an adjustment, but it’s worth it. A little scotch guard {and keeping off the sofa with cheese puffs} are reasonable boundaries, so you can all enjoy your home and make it last. No worries if those things happen {and they will, as you probably know} a little mild detergent and water will take care of it all.
Everyone is happy.
This sofa brought in some modern lines with a soft, tufted touch. It saved space with a straight back and arms, but brought in the extra comfort… a great combo of both masculine and feminine in a beautiful finish.
The fabric {for pillows, curtains + bench cover} was found in town after two orders were canceled because of snow, {it was totally pillowpocalypse around here for about a day} and we added in great complimentary pieces to go with what we found {coral pillow, blue pillow, striped pillow} It’s funny how things work out, because we all ended up loving these more than our original selections.
Their kids have an awesome playroom to play in, but we wanted a little functional wall art for them, as well. So we created a magnetic chalkboard for them to use, and have something to keep them occupied while mom and dad put up their feet, or entertain.
We always love something with an educational twist as well… Luke is at the perfect age for that alphabet!
We’re pretty sure it was a win with this little guy!
And one of our very favorite pieces was the catfish sign – salvaged from Ginger’s parents’ restaurant growing up. It was discovered as a pleasant surprise when we were clearing out the space.
It was a happy accident… a beautiful, old, one of a kind treasure that holds a lot of meaning. We told James it was also an appropriate tribute to his relocated fish.
The crowning touch of the room was pulling down that ceiling fan {Cue the collective GASPS from our southern counterparts. I know, right?!?!} and bringing in this chandelier. It was a great way to pull it all together and polish off the space.
They love the change.
The pouf is just perfect for the kiddos – we also found this one at West Elm. It pulled in the colors in an unexpected way, and works as a great practical place for them to play.
It was truly a joy to pull all of this together. There’s nothing we love more than the looks on homeowner’s faces, when we’re able to show them that with a few handmade touches, fresh colors, and a little elbow grease… {and even being brave with some new investment pieces totally worth it in the long haul} you can make a huge difference in your home.
There is no such thing as a dream home… but you can love where you are, now.
Ginger and James were fantastic to work with… we couldn’t have finished this space without them and their awesome willingness to try new things. They were open to fun ideas and bravely took the steps with us into unknown territories. They trusted us, and took some risks.
Maybe we’re biased, {okay fine, we totally are} but we think it certainly paid off well for them!
Let’s just say there were happy tears.
And that, my sweet friends, is absolutely why we do this.
We’ve probably left things out in our sources, because there were so many to include. Let us know if you have any questions about something specific, and we’ll do our very best to cover it!
What’s your favorite part? We’d love to hear!
Have an inspired day!
cassie @ primitive & proper says
it’s gorgeous! that shelving unit blew my socks off. literally my socks are gone due to its awesomeness.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe Thanks Cassie! We had fun!
Laura says
Beautiful – they are so lucky to have both of you make the updates for them – the room seems so much bigger!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Laura! We had fun!
Vicki says
That is an amazing transformation!!! Who wouldn’t love it?!!! Such a bright and welcoming space now. My favorite part is SO hard to choose but I think your entertainment center is to die for , however, painting that piano with the bench cover is just the best. I would never have thought of it. Now wish I had saved mine even though I no longer have space for one. What a beautiful piece of furniture/art now. These homeowners knew exactly what they were doing when they Hired you! Great job!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Vicki you are always so kind. Blushing. Thank you.
Anna says
What an absolutely lovely transformation! I so wish you lived closer! Going to look into your e-services now
Becky says
I love everything about that room – especially the entertainment unit! I think something like that along with some bookcases on either side is JUST what I”m looking for in my living room.
Are you planning on posting a tutorial on this?
that would be AMAZING.
thanks so much 🙂
Sarah says
Simply amazing! I love everything about it! Will you be posting all the work you do with clients! I hope so. Such fun eye candy!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Absolutely, Sarah! That’s the plan, anyway! ;}
Layla K says
You guys outdid yourselves. Absolutely gorgeous!
Allison says
This is so amazing!! I am in the middle of planning my living room revamp and have a similar challenge with the layout. Each corner of the room has a hallway/walk-thru and I have no idea how to streamline things. Plus it is open to the kitchen. (It is the spoke in the wheel of the house, yikes!) If we lived closer, I would totally be hiring you guys!!! Can tell you love it!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thanks Allison! Yes, sometimes I want to writhe on the floor over these home plans. It’s like they don’t think through how it would be carried out in real life? Why must all the homes have tvs over the fireplace? Why did they put the gas fireplace igniter halfway up the wall on the other side? Why was the light switch mid wall in our entryway so that I couldn’t hang anything there for years? Deep questions. Deeeeeeep questions. ;}
Allison says
Lol!! Yes, deep questions. I will add one for the builders of our house: why install a video camera to spy on who is knocking…..when the double front doors are entirely made of glass??? 🙂
Susie says
WHAT!?! You are guys are so very talented. It is unbelievable… truly unbelievable. And yes, I will have a very inspired day after seeing that gorgeous transformation!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Susie! You’re too sweet!
Allison says
Perhaps you could do a post on selecting accent colors? I love the way you choose several, as opposed to most decorating sources which only pick one or two, then vary the shades on those to add depth. I love your style because it is so happy and colorful, without looking like a rainbow exploded. Suggestions on where to start??
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much for your kind words, Allison. That’s actually a killer idea! I will have to think through it because what we do is so instinctual at this point but that is a great idea for a post! I will share our process – Coming soon! ;}
Allison says
YAY! I can’t wait!!
Rachel says
My favorite element is the round coffee table, but I cannot find it on the website you sourced. Is it no longer offered?
Andrea @ MouseInMyPocket.com says
Your whole room is great. It’s super refreshing, which has to be nice in a space that you plan to do a lot of living in. I really love the artwork you’ve used. It all screams individuality. Now, I have to ask about the “4.” Did you buy this, or was it handmade; and what is it’s significance?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much Andrea! They are a fam of four and I thought a colorful little number would be fun for them in their space. I painted it for them – and have a tutorial on that piece coming up soon!
Angela R says
It looks sooo much bigger now! Don’t you want to come to MD and do my whole house 🙂
Danielle says
You guys rocked this one! When I first saw the before pictures, I was overwhelmed for you but it turned out BEAUTIFUL. Loving those wing chairs in this space!
Jami says
Absolutely gorgeous!!!!! I love it to death!
Kari says
The music art! So personal and a little bit of romance for the room. I love it!
Lori says
Beautiful job!!! I love the piano and the 4 artwork. Can’t wait to see more on that! Love the colors and feel. So inspiring!
Britney says
I can’t even name one thing that I did not TOTALLY LOVE!!! You guys nailed it!
Nikki McElroy says
So wonderful!! I’m inviting myself over, Ginger and James!
carol says
The room is so pretty now. I love the fresh wall color and the tufted sofa.
Lauren says
The clock and the alphabet letters source? 🙂
Rose L. says
So much brighter! I am amazed!
Rachel says
Wow! Looks so much bigger and bright and happy. Well done! Awesome owners sounds like…thanks for sharing your space with us all.
My fav (hard to choose!) is the entertainment unit for sure, and the catfish sign is pretty neat since there is history there. Nice use of space…looks fabulous. Yay!
Katie says
Looks great! I would love to see how you made the magnetic chalkboard! I have seen a variety of tutorials but haven’t found a how-to for such a large one where the magnets actually work! I’d love to know what you did!
Monica says
That is gorgeous! Well done! I’m very intrigued about painting the piano – could you share more about that!!!???
Summer says
Wow, it is stunning! Amazing room!
eva scott says
absolutely gorgeous. just…wow!
we’re getting ready to buy my grandparents’ old home. there is lots of paneling in the living room with lots of ceiling to floor bookshelves…everything is wood. Yikes. we were thinking of painting the paneled walls a very light grey and the bookshelves white. it desperately needs some brightening up in there.
Elizabeth says
so happy you guys are taking on others home projects so we can see (and steal) more of your awesome ideas! can’t wait for the ‘how to’s’! 😉
Logan says
I would love to know how you made this media center! Our fireplace is also positioned like them and the cable outlet forces us to put our TV to the side. I’ve loved pieces like this until I see the price. Would love to make it a weekend profect with the hubs.
Jamin says
Hey! This piece was actual a custom piece we welded together out of 1 inch tubing and then cut the wood shelving out of 1×6 premium pine. Hope that helps.
Michelle Vincent says
It’s wonderful!! Great job, I love all the textures and patternes. Yall have talent and skill 🙂
Annie says
Beautiful!!! I absolutely love the sofa but was not able to find that exact one on their site… Could u possibly provide a link please? 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Annie! Thanks so much + sorry for the slow response! I’m afraid there isn’t a direct link, but if you contact them through their site, they will be more than happy to help you out with anything you’d like to order or have a question about! I hope that helps!
Maureen says
I love this! I really like how personal you got with the details..(catfish sign, wedding music above fireplace.) With the big stuff… WOW on the design and finish of entertainment center, it’s awesome!
Amy says
Can I for one say that I’m super excited that you’re doing rooms for people again!? It’s more deliciousness for me to look at. I love watching the work you two do!
Michael @ CraftyDad.com says
Dang! What a sweeeeeeeeeet transformation.
You guys did a fantastic job.
It’s amazing!
Tracey Norris says
Genuine! Pure! So lovely! I know you had a blast with this sweet family!!!! It thrilled my soul to see this post.
Katherine Lehmann says
HOW did you paint that piano?! Wow, it looks awesome. We inherited an old 70s-era upright from my inlaws and it’s seen better days – very similar. My musician heart would never have thought of painting it. How did it turn out? From the photos, it looks great!! So does the rest of the room, well done!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks, Katherine! The paint gave that piano a fresh lease on life, and they love it for their space! We will be sharing a little more tips and tricks on that, coming up! ;}
Jennifer says
You guys. Fist bump. I can’t pull myself away from the screen!! So much awesome!
Poppy says
OH GOODNESS! I absolutely love this! Everything! The bright, cheerful feel–the family-friendly furniture–the layered rugs. So perfect! I”m glad to hear about the design challenges–am facing some of those in my home right now. I’m going to re-read this post to find out the paint color–need a color for a half-bath. COOL! You’re awesome and so inspiring to me. Have a great weekend!