Monday, July 9, 2012

Evolution of a Family Room

When I look at old posts of my Family Room I really can't believe how much it has evolved in such a short period of time, and on such a small budget.

Here is how it looked at Christmas time.




The room was dark and heavy - that Tuscan look that was very popular at one time, but seems to be fizzling out.  My taste has evolved to a more light and airy cottage feel.

Here is how the room looks now.


The room has really come alive with lots of vibrant color amid a pale yellow backdrop.  Exactly what I wanted.

Painting the walls yellow was the catalyst, but this Ballard giclee, a Craig's List find, was really what sparked the transformation.



Followed by a new look for the mantle.



And more finds from Craig, like this fun rug and a coffee table, which has since been painted.





I think the IKEA sofa, also from Craig, has made the biggest impact in the overall transformation of the space.


Next I switched the position of the coffee table and rug which totally changed the feel of the room, making it much more cozy.


The accessories on the coffee table keep changing to accommodate little hands.


New accessories help to lighten the mood as well, such as the little yellow stool - a clearance find from Target - a wicker lampshade from Pottery Barnt and throw pillows from Ballard.

Other changes include a new arrangement for the top of the entertainment center.


And some vintage accessories.


I added some fun trim to this otherwise boring lampshade for a touch of whimsy.


I'm learning to add splashes of color wherever I can, like this little accent table that recently got a new paint job and was accessorized with some yardsale finds.


Storage is always a necessity when children are around, like this toy basket, which I stenciled with our house number.


I've also learned to include something a little unexpected, like these leopard print window treatments, a subtle addition to the room.


These pillows arrived last week from Carol Maguire Home who hosted my Summer Kickoff Giveaway last month.  I love how they go so perfectly with the giclee.




Thank you Carol!

The room is still evolving, and some things still need to be done, like buying a matching loveseat,
and reupholstering the chair (wouldn't that make a great birthday present sweetie??).  Suggestions please!  I think a salmon color would look great!


But one thing is certain - this room is definitely a happy space that reflects our family perfectly.


Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulicious week!
xoxo,
Kim

Joining:  Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
               Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

14 comments:

Unknown said...

i think it looks much fresher now! Well done! Visiting from Met Mon would loved it if you popped over!

Michele Smith said...

What a great transformation throughout the months! I do love that stenciled basket for toys!
I have lots of baskets around here, but we never know when our address is going to change lol

Blondie's Journal said...

What a great room, Kim! It has more of a feminine feeling to it with the addition of the painting and the sofa. I can see why your family loves to hang out in here, especially the little one!

XO,
Jane

Joyce said...

I loved the room before, but I have to say I think it looks amazing now too!

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards said...

Your living room looks great. What a difference! I adore the rug and the monogram pillow.

Melinda said...

Sure do like the neww lighter look.

Your other look was nice but I like this one best.

The pops of color are great.

:)

Unknown said...

Hi! I'm your newest follower! Your house is gorgeous!!!

Kristi said...

I love, Love, LOVE your new "look" in your family room! Gorgeous!! And now you have me wanting to get out the black paint and stencil some numbers!! The giclee and sofa were AWESOME finds! Love Craigslist!! I have the EXACT same sofa table in my family room! Did you chalk paint it? If so, what color? I have soooo many ideas swirling! :)
Kristi

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

I love the transformation of your room. The pillows with the print over the sofa are just perfect.Yellow is such a hard color to get right, but you did.

Sue said...

Your room is so bright and cheerful ~ love it. I love the color yellow and the majority of my house is yellow. The rug is so pretty and so are the rest of your changes. I'm doing some change ups too, and it's a lot of fun and HARD work. You've created a fun space that I'm sure your whole family enjoys.

Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G said...

The room's evolution is amazing! Love the print over the sofa and the super cute rug! And the zigzag accented lampshade is a great touch! :)

Unknown said...

Hi again! I've nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award, head on over to my latest blog post to check out the details! :)

Penny @ Penny's Vintage Home said...

I saw your blog on versatile blogger and came over to visit you! Wonderful makeover, I love what yellow does to a room! I am now following you, please visit and follow me if you like! Penny

THE FARMHOUSE PORCH said...

I love the fresh green cottage look! Such a beautiful transformation!
♥Linsey