virtual redesign from The Lettered Cottage
{A glimpse of what could be :: the ultimate motivation}
Remember how last week I was all “Help me with my wall?”. The real issue is that my furniture just isn’t quite the right fit for this house. I’m not moving, and I’m not buying new furniture. However, I’m open to doing just about anything else that doesn’t involve some type of demolition.
Layla from The Lettered Cottage told me that she would take a photo of my room and come up with a solution for my little wall. Well, I’m no dummy, if Layla is willing to do up a photo for me, I’m not going to let her stop at a little wall. So, I asked if she would be willing to show me the room with a white, slipcovered sofa, a round coffee table and some super light but neutral paint color on the walls, and she added in a few other wonderful details.
Doesn’t it feel like a totally different room? Do you LOVE that chalkboard?!
I hated to admit it, but I really needed a fresh eye {ok, two eyes} to look at my space and give me some ideas. And I hated even more that Layla told me to change some things that I already knew! Like raising the curtain rods. Duh. See, I know this, but, my red buffalo checks don’t have enough fabric to go higher–our ceilings were two feet lower when I bought this fabric years ago, and I kind of fell into a funk just using what I had and I knew for this fabric I didn’t want to add onto the bottom. However, seeing the difference raising the rods made was just the kick in the pants I needed to change it up. They were fine the way they were, but since I only have two windows and I can do up some mistreatments pretty inexpensively and fast, it’s worth it to me to look for something different. Now I’m excited about that.
She also told me my two lamps didn’t go well because they were too “hot” compared to the rest of the room. I don’t think she meant it in a Kim Kardashian kind of hot. But more of a Mercury, planet closet to the sun, kind of hot. She was exactly right. Anyone want to buy two lamps? Lucky for me, I happened to send Layla a photo of two lamps I had so she could work those into the design for me.
sherwin williams rice grain
The first thing I did after seeing Layla’s ideas was I painted my walls. Yep. I’m a renter and I painted my walls. The owners have never said NOT to paint the walls, I just never actually asked. I figured it was worth the risk of painting it nicely in a color just a few shades different {sherwin williams rice grain per Layla’s suggestion}, if they insist we paint it back, I guess we will, but I doubt that will happen. And, I do actually have a little confidence, I mean, I’m a home stager for goodness sake, and if someone hired me to stage this house for sale, the first thing I would say would be “paint those walls!” and since this house isn’t intended to stay a rental but hopefully be sold after we move out in a few years, I feel like I’m doing them a favor.
rice grain at the Lettered Cottage
The color is SO close to what it was that it was hard for me to even see the difference to paint it. And anyone who could live here for a few years with the pinkish walls and not have the pink walls drive them crazy, would probably never notice the fact that they now have a light khaki/greenish/sandy hue. Not to mention there was just a thin, thin layer of flat paint on these walls. They were looking dirty and dingy and really needed some attention, my walls were thirsting for paint–like for real, they soaked it up.
If you are a renter and hate your wall color, I’m not telling you to paint no matter what. You have to know that you could loose your deposit or be forced to repaint it, it’s a risk I was willing to take based on our circumstances. And if you do paint a rental, it’s best to keep it neutral and light. Rice grain looks a little green in my family room–I think because of my robin’s egg blue pieces–in the foyer it looks much more sandy. Oh, yeah, I painted the foyer too…
Back to the rest of the room. My goal is to find the BEST possible way to place this sofa so we can watch tv, see the fireplace and be super comfy, and I also want it not to look awkward. It’s not going to be magazine perfect, or maybe even ideal but I fully believe there is a way to use what we have and make it work for our family. I pretty much believe that for any room, in any house, including yours.
So, here’s where we are as of now. Making due with what I have is the ultimate challenge. It’s an opportunity to come up with a fun and interesting solution, finding the center in the tension between form and function, while on a tight budget. But, as a renter, there are times when I get caught up in feeling trapped, like I just have to wait till we buy before I can make a room really work for us. No more!
aaaaaah, nothing’s centered!
I’ll constantly tweak this space, I’m not the kind of girl who settles down with a design to live happily ever after till it’s old and gray. I like to flirt with different accessories, rugs, and change it up often. It’s fun for me, and besides, I have a blog about my home so if it looked the same all the time that could get boring after a year or so.
I cannot even begin to tell you how motivating it was to see Layla’s take on our family room. Also, Layla has a new ebook out, Creating an Inspired Home. You can download a few pages for a sneak peek too. Look how beautiful, even her ebook is lovely.
I’m reading it now and there is truly something for everyone to take away. It’s an incredibly applicable book complete with fresh photos, video from Layla and energizing quotes from all kinds of sources. My favorite part was where she talks about balance in a room–from a really logical standpoint. I must have been sick on the day they taught balance in design school, I found her ideas to be so useful and I’m already implementing it in my own room.
What motivates you to kick it up a notch in your home?
Layla did an awesome job! I love that you can see what it will look like before you do anything!! :) Love it!! I can’t wait to see what you do with your space. And I think your lamps are “hot” in a good way! ;)
WOW!!!!!!! I love what Layla did. The room looks so open with the lighter touches and the raised window treatments. I loved it before the makeover but it’s amazing how just a few tweaks can give an already beautiful room an extra touch of “wow”! Off to check out Layla’s new book!
I love the new paint! Makes a big difference. I am no expert but I think a round black coffee table would work great in that space. And rather than slipcovering your sofa, what about slipcovering your black and white checked cushions in a white fabric. I love your red couch!!!
It’s amazing how much a visual helps things. She’s amazing.
Love the lamps! Where did you find those? I’m on the lookout for a pair of new lamps.
Our sectional is going to need recovering soon. I’m trying to muster up the courage to do a slipcover for it rather than pay to reupholster. Either way, I’ll probably still tackle the cushions myself. What are your plans for the couch?
This Post motivates me ! Thank you! Layla has a good fresh eye for things. I love it! Amazing how the two chairs separated on either side of the armoire made such a huge change. The paint looks so fresh too! I too am a renter. I have very limited space and just moved and left almost all behind so we could start fresh. I have gathered a few pieces I love (to reupholster) but the walls are a struggle for me. I LOVE your plates on the wall. Great post! Thanks so much.
Love the new color and the few changes look amazing. I especially like that you put the armoire in the center with one chair on each side. Much better. I know it will be stunning when you get finished. Hugs, Marty
Nice. Layla must be a magician. The subtle changes she made really changed the feel of the room. Calmed it down a touch is how I feel about it. The paint colour isn’t a drastic change but it does change the feel of the room. Love the curtains too. Have fun with your changes. I need someone to help me do the same thing to my bedroom. Wishful thinking……..
This looks fab! Layla knows her stuff! I do love your red couch too!! Can’t wait to see it after you get through with your “tweaking magic”!
I think you and blogs like yours are what motivate me to do things I would normally not have done! I am the ultimate tweaker too! I am ALWAYS moving things around! I think it is a sickness!
Have a great day!
Lou Cinda :)
WOW! I have been so tempted to send Layla a photo of my family room. It is small; we are a family of five … there is a fireplace, a tv wall and a wall full of windows and French doors. Seemingly impossible for furniture placement!!
Your room looks fabulous the way Layla suggested!! I have been following your blog and have shared your frustration in furniture placement. I, too, love to tweak and rearrange all the time. I love your toile sectional!
So glad to see the changes. The room really looks great!! Love it!!
fabulous!!!
i love the chandy sans the red shades
even though i love red
&i love the chairs on each side vs together
i remember that awesome gold framed chalkboard from cottage living maybe? doesn’t it have alabamas or some sec football schedule?
i digress
looks wonderful nester
Hi Nester! Inspiring… love the new design. BTW I’m painting the house today… Good luck! Looks beautiful!
Wow! Isn’t it so amazing how small changes can make a big difference?
I left the exact same way with my living room, and just adding white slipcovers made a HUGE difference. I love your new wall colour! I agree that sometimes you just need a fresh eye….it’s sometimes hard to see what could be changed when you look at the room all the time.
I just recently did a “mini-makeover” in my dining room, and changed its whole look for about $70 :). You can see it here:
http://myhouseofgiggles.blogspot.com/2010/03/dining-room-mini-makeover.html
I’m hooked on your blog, by the way ;)
take care,
Tracey
Love the redesign, but I noticed there’s no red… Are you phasing out the red? I like decorating with reds, even though its probably not “fashionable” anymore according to the pros, and I always like the way you use colors. Although I love Layla’s house too, so fresh but comfy. Anyways, I was wondering what it would look like if you sort of angled those checked chairs in a little bit and centered the couch/round table in front of the blue armoire…
Love the paint. Want to rent my house?
I just love your blog :)
LOVE it, everything looks so great ♥ I am happy to say that we renters here in the Netherlands are allowed to paper, paint etc our walls almost any color. Oke if it is really dark they might (read the “might”, some do some don’t) to paint it a lighter color :) I never had a problem with this because I doin’t like dark colors anyway :)
Hugs from Marian
I’m sure you’ve already answered this in the past, but what color/brand did you paint your armoire? I just love the blue, and I am thinking of paint my hutch that color to light things up in our rental which is a log cabin. I just love you blog so and think your decorating is just beautiful!
It’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission, right? LOL! I have ‘rice grain’ walls in my bedroom after I saw Layla’s dining room. I must say that I love, love, love that color with my white trim. I could easily fall into the whole ‘Let’s paint the whole house rice grain.’ thing. But, I refrain. I love the armoire centered between the chairs! And I love the idea of the chalk board wall.
I live in a dinky house and was feeling overwhelmed by my red accessories at the moment – although I’m like a moth to a flame where red is concerned. I’m in the process of getting rid of it for Spring/Summer this week. So, I guess I’m motivated by wanting to lighten up and feel like I can breathe!
I’m also a renter and am going to paint this weekend. I can no longer stand the yellowish beige that is on the walls…yuck! I’m also going neutral and feel like it will definitely be an improvement on the home. They never said don’t paint, so I’m gonna. I’ll ask for forgiveness later, which I doubt will be necessary.
I love the new design by Layla (love all her work and her home). The chalkboard would be fun and is a little unexpected in a family room, which I like. Since you are renting, and chalkboard paint on the wall, may be hard to get away with, may I suggest a chalkboard vinyl that is removable and reusable in another room if you ever decide to change things up again. Check out my website for some great ones that are inexpensive.
Love that armoire!!
Your outlook on renting is always appreciated! You always encourage me to make wherever I am a home, even if it’s temporary, small, or less than ideal.
Thanks!!
I LOVE it! Those two lamps were really bright blue for that room, I’m glad that you were able to find something else that worked better. I love the gigantic chalkboard idea. Maybe you could find a huge gold frame at a garage sale this summer to use in making the chalkboard? I have several framed magnetic chalkboards and they’re so fun to decorate seasonally by hanging snowflakes, hearts, etc. on with cute magnets made from flat beads.
I like your room better – with the exception of the curtains. The taller/fuller ones looker better – but I love your room as is.
I love how Layla gave you suggestions using what you had/wanted to see. Our house is a work in progress. But, coming from a miltary family (moved every 2-3 years), I really want to make our house a home that works for us now. Not later.
Love Layla–so talented, that girl! How fun to see a fresh take on your space.
When we were renting a townhouse, I was going crazy with all the white walls and asked if we could paint. Our landlady said, “As long as it isn’t anything weird, like purple.” I picked an off-white for our kitchen…which promptly morphed into lavender after it dried! Ha. Needless to say, we had to paint it all again…
Rice Grain looks really different in Layla’s house and yours. It’s amazing how that happens.
Layla is wonderful. Glad to see those chairs balanced on either side of the armoire. Much easier on the eye. So glad you painted – they’ll probably never even notice the difference. It’s looking good so far.
Layla’s home is scrumptious so I would definitely follow her advice. I like the palette of colors she chose. I think several here gave the same advice about splitting the chairs up on either side of the tv cabinet – it looks SO much better, and less crowded. Love the curtains raised up also.
tina
Oh, I’m so glad Iread this post! We’re moving in about three weeks (to a rental, an older home that is DYING for home decorator’s touch, but it’s saving us money, so we can get out of debt, which is a good thing) and your living room is inspiring me! I, too, have been thinking about doing a white slip cover, so I’m interested to see how it turns out for you.
I loved your room before, but with those “tweaks” it is just awesome. That is the thing about a second opinion–they do something that seems “no duh”–except we never would have thought of it….like putting those chairs on either side of the armoire for balance. And you are slip covering your red toile sofa???? What is the world coming to? ;-)
Wow! Gotta love that Layla! It’s got me thinking that I need a new set of eyes too!
☺ Celeste
Beautiful! It’s amazing what a little paint and a fresh pair of eyes will do. It looks great-and I do love the hot lamps too!
Love what you did. Always love what you do.
Looks great! Love the feeling of a freshly painted room. I just did ours in pale wheat. I think the chalkboard if super cute but I don’t think I’d like it in that spot. Somewhere that the kids could use it without standing on the couch. Maybe something large and architectural instead, like your shutters. Then layer something on top of it like a wreath or print. Love the lamps. Perhaps they will work again if you do decide to go with white slipcovers.
I love the redesign! Layla is soo talented. It’s amazing how changing one little thing can motivate you to change up so much more. And I doubt the owners will care about you painting- they’ll probably be glad! Beautiful.
I kept looking back and forth between the photos – sort of an adult Highlights magazine! Name the 15 or 20 things that have changed – lol. The fire in the fireplace, the red table, the red chair, the lamps, etc.
Beautiful job. And, I love that the after looks soooo real – not like a mock-up pieced together “still have to use your imagination to see if it would work” sort of deal. Very nice.
I think the armoire looks great between the two chairs!
Would you consider painting the lamps? Lynda has painted hers in the past and you can’t even tell they weren’t bought that color! Here is her blog:
http://nyclq-focalpoint.blogspot.com/
I’m sure she’d be happy to answer any questions you have about the process :)
good idea–I’d need to recover the shades too–they are so bright white it hurts the eyes–but paint is SUCH a good idea!
I love the change! I like how toning down color in the wall and the lamps brought more attention to some of the other detials in the room- like the armoire and plates. Great work!
I absolutely love the room! And while I agree the chalkboard looks great in the mock up, I prefer your beautiful plate arrangement. The chalkboard look fits better with a kitchen or kids room.
The most creative among us sometimes “hit the wall” when it comes to our own homes. A fresh set of eyes is never a bad idea.
Nothing but LOVE for the transformation! You are getting there slowly but surely!
Just a thought I’m sure you’ve already thought of and I didn’t read through the comments to see if anyone else suggested this too, but If your armoire is the ‘north’ of your room then you could put a chair (I’m thinking bigger chair) on the ‘southwest’ corner of the rug (angled in a little) to finish the seating area and help with things not being centered. Also, I love the black coffee table but think it is just too big for the space. And I LOVE having the armoire centered between the fireplace and the window with the chairs flanking it! Fabulous!
fireplace.
some dorky man thought a corner fireplace would be a great idea.
I LOVE the virtual re-design…looks so great and so different!
Love the new look! The removal of red really softened and neutralized the space for a fresh take.
I like your red look too though. You do know how to make it work. :)
Have fun redecorating! I can tell by your recent posts that you’ll have white slipcovers VERY soon. :) And am watching with anticipation!
Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
FJI, oh, you are sooo intuitive!
Reading these design blogs inspires me! I’ve got 5 or so paint swatches up on my wall right now, much to my husband’s disappointment (he humors me, but his exact quote when he came home last night was, “More paint? I thought the living room was done?”). Love the paint color on your walls, and the furniture arrangement… it allows the TV wall to “breathe”. One thought on your curtains – if you want to keep them, consider adding a coordinating fabric at the bottom of the panels to extend their length. Check out this space on Rate My Space.. http://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-space/Living-Rooms/Family-Room-Before-and-Still-in-Progress-After/detail.esi?oid=482130
Then again, if you don’t plan to keep them… I’ll take ‘em! Lol!
Well done! It’s looking good. Now, I’d hate to see you cover up the red toile on the sofa, I admit, but the white does look good. It’ll be fun to see what you do there.
Back in our renting days, I asked the landlord if I could paint the living room. In two different houses. Both times, I said that I’d be glad to re-paint if they wanted me to. And both times, when we moved out, the landlords wanted me to leave the rooms the new color. A nice neutral is so much more pleasing than builder beige.
BTW, do you really want to sell your lamps?
I liked your “Before” shot, but it really is cool to see what kind of perspective an outside eye can bring! A friend came over for coffee this morning and did the same for me in my kitchen! :)
Looks great so far! Layla had some great suggestions.
Aren’t your daring painting those rented walls! ;)
We’ve lived in a few rentals and had the opportunity to paint as well.
In our first, it was in the lease agreement that we could paint, but had to repaint the walls to the original color before moving out or pay to have it painted back. We painted two rooms there and painted them back before moving out.
At our current place we have a pretty good relationship with the landlords so we asked them if we could paint. They told us the same thing – yes, we could paint walls, but we’d have to return it to the same color. However, they loved the idea of us painting the kitchen cabinets to update the weathered state of the wood. We also asked about updating the color on the outside of the house. Not only did they agree after asking to be consulted about color choices, but they paid for all the materials and gave us a months free rent as payment of labor! SA-WEET!
Here’s our before and afters:
http://www.wonderwomanwannabe.com/2009/07/home-exterior-facelift.html
http://www.wonderwomanwannabe.com/2009/06/revealing-my-newly-painted-kitchen.html
How brave are you, I was always too chicken to paint my rental, but always thought I could paint it back white before we moved out. Paint is cheep (compared to everything else) and it just adds so much. Good for you, and beautiful design.
Love the re-design. It’s so helpful to get another opinion, especially when she’s as talented as Layla.
Our first rental/apartment, I painted the fireplace wall and a kitchen nook area. It was just enough to personalize it and easy enough to repaint if I needed to – turned out the apartment folks liked it so much that they kept it and we didn’t need to forfeit the deposit or paint it back.
i love new sets of eyes! good for you! layla did a great job…and you know i love some white slipcovers! can’t wait to see what you hang on the wall. xo!
I bet you will not even get to this comment, you have ten thousand comments every post LOL. However, just in case..there was something I noticed…have you ever thought of putting the armoire on the wall where the plates are and moving your sofa to the other side of the room? Put the chairs in front of the armoire..but facing out, the large chair could be where the armoire is now and the couch would face both the armoire and fire place. Right now it looks like everything is off to one side, but I can’t see the whole room so there must be a reason for this. Anyhoo, happy rearranging. I am a hopeless re-arranger and have to physically restrain myself from rearranging other people’s homes..though some let me LOL.
Many Blessings :)
Ace
a milion times, but then my sofa would be in front of the fire place since it’s a sectional–think anyone would notice?
Trust me, I, of all people have moved this sofa every possible place
Oh, one more thing..it looks like you have a big circle table off to the one side. Why don’t you use that as a coffe table? It looks a bit higher than a regular coffee table, but so what? The better to eat pizza on!
Many Blessings :)
Ace
I love, love, love this post! We were not able to sell our house at our last assignment, so we have renters. We welcome any kind of neutral paint color. I detest white walls! We are renting here in HI, and we are blessed with a landlord who said we could paint any color but black! And paint we did!
I have to tell you a little something. Your post on soothing up the bathrooms has been on my mind, and I set out today to buy a couple goodies to help me. Well, I started to leave to take the kids to school and the car battery was DEAD. I got the kids to school (late), but errands were cancelled. Then, as I walked into my uninspired bathroom, God spoke through you and said, “Shop the house, girl!” So…YAAA! That’s what I did and now my bathroom is as good as the Four Seasons!
OK, maybe not that good, but you know what I mean! :)
Thanks, Nester!