What do
you do when you've lived with your room for 10 years, are tired of the "look", really can't afford all new things,
but really (REALLY) want a change? You ask for a redesign of course!
When I do a redesign, I use as much of your existing furniture as I can while still giving you an updated look. A look that will make you . . .
Family Room Redesign
The budget didn't allow for any big changes like removing the antique barn board wainscoting and trim around the room, taking down any of the wallpaper or changing the carpeting. The funds also didn't allow getting any new furniture, so I gave the room an updated look by using new fabrics, accessories, paint and of course getting rid of excess clutter.
We settled on an interesting mix of "rustic meets glam" by keeping the barn wood and adding simple-styled accessories -- some with rustic looks themselves, others having a more upscale, classier vibe.
BEFORE
AFTER
The family has a wonderful grand piano that gets played a lot. There were lots of family photos sitting on the piano, but if they wanted to lift the piano's lid, those photos had to be removed and replaced each time! As you can see in the AFTER photo, all the photos found a place on the wall. Now that area echoed the other two big walls where family ancestral black and white photos were already arranged.
The main seating area had a very comfortable chocolate brown microfiber sofa. But the dark fabrics of the throw pillows and the cushions in the coffee table made the area a bit dreary. This family room is located in the basement so incorporating a little "life" was crucial!
BEFORE
AFTER
I achieved this by using lighter colored, updated fabrics including a beautiful striped multi-toned silk, a woven geometric, and a fun faux fur. (Yes, we got lucky and found seasonal close-outs on all our fabrics!) Because those gorgeous, soft green table lamps are vintage 1950's, they just had to stay! They were the inspiration for fabric colors, as well as the paint for the previously worn-looking coffee table.
On the opposite side of the room from the sofa were very nice wicker chairs. The fabric on the cushions was a dark, old-fashioned floral print. I replaced it with textural, multi-colored geometrics that coordinated with the couch throw pillows.
AFTER
This doorway leads into a storage area. It had a rather cluttered look.
The client's husband had taken beautiful close-ups of some of their garden's early spring flowers. Those were hung in "floating" frames and that little corner took on a whole new personality, especially when the blue metal trunk and the twigs with mini-lights were removed! We repurposed the homeowner's vintage sewing cabinet as a side table. When she wants to sew, she just removes the few accessories.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
Ah yes, the narrow built-in shelves by the piano! They had become a display for excessive clutter and the homeowner really disliked the dark stained wood.
After the shelf was painted the same warm caramel color as the walls, all the non-wanted "stuff" went to the family's garage sale pile. I kept their trophies but replaced the rest of the accessories with only creamy white and clear glass ones. A much cleaner look.
BEFORE
AFTER
Redesign Summary
What had to stay
All the furniture except the blue metal trunk. The gorgeous vintage lamps, ceiling fixtures, wallpaper (on two walls), barn wood wainscoting, carpeting (thank goodness it was in terrific shape and a very workable neutral color) and a few accessories.
What we got to change
The remaining wall paint was changed from a faded, dull yellow to a rich caramel. The coffee table was sanded then painted in a color that mimics the lamps. I used updated fabrics for throw pillows, chair and coffee table cushions and the piano bench. (Gotta love that faux fur when sitting for hours of practice!) New accessories, all mostly in a unifying creamy white were added. Family photos were removed from the piano, unified with matching black frames, then mounted gallery style on the wall. The chandelier above the piano was given a "shabby chic" treatment to fit into the "rustic meets glam" look.
Want to change the look of your room . . . or several rooms . . . on a small budget? Please contact me. I can perform a redesign just for you and you, too, will
"Love the home you're in . . . again!"
Copyright 2008-2009 Connie Nikiforoff All rights reserved.
