I have lived in my house for 17 years and as you can imagine my decorating style has evolved quite a bit since then. I have learned through lots of trial and error how to do it in my own style.
I know my core style is white or light walls with color coming from the decorative accessories. Most of the decorating in my house I have been quite happy with, but the room that has brought me the most challenges is my family room. It has taken a long time for me to get it right.
The day we made settlement – Feb 1994
The week we moved in – a jumble of mis-matched furnishings right off the moving truck. There is my littlest one in her Barney jamas. She was 3 1/2. She will be 21 at the end of February. Time really does fly by.
You can see how unbalanced the room is with an old entertainment center in the right corner, but there was no place else to put it in the room.
Circa 1994
The room is long and narrow and there are two focal points – the bank of French doors to the right and the fireplace in the center on the adjacent wall. That alone causes problems, but add an opening to my studioffice and another to the foyer on the wall on the opposite side of the French doors and then no wall to the back – it is open concept to my kitchen – I didn’t have a lot of options.
January 2011
When we first moved to this house flat screen TV’s were still considered something that you would only see on The Jetsons. We had a big heavy TV that we hid in one of the corner cabinets that I bought to fit in this room. I had to buy two to create balance. Now they are empty. I initially wanted to add white built–ins (love that look), but at the time it was too cost prohibitive, so I opted for these cabinets and have wanted to paint them white since the day they were delivered 17 year ago. They only came in dark or light oak and corner cabinets were hard to find so I bought them. ( If you follow Miss Mustard Seed, you know that Marian has a similar dilemma – to paint or not to paint. Decisions, Decisions.)
When I look at the photo below, I want to cringe and I just shake my head –What was I thinking? But back in 1994 this was “the trend of the time” all that country clutter. I am breaking out in hives just looking at it.
Circa 1994
I streamlined and painted the walls a light green soon after this picture was taken. I knew it wasn’t right – the loveseat blocked the opening to the studioffice. You also could only enter the room from the right side. The furniture had to be pushed to the left so that the French doors could swing open. I hated it.
Then I had divine intervention by the way of Hollywood. After seeing the movie, Something’s Got to Give, I repainted the room with Sherwin Williams white called, Natural Choice the very next day and switched out the furniture with what was in my basement. I liked the simple clean lines of the room after doing this, but didn’t have a plan for how to make it work for the way we lived in the room, so I did what my mother always taught me.
“Don’t waste money just to get it done or to fill the space – let the room slowly evolve so you can better see what it really needs to be a functional, yet attractive room.”
Thanks, Mom xo. This advice was exactly what I needed.
We do three things in this room:
1. Watch TV –need comfy seating, a place for a drink
2. Read – need adequate task lighting
3. Entertain – only when watching sports. Aka Army/Navy Game and Super Bowl type events. As you probably know most people gather in the kitchen when you have guests over.
Since I can’t add tons of seating because every wall has an opening or two on it, I had to float the conversational grouping of furniture in the center of the room, anchoring it with an area rug. I added 3 ottomans that can be moved all around for people to sit when there is a full house or can be used as tables when a tray is placed on top. I added the small round table on wheels to also move around the room where ever it is needed. I used to have a square coffee table, but that just got in the way.
Since most of the seating is in the middle of the room, I had the added dilemma of where to add task lighting as I didn’t want cords running from the center of the room to the walls. Hubby came to the rescue and added an outlet on the floor under the sideboard for the lamps. Luckily we have pot lights in this room. I used to have them washing the wall above the fireplace, but when we added the TV, I redirected them to highlight each corner cabinet.
I added the tongue and groove paneling and crown molding above the fireplace about 8 years ago. I always thought I would paint the walls on either side as a focal wall, but I know from past experience, I do not like color on my walls – only tans, green, or very light blue. These colors make me feel like I am outdoors. I need lots of light to be happy.
I use to buy accessories by the truck load from TJ Maxx, Home Goods and other discount places to accessorize this room with. You may ask, Where it all is? – I gave it all to Goodwill or sold it at a yard sale. It was just meaningless stuff, it was trendy, or I bought it because I needed a fix. All mistakes. I have learned to only buy things I absolutely love. Flowers, baskets, glass objects, clocks, and items from nature float my boat. I do switch out my lamps from room to room to achieve a different look from time to time. I thought about putting something on the mantel, but it would end up just looking cluttered. I used to have greenery in the baskets on the top of the cabinets, but it looked dated and I haven’t found anything I like yet to replace it.
I have always had a mirror on the wall opposite the French doors to reflect the light to make the room seem bigger and brighter. It used to be an ornate gold one, but about 2 years ago I got the one seen in the photo. It has a beveled edge which is a detail I love. I tried a mirror above the fireplace once, but that was a mistake as it reflected my kitchen. It looked like I had a stove and coffee maker in my family room. Mirrors should only reflect something simple, pretty, or a window or door- and of course your smiling face.
This is the view looking into my kitchen. I am very happy with how it has all come together. When the budget allows I would like to replace the beige rug with a sisal colored wool area rug and a new upholstered sofa and chair in a neutral tone.
I would also like to add a piece or two of original art on canvas like the pieces done by Melanie over at Pretty and Posies shown below.
Update: I did end up painting the corner cabinets. I love them now and only wish I painted them sooner.
Now that I got the furniture placement right, the navy blue upholstery covered, and am seeing success with my color scheme, I hope I don’t have to move if my hubby gets a job in another state.
Only time will tell.
Rosemary Ford says
07/13/2013 at 7:10 pmHi Diane, I also did the country decorating,but in October of 2012 we lost everything during Hurricane Sandy. We just moved back into our home & are now redecorating. We were able to salvage small items but are now shopping for new furniture. I’m buying simple traditional furniture. I found a Tuscan dining room set at a house sale….we love it & got a good buy…no work needed & we receive many compliments on the set. I love looking at all your ideas,I’ve even done my own. Thanks again for the cool website. Rosemary Ford
Rhoda @ southern Hospitality says
02/04/2011 at 4:49 pmDiane, your home has transformed in a really classic way. It looks beautiful & I love what you’ve done. WE have all been thru the trends, believe me.
thanks SO much for your words of encouragement this week. I have felt the prayers tremendously.
Marilyn Holeman says
02/03/2011 at 5:16 pmHi Diane, I love the tongue and groove paneling and crown molding above the fireplace. Your room is beautiful.
Blessings,
Marilyn
Diane says
02/05/2011 at 5:15 pmHi Marilyn-
I truly wish I had a big stone fireplace, but this tongue and groove addition makes the fireplace I have a bit more interesting. I will be doing a tute on it soon.
Rene says
02/03/2011 at 12:41 pmYour home is beautiful Diane! And boy do I ever know about changes. I really like the symmetry you have going on in this room. I think a little bit of wood in there is nice. Thanks for linking.
-Rene
Patsy says
02/03/2011 at 9:19 amOh Diane I feel your pain with all the doors! In my entry are double entrance doors and then 6 other doors in a 8 x 12 foyer. In our den I have 4 doors to other rooms or outside. A long room with the fireplace at one end and the tv on the over. A large 5 foot picture window and a french door on the outside wall. Which leaves me one solid wall ,90 inches of uninterrupted space. Our house before this one only had 2 outside doors, so I wanted doors and did I get them! I have 6 outside doors here. No wall space but I have doors! The only problem is I Love this house!!!
paige renee says
02/02/2011 at 10:00 pmI love seeing how people’s styles evolve over time, so clearly I thought this post was great! My husband and I have only been married a few years but have already seen our decorating styles change quite a bit.
Judy says
02/02/2011 at 8:07 pmI love the evolution of this room. It is beautiful. Thank you so much for joining my party.
Kristi @ Creative Kristi says
02/02/2011 at 8:05 pmNot only is your transformation amazing but I also want to say thank you for not making it seem like these changes happened overnight. I’m 27 & have been in my current home for 4 years during which I’ve had two babies. We’ve made lots of changes but I feel pressure from all the other blogs out there to make major room switches overnight (seemingly). Thank you for reminding me good design and style takes time.
Denise says
02/02/2011 at 4:02 pmDiane, thank you so much for linking up this amazing transformation- truly! I was cracking up at your “what was I thinking” statement. Isn’t it funny how styles and tastes change? Your room was totally wow in the day, just like it is incredible now. I love the light and airy feel to it, it is very well put together!
Looking forward to your linky! Great idea :)
amoreena says
02/02/2011 at 3:25 pmI love, love, love your white furniture! The whole room makes me happy! Not to mention in the older pictures, I think I had that same white wicker loveseat and the flowered cushion and round table cloth…is it the Alison print from Ralph Lauren?? Brings back memories! Your home is gorgeous and I love your blog! I found you this morning through the link from Funky Junk…you have done a wonderful job! I will be poking around your blog for the rest of the day! I have just added you to my favorites, and I will for sure be checking back daily!
Connie says
02/02/2011 at 3:21 pmI am popping over here from Cottage and Vine, and I love what I see so far. You have many wise lessons in this post … the best of which is to look inside ourselves and only have in our homes what makes us happy. I can certainly see why your family room now makes you happy. It is beautiful.
Connie
the cape on the corner says
02/02/2011 at 11:28 amthis is such a great post, and what a great space. i love how open it is to the kitchen, while still being separate. i know what you mean about buying accessories by the truckload. i still struggle with that, thinking the “right piece” will make the difference. but i think i need to leave things be.
Pam says
02/01/2011 at 11:16 pmBeautiful changes. So nice and homey looking.
Laura says
02/01/2011 at 11:12 pmFunny how the styles of the 90’s are so very different from today’s! Love the view looking from your LR toward the kitchen! Those lamps are beautiful!
Diana K says
02/01/2011 at 10:03 pmWhat a great post. I think we all look back at the 1980s/`1990s “enough is not enough” phase and think…wowwwww…what wassss I thinking? I have a few of those pictures too…lol NOT pretty!
I am loving the way your room looks now. It is just lovely..peaceful and calm and pretty. Hugs- Diana
[email protected] Inspired Nest says
02/01/2011 at 9:49 pmI am so thankful the 90’s are gone! You have made a beautiful home and I can’t wait to browse through and see more! I will be back for your linky party! Sounds like fun!
Lacy
Kim says
02/01/2011 at 8:08 pmDiane, it looks like your room and my room from the same era were just alike in looks. My how things have changed for the better. I love your fireplace wall. Great furniture placement. Thanks for joining the party this week.
Terri says
02/01/2011 at 7:54 pmHi there,
You took me back in time there, girl. I, too, had the country look going on except I was heavier on the country blue than you. My baby is 20 and she was just turning three when we moved into our new house….. Time does fly. Your room looks great….
[email protected] in Decorating says
02/01/2011 at 7:43 pmStunning! I love your use of white throughout … giving it a shabby and coastal fee! Your armoires are beautiful … love the contrast with your white elements. I recently redid my dining room with lots of creams/whites. Stop on by when you can! Thanks for sharing! *Becca* (www.adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com)
Erika...with a K says
02/01/2011 at 7:40 pmYour style and taste has evolved so much over the years… your living room now looks like it should be featured in Better Home & Gardens – it looks amazing, so fresh and classy. I love it!
Brittany says
02/01/2011 at 6:07 pmBeautiful! It looks like a home you live in! Great job! You can see that you have lovingly added to it over the years … it is perfect.
[email protected] says
02/01/2011 at 3:31 pmI loved that post, because some how it took some of the pressure away… So what if the house is not perfect the first time? Style evolves with time, fashion, travel and all the different influences and inspiration we come across. Otherwise, our houses would be museums, not homes.
karla says
02/01/2011 at 2:47 pmI’m lovin the whites!
kristin says
02/01/2011 at 12:12 pmYou have done such a fabulous job making it a warm cozy room!
I just love it!!!
XO
Kristin
Morning T says
02/01/2011 at 10:04 amWow- your transformation is absolutely amazing! I would love to sit in your living room and just relax. So clean and crisp yet cozy and inviting. You’ve done a great job there and you’ve inspired me to move on painting the red brick around my fireplace!
Cheers~
T
Diane says
02/01/2011 at 10:19 amHi T-
Thanks so much. I forgot to mention in the post that I did paint the bricks about 10 years ago as the red brick color was throwing off my color scheme at the time. I wish I had a stone fireplace – maybe in my next house.
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
02/01/2011 at 6:48 amDifficult to decorate, but a great room, Diane! Love the light you get in here. It is funny to see the country decor now ~ I had it too. There was an awful lot of cr – stuff! : ) I find I like a more neutral wall myself. At least in our downstairs rooms and bringing color in with accessories. When we first got our house ready for the market, we painted and I really like some of the colors that much that I would use them when we do eventually downsize.
Diane says
02/01/2011 at 8:12 amHi Kathy-
There is a growing chance that we will have to move and I have been looking at every room in my house with a stager’s eye. I will have to remove the corner cabinets in the family froom so the room looks bigger, paint the bedrooms upstairs neutral colors and replace carpets – so much to think about. It is good to be ready so that it doesn’t seem so daunting preparing a house for the market.
Jennifer Rizzo says
02/01/2011 at 6:00 amWhat difference! I love how you’ve used things from your own house. I believe you should always shop at home first too! I love all of your little touches and the views going into the next rooms. A fantastic evolution!!!!!!! Thank you so much for joining in on the party and sharing!
Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says
01/31/2011 at 11:43 pmHi Diane, Your home is lovely! The slip covered ottomans and molding over the fireplace are fabulous. I am a recent follower and I am going to check out the rest of your house.
Hugs,
Sherry
Lisa says
01/31/2011 at 11:26 pmYou have made alot of changes…can’t wait for your party…to see all people have changed!
Laura @ Ms Smartie Pants says
01/31/2011 at 11:04 pmOh my gosh Diane, you took me down memory lane with that decorating! That one photo looks like it is in my house! I had a denim couch and that fabric in the wicker loveseat looks like the fabric I had my curtains out of with red and white checks and I had a wicker chair made out of that. I also painted my walls a pale green, kinda the color of the inside of an avocado. I love nature in my decorating and love the contrast of nature and pottery. I have not gotten into all this white furniture… yet! Can’t wait to see what you have planned for the future!
Diane says
02/01/2011 at 8:33 amHi Laura-
If I wasn’t on a tight budget, I would have liked to get a new sofa and chair for this room in a warm tan color. Since that is not an option I used very affordable white slipcovers to neutralize the navy blue upholstery. Now I feel like I can forge ahead with my planned color scheme and not be held hostage by the navy.
I can’t wait to see what is going to look dated 10 years from now – white slipcovers, oil rubbed bronze hardware, vinyl wall art, white antlers as wall decoration??? Probably all of it as manufacturers will keep changing the trends so that we keep buying their wares and they stay in business. :)
[email protected] says
01/31/2011 at 10:51 pmWow, what a great post Diane, took me back in time for sure! I too have a daughter who is 21 and I totally remember that decor faze. I love how it looks now, so serene and peaceful. I wonder what we will think in another 10 years of this look? I love it now, so that is all that matters. I find as I get older the less stuff I have the more calming it is to my soul.
Diane says
02/01/2011 at 8:35 amHi Stephanie-
I could not agree with you more that less stuff is so calming. I feel more focused and happy when I am not surrounded by so much.