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joanneh311

Before and After: Living room makeover

2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago

We moved into our current home 2 years ago and spent that whole time doing repairs, renovations, and improvements. I finally am able to do some decorating! The living room had our 20 year old furniture and it was definitely not getting it done.

New sofa from Ethan Allen, reupholstered chairs with fabric from EA. New rug from HG, marketplace china cabinet, tv console (solid wood, dovetailed drawers, $70!!) thrifted, flea market, and marketplace used lamps and accessories. Drapes bought online, used four panels per window. Art prints and oils from years of collecting and a fantastic print by Liz Gribin found at the flea market for $23!

I finally got to decorate in my favorite colors, green and gold with blue accents, after years of letting my husband’s preference for blue guide my choices. I’m so happy with the new room.

Thanks for looking!

Before:




After:









Comments (23)

  • 2 years ago

    Did you have a question?

  • 2 years ago

    Nice job. I love a traditional home.

    Joanne thanked Anna Devane
  • 2 years ago

    No question just sharing

  • 2 years ago

    Very pretty! I’d be inclined to replace the red plaid pillows for ones that mix in some of the light blue color you used on your wainscoting. Using more of that light blue will make the wainscoting look more purposeful. Good job!

  • 2 years ago

    yes, the plaid pillows are old ones that were laying around. I have some blue and white ones in another room that I will try in here. thanks.

  • 2 years ago

    You have created a very cozy, inviting room. Well done! I love green too - and you’ve executed your dream room perfectly.

    I also love your entryway wallpaper.

    Joanne thanked RedRyder
  • 2 years ago

    Thanks. Feel free to recreate the room. would love to see the result if you do.

  • 2 years ago

    I would consider placing the chairs across from the sofa, to open up the fireplace, and get a smaller coffee table. Very nicely done!

    Joanne thanked Linda Dornan
  • 2 years ago

    Thanks. The chairs won’t work across from the sofa, mainly because there is a TV on that wall opposite. Also, they would interfere with traffic moving through that area as the room is not wide enough.



  • 2 years ago

    It’s just lovely. Enjoy!

    Joanne thanked raemise
  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Lovely cozy room and I’m sure it took a lot of thought and effort. If interested (if even possible from a layout perspective), it‘s too bad the fireplace is hidden and the seating (+ large coffee table) makes the one side of room feel heavy.

    1. A smaller coffee table and eventually smaller chairs, so as not to obstruct the fireplace/give some breathing room.


    2. Chairs opposite couch (no ottoman).


    3. Couch facing fireplace with only one side table (or a sofa table behind) and chairs next to fireplace.


    Joanne thanked Maureen
  • 2 years ago

    Sorry didn't see your earlier response and the added picture helped.

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    When we have a fire, I push the chair further toward the dining room doorway so we can see the FP. I tried putting the sofa facing the FP, but one of my small dogs was sitting on the top of the sofa back cushions (not allowed, BTW) and the other dog knocked her off onto the floor. She was OK, but I moved it back to the window wall after that.



  • 2 years ago

    Beautiful!

    Joanne thanked njmomma
  • 2 years ago

    Very nice! I don’t think you need to change a thing. Enjoy and thank you for posting!

    Joanne thanked Kay p
  • 2 years ago

    Lovely! Thanks for sharing!

    Joanne thanked Mary S
  • 2 years ago

    Warm and welcoming. Love that it looks as if people actually live there. 😄

    Joanne thanked txandmt
  • 2 years ago

    Very nice. What is the name of your rug and where did you get it.

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Beautiful room! So nice seeing a warm, traditional room here. Great job!

    So much I love … particular favorites are the coffee table, secretary, and that lovely china cabinet.

    The wallpaper in the entry looks beautiful, too.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Joanne thanked Jilly
  • 2 years ago

    Very pretty room! I love how you mixed old and new for a layered space full of personality. My mom collects the green Majolica plates too! They look great in your cabinet.

    Joanne thanked stiley
  • 2 years ago

    The rug I believe is by Safavieh, got it at homegoods. don’t know the name of the pattern. it’s wool, not top quality, but I liked the colors and it works for now. the rug I took out was really high quality, but I never liked the color for the 20 years I had it. It was time for it to go.

  • 2 years ago

    Curtains are always the polish!!!

    Joanne thanked arcy_gw