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Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Living Room Makeover

Do you ever think you need to spruce things up but don't want to just ditch everything? Or, maybe you do want to ditch everything but can't afford to do it all at once... Well, that is what I was faced with when a friend asked for help in her home. She will be hosting a bunch of guests in the upcoming weeks as her daughters graduate; one from grad school and the other from high school. I had a $1000 budget and went to work.

A few weeks ago I shared with you the fireplace makeover. This was an inexpensive update and an easy-peasy DIY project that took less than a day. The brick is actually brick-face and the surround sported a dated brass finish. Originally, I thought the style to be 1970's-ish but have since learned the house was built in the 60's. I do think all this was original and thus in desperate need of a face lift.


Without making the room look overdone she wanted a feel of the ocean in the room. I chose a soft shade of gray/beige for the walls. It reads more gray but browns work well with the color, too. I used Sherwin Williams Grayish for the walls and Sherwin Williams Pure White for the trim. I carried the color down the hallway and stopped at the adjacent dining room wall (for now). First, let's take a look at some BEFORE photos.





The living room has a large three piece picture window. Privacy is an issue. For convenience, maintenance, and economical reasons I chose faux wood blinds in a chestnut color. These were ordered to fit inside the framing. I purchased them on line through Home Depot. I framed them with four curtain panels. I reused her curtain rod and fed the panels to hang on either end as well as where the windows divided. These provide color but don't need to be moved as the blinds are more than adequate to provide privacy.



The mantle, purchased on line through Home Depot, was not finished as I wanted to try to finish it to compliment the blinds. I applied Minwax English Chestnut and two coats of polyurethane, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.

I purchased an 8x10 area rug from Lowes. In my local store they have a section set up that has curtains, rugs, accessories and paint all displayed in complimentary groupings. This makes it super simple for people who are afraid to make those decisions.



Family is extremely important to my friend and she wanted to be sure her photos were a part of the space. There were over 30 photos! Frames can be expensive. I shopped in Walmart and craft stores for inexpensive frames. I did not want them to all be the same, I chose three colors/styles; black, white and gray.

I found a television cabinet on a local Facebook page for less than $100. I loaded that puppy up in the back of my SUV, brought her home, cleaned her up and she was ready for the new room.


Simple candle sticks and candles from a discount store adorn the mantle. I had a jar I filled with purchased 'beach glass' and some silk hydrangea from the craft store.




Soon there will be a family portrait above the mantle painted by one of the daughters. Presently, it is in an art show so I lent my framed poster print by Edward Hopper. I think it's called Coast Guard Station. I cut the poster to fit my frame and it hung in my bedroom for about ten years until I just recently redecorated in there. I think it stands in nicely until the permanent artwork is available.

I bought a throw blanket to bring some of the colors in the curtains to the other side of the room. A tray (which was actually a unclaimed lid to a box at Home Goods that I got for a few dollars) and a fake plant sit atop the two footstools doubling as a coffee table. A couple homemade art pieces rounded out the accessories in the room. A galvanized letter for the family's last name and galvanized clock are incorporated into the gallery wall over the television.







Eventually, my friend will purchase new furniture but for now this will work. It looks neat, clean and comfortable. She is happy with the results and so I am, also. As finances become available we can move into other parts of the house but for now we can all agree that this was a welcome and much overdue makeover.




Thanks for stopping by and taking time to read through this post. If you enjoyed visiting with me please consider subscribing by email or following along on social media. All the links can be found in the column to the right.

Hope you have a great day! ~Jolena


* This post was in no way sponsored by any of the companies or products mentioned in the post. Although, I would not be adverse to considering an affiliation. :)

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27 comments:

  1. Nice job! My favorite parts are the fireplace with new painted brick and that mantle, and the curtains and blinds. Very clean and bright in here now!

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    1. Thank you! It is a bright, refreshing change. Thanks for visiting with me today.

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  2. You did such a beautiful job!

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    1. Thank you, Sandy! I get so happy when I see that friends reading along!

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  3. Renovations are so overwhelming! We're on the verge of some big jobs, so I've been encouraged to see how worthwhile it has been in your home!

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    1. I am so happy that you found encouragement here, Michele! Please forward pictures when you get your renovations done. I love seeing what others are doing. We have been at it here for 14 years now and I am still amazed at what a simple can of paint can do!

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  4. What a transformation Jolena! Starting with the fireplace.It instantly transformed the room. And the window treatment also looks really great and updated. I like the mantel that you have installed above the fireplace. It instantly creates a focal point for the room. Your friend is lucky to have you. Now you have to come and visit me!

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    1. Oooh, Mary! Wouldn't that be fun! I would love to come to Greece though I don't know if much decorating would get done. Thank you for the kind words and the visit. Now, where did I put my passport?

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  5. What a great bargain makeover! Painting those bricks was an amazing starting point. Love the rug.
    :) gwingal

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    1. Thank you and thanks for spending some time with me! Hope to see you here again, soon.

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  6. Wow, you certainly did transform that room! The fireplace is a major change that lightened up the room and gave it a cozy feel. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Jann and thank you for hosting the party!

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  7. Beautiful transformation!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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    1. Thank you for visiting, Cindy and for hosting the party. I love seeing all the talent there.

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  8. The room looks so much lighter and brighter, now. It's a lovely, welcoming space.

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    1. Thank you, Mimi! So glad you could stop by and spend some time.

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  9. Thank you, Jessica. Thank you for hosting the party!

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  10. I love the painted brick. It looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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    1. Thank you! I love the party, thanks for providing an opportunity to share with others.

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  11. What a lovely makeover Jolena. Painting the bricks just transformed the whole space from dreary to dreamy. It looks so welcoming now. I'd love to be a fly on the wall when people see it for the first time to hear all their comments.

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    1. Hi Michelle, thank you for the oh so sweet comment. I would be a nervous nellie type of fly, fearing someone may not like it. I am content that the homeowner likes it and that everyone who has left comments here has been so kind.

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  12. You did a great job! Such a good choice to paint the brick; that makes a world of difference, doesn't it? The whole space is updated and so welcoming now.

    Thanks for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I'm featuring you this week!

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  13. Yay,yay,yay! Thank you, Richella! Yes, the painted brick made the room feel airy and clean. Thanks for hosting the party and for visiting with me.

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  14. I loved how this turned out so much I will feature today at Home Sweet Home!

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