Wednesday, January 14

BEFORE // Claire's Living Room Makeover



"Spring Cleaning" has crept up a couple months early in my home. Wanting my apartment to feel a bit less cluttered, I've slowly started to go through my place, purging unwanted and unused items while also working on some redecorating. The first room to conquer: my living room. When you walk in the front door this is the first room you see. I like a lot of the elements in the room, but want it to feel more polished and convey a cohesive overall look. It's time to ditch some old furniture that doesn't work well in the space and give the room a few upgrades and "TLC". Here are some photos and ideas of what I'd like to accomplish.

Find a new solution to hold the DVD's. This bookshelf works fine, but I really don't like that every thing in the shelves are on display. Now with streaming services like Netflix and Hulu Plus, my husband and I barely watch any of our DVD's. I plan on donating at least half of them and then creating a solution to hide and hold the rest. Maybe put them in the tv stand? Getting rid of this bookshelf will also free up some space by the couch. Maybe a nice place for an end table?

Sorry tv stand, you gotta go! Bite marks (from an old roommate's dog), dents from being dropped during a couple moves, and the fact that the wood stain doesn't match any of our other living room furniture....it's officially time we parted ways. My goal is to get something a bit wider and taller, to fit the space more appropriately as well as find a piece that will hold more to hide some of the clutter.

Reorganize plants. It's no secret I have a slight obsession with plants. I love having my back porch full of greenery in the summer, but when winter arrives and all the plants come inside, it can be a bit overwhelming. I think it might be time to pair down my plants, only keeping a select few.





I really like the large amber table lamp we have between our couch and chair, but I've never liked the original lampshade it came with when I found it at a thrift store. Also it takes up a bunch of room, so I'm thinking of moving it to a different room and purchasing a floor lamp instead.

A lighter colored rug, maybe new couch pillows, and curtains for all three windows (instead of just two) will be subtle changes that will make a significant change to the room.



Do you have any suggestions for my living room? I'll be back in a few weeks to show you the transformation! While you're waiting, check out the before and after of my porch makeover.

{Claire}

10 comments:

  1. Have you thought about rearranging the furniture? I find that to be one of the best ways to transform a space. You may find that a different layout provides a better flow to a space or you'll be able to use the space in ways you never thought of before.

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    1. I think about that constantly Kim! With limited outlets in the room (there is only ONE which is behind the TV) and not wanting to block the windows with a couch, I unfortunately think this set up might be the only one that works. Maybe I'll give it another try. Great suggestion!
      -Claire

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  2. Oh I love room makeovers! This is such a great space with beautiful light and I absolutely love your sofa and chair. Fantastic color and awesome shape! What you suggested is exactly what I'd suggest as well. I think a large light colored rug, something larger than you currently have now would really lighten the space. Ikea has a really nice set of curtains called Aina. They're 100% linen and they really lighten the room and let the light float in. Maybe a light like this to go with your mid-century decor? http://www.westelm.com/products/mid-century-task-floor-lamp-w1056/?pkey=cfloor-lamps&cm_src=floor-lamps||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-

    And maybe a white credenza for your tv and tons of storage underneath for the media you do keep. I've always love this one. http://www.cb2.com/storage/furniture/alba-credenza/s272534
    Or maybe this one from Ikea: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20239717/
    Or I have this one and it has served me well for almost 14 years: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50292317/#/10251451

    And one idea for the corner where your bookcase is, get a little bar cart. But instead of just booze and glasses, make it into a plant cart some of your wintering plants. I love this one from Target. http://www.target.com/p/threshold-bar-cart-gold/-/A-15417452#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=bar+cart

    Happy decorating! -Katie

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    1. Thanks for all the ideas Katie. I've been on the hunt for the perfect credenza to put our TV on, but they all seem to be too long for the space. Drats! I'm not giving up though!
      -Claire

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    2. Claire, DRAT! I know the feeling. I'm always on the hunt for a coffee table that's pretty tall. Pretty much only vintage Danish modern ones come up that high. I just haven't found "the one".
      What are your dimensions? I love a good hunt! -Katie

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    3. I'm working with a space that's 55' long (max) which is the problem since most credenzas are over 60'. Boo!

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  3. My husband and I sold most of our DVDs to Half Price Books. As you said, we don't need them with Netflix, Hulu, and the library. The DVDs we did choose to keep were put into one of those old school books that we used in the 90s to tote CDs. These are still available at Best Buy and office supply places. The cases were then recycled. This cleared out a LOT of clutter and we have never looked back. It allowed me to have a beautiful, minimal TV stand and not clutter my bookcase.

    http://aroseisinbloom.blogspot.com/

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    1. I love Half Price Books! I always go and buy books but for some reason never really think to actually bring books/dvds back to sell. Great tip!
      -Claire

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  4. All I have to say is I love THAT LAMP. Don't move it to another room! Just change the shade!

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  5. You're living room is so cute! I love how bright your couch is, it really brings up the mood of the room. I'm always jealous of people who are naturally gifted at decorating a room. I was definitely not born with that gift. My rooms are always crammed way too full with furniture, or are extremely sparse. There is no in-between with me and decorating. Again you did such a good job, your living room looks so adorable. http://mattressandfurnitureexpress.com/living-room-furniture/

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