I have to admit, I was feeling a bit discouraged for the first two months of living in our new house. Exhausted from moving and from the holiday rush, I was feeling in such a decorative rut. I had spent the last few months buying things I thought would work perfectly in the house and had a folder full of inspiration pins on Pinterest, and in the end, very few of the pieces fit right. I kept fighting myself, thinking decorating this house shouldn’t be a thing to rush, even though I was growing tired of bare rooms and empty walls. In my mind, rushing meant making mistakes, too many nails in the wall and settling for things I didn’t really love, instead of being patient and shopping around. So I sat in each room, trying to envision what I truly wanted. I knew from the time we remodeled our last house to now, my taste had dramatically changed. And I felt that over the last four years, I’ve been able to pinpoint things I’m repeatedly drawn to in terms of furniture and home decor. So, after Christmas decorations were put away, I decided I was just going to go for it. I had to start somewhere, and this is the room that I wanted to start with.
What’s the number one rule I repeated to myself often while out shopping? If you aren’t in love with it, don’t buy it. And don’t put it in the house. The tricky part is doing all this on a budget. If you take it as a challenge, it’s not as daunting as it seems. I actually spent the least amount of money decorating this room than any other room in the house. I’m still looking for a few pieces and it’s rare that things are left unchanged for more than a week or two, but here we are.
……Our living room…..or as my four year-old says, “Mommy’s pretty room.”……
{before}
{after}
Still looking for a table for this empty corner…
Curtains — took me three tries (three different panels) to finally get these right.
One more ‘before’…
Buying Sources
Couch, chair, coffee table, sofa table, chest - craigslist/thrift store finds
Chandelier – vintage, from an antique store in Boise
Vase – Ross
Sheepskin Rug – Costco
Pillows – Ross and TJ Maxx
Square wreath – secondhand
Vintage Plaster Wallhanging – secondhand
Curtains – Tuesday Morning
Mantel Bookcase – DIY from a few years ago – here’s the link to the post on how we did it.
Your living room is delicious and so welcoming. As I read your approach to decorating, it reminded me of Miss Mustard Seed’s new book about decorating, Inspired You. Have you read it? It’s funny, too, how our decorating tastes change and evolve as we grow. Thanks for sharing pictures.
Melinda
I haven’t read it yet, but I’d love to sometime! I love Miss Mustard Seed : )
You didn’t highlight what looks to be a fireplace turned bookshelf. Was that there before or did you guys make that? If so I would love to know how you did it =) Beautiful room. I love it! Love all the white!
We brought that from our old house. We bought it a few years ago and turned it into a bookshelf. I’ll try to do a post on it here soon. : )
So beautiful! I love everything about it. Thanks for sharing! (I love the before and after pics!)
I love it! What color is the paint you used on the walls? I’m looking to repaint my living room and I’m looking for something that is light but not white. Your room looks gorgeous!
It’s just beautiful – fresh and inviting! I love your style!
Wow! Your room is super gorgeous! I am so pinning! You are one talented lady! I love your newly upholstered furniture…
Good work, girl!
hugs x
Crystelle
Beautiful…
LOVE the chandelier!
This looks so awesome! I love all the textures you found in white, and even though it’s neutral, it feels so rich and warm. Thanks for sharing.
Hello my name is Hollie…… And I am AMAZING!!!!! You are incredible and ultra talented. You have such an eye for what is beautiful. In constantly learning from you. I love it.