Transforming a living space into a haven of comfort and style is a dream for many homeowners. We absolutely love being a part of that journey, especially when we see the incredible “after” results! Just a few weeks after we created a custom mood board for Amy, her living room underwent a stunning metamorphosis. Her excitement was palpable, and her story is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and a little DIY spirit. We received this wonderful letter from her, and we couldn’t wait to share her inspiring journey with you:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to share the ‘after’ pictures of my living room with you! I truly LOVE my newly transformed room, and so does everyone who visits. We hosted a party last Friday evening, and the changes were an enormous hit. The funniest comment I heard was, ‘Now that you’ve changed it, I just have to tell you that the brick was absolutely horrendous!’ That comment genuinely cracked me up because, honestly, I had to agree! It felt so good to finally address that dated feature.
Using your incredible inspiration, I was also able to save a significant amount of money and repurpose several pieces we already owned. For instance, we already had a round coffee table and matching end tables, which fit perfectly into the new design scheme, saving me from having to buy new ones. I also followed some fantastic advice from your ‘How To’ section to spray-paint our existing ceiling fan using Rustoleum, giving it a completely fresh and modern look without replacing it. It’s amazing what a little paint can do!
The wall color you recommended, Benjamin Moore Sepia Tan (1116), is absolutely perfect. I love it so much that I’ve already painted the entryway the same inviting shade and am about to extend it to the hallway walls as well, creating a beautiful flow throughout the main living areas. We also adored your suggestion for a darker accent wall near the kitchen, which beautifully anchors the space and adds depth. We opted for one shade darker, Benjamin Moore Classic Caramel (1118), and it turned out even better than we imagined, adding a rich, warm focal point.
I haven’t had a chance to hang up any artwork yet, but I plan to frame some of my own photography soon to truly personalize the space and add those final, meaningful touches. The entire makeover was a LOT of work, especially tackling that brick fireplace, but it was incredibly worth every ounce of effort! I’m actually emailing you this message right now while lounging on the sofa, watching a movie. Before this transformation, we never hung out in here because it simply didn’t feel cozy or welcoming. Now, we constantly want to be in this room, and my husband, who initially didn’t even want the brick painted, keeps remarking on how awesome it looks!
Thank you again, SO much, for your invaluable guidance and inspiration! You’ll definitely be hearing from me soon regarding my next project – the kitchen! -Amy”
Amy’s enthusiasm is infectious, and her detailed account truly highlights the impact a well-thought-out design plan can have. For those who might not recall the original space, let’s take a moment to refresh everyone’s memory and revisit Amy’s living room before this incredible overhaul. It helps to fully appreciate the dramatic shift in style and ambiance:
Before: A Room Awaiting Its Potential
In its original state, Amy’s living room, like many homes, suffered from a lack of cohesive style and a somewhat dated aesthetic. The unpainted brick fireplace, while a classic feature in some contexts, felt heavy and out of place, dominating the room with its stark, reddish-brown tones. The walls, painted in a neutral but uninspired shade, did little to enhance the space or bring out its character. Furniture placement and existing decor felt somewhat haphazard, failing to create a truly inviting atmosphere. It was a space that functioned, but it didn’t *feel* like home – a common challenge we aim to address with our mood board services. The room had good bones but was desperately waiting for a fresh perspective and a touch of warmth to unlock its full potential. The goal was to transform this functional but uninspired area into a cozy, welcoming, and stylish retreat.
After: A Stunning Transformation Guided by Design
And here’s the same space after our custom mood board makeover, brought to life by Amy’s dedication and keen eye for detail:
Didn’t Amy execute an absolutely amazing job?! We are truly blown away by how she meticulously followed the mood board’s suggestions while injecting her own personality and resourcefulness into the project. Every element in the refreshed living room contributes to a cohesive, inviting, and utterly stylish space.
Let’s delve into some of the key design elements that made this living room makeover such a resounding success. The most striking change, as Amy mentioned, is undoubtedly the fireplace. By painting the brick, the once “horrendous” feature is now a sophisticated, integrated part of the room, providing a clean backdrop that allows other decor elements to shine. This simple yet impactful DIY project completely altered the focal point of the living room, transforming it from an eyesore to an elegant architectural detail.
The carefully chosen wall colors play a pivotal role in establishing the room’s new identity. The primary shade, Benjamin Moore Sepia Tan (1116), envelops the room in a soft, golden warmth, creating an instantly cozy and welcoming atmosphere. This tone provides a beautiful neutral canvas that allows the furniture and accessories to pop. The decision to extend this color into the entryway and hallway further enhances the sense of continuity and spaciousness, proving how strategic paint choices can unify an entire home’s aesthetic.
The accent wall, painted in the richer Benjamin Moore Classic Caramel (1118) near the kitchen, is a stroke of design genius. It adds a subtle depth and defines a specific zone within the open-concept space without feeling overly dramatic. This darker, yet still warm, hue creates a luxurious backdrop that draws the eye and contributes significantly to the room’s overall ambiance.
Beyond the paint, Amy’s choices in soft furnishings truly tie the room together. The cozy patterned rug anchors the seating area, introducing texture and visual interest while adding another layer of warmth underfoot. The golden wheat tones in the curtains not only complement the wall colors beautifully but also add a touch of softness and elegance to the windows, allowing natural light to filter in gently. These elements work in harmony to create a layered and comfortable environment.
And you know we’re absolutely thrilled that Amy embraced her inner DIY enthusiast! Spray painting the existing ceiling fan with Rustoleum is a fantastic example of how budget-friendly solutions can yield professional-looking results. This clever repurposing not only saved money but also ensured that every detail, down to the ceiling, contributed to the room’s fresh new look. Similarly, using her existing round coffee and end tables was a smart move, demonstrating that you don’t always need to buy new to achieve a new aesthetic – sometimes, it’s about how you integrate what you already have into a fresh design vision.
The planned addition of Amy’s framed photography will be the perfect personal touch, making the room truly hers and reflecting her unique style and memories. This custom element is precisely what elevates a house to a home. Amy’s living room is now a testament to thoughtful design, smart budgeting, and a willingness to embrace change, proving that a little inspiration and effort can transform a neglected space into the heart of the home.
Your Thoughts on Amy’s Living Room Makeover?
So, what do you guys think of Amy’s incredible living room transformation? Are there any favorite parts that particularly stand out to you? We’d love for you to share your kind words and appreciation for Amy’s hard work in the comments below. Let’s give this inspiring homeowner a round of virtual applause for bravely tackling her “horrendous” brick and creating such a warm, welcoming space!
Update: We sadly can no longer find the time to take on client-commissioned mood boards (we now whip up general inspiration boards instead) but if we ever reinstate them, we’ll make a big announcement! However, the principles of design and transformation remain timeless, as wonderfully demonstrated by Amy’s journey.