Monday, August 11, 2008

tour this living room...before and after...

This was a fun one! Although first, I must apologize, because for some reason I took a total of three - THREE - "before" pictures. Usually I take about ten. I have no idea why I took so few of them, so your imagination will have to fill in some of the gaps. Okay, join me for a leetle tour...


BEFORE...
The TV was angled in the corner, right next to the fireplace...stealing that fireplace's thunder. (Must...feature...fireplace...whenever...possible!) White fireplace didn't showcase the beautiful painting all that well, and a cluttered bookcase was on the right.
AFTER...
Now, the TV is at right-angles to the fireplace, so it no longer fights for attention. What does get the attention now is the brick-red fireplace itself, complete with gorgeous painting (which was there before, but somehow it really shows off now.) The bookcase is no longer cluttered, but organized and attractive. The rug is pulled back from the hearth, making the room feel a little less crowded. This client did her homework - she purchased greenery (and other things I recommended) at garage sales and off of Craigslist - making the room more homey (and keeping things thrifty at the same time!).
AFTER...
This is the wall to the right of the fireplace. Before, there was just a couch here. Now, it's home to the TV, a comfy chair, and some strategically placed greenery to soften the edges of the large TV.
BEFORE...
We removed the octagonal table from the room (which was broken and had to be covered with a cloth anyway) and pretty much moved everything on this wall elsewhere so we could relocate the couch here.

AFTER...
Now the couch is on this wall, under the window. This end features an end table I had the homeowner paint in the same color red as the fireplace.


AFTER...

Here's the revamped bookcase at the other end of the couch.

BEFORE...

the wall opposite the fireplace...a nice arrangement of photos, but appear to be floating as they are not grounded by furniture...

AFTER...

This table the homeowner bought off Craigslist is the perfect entryway table...plus, it seats eight when all the leaves are unfolded! I love furniture that does double-duty, especially in small homes. This was a great find - a beautiful antique, too, by the way - only $75.

AFTER...

The homeowner's second end-table, also repainted red, now houses the DVD player next to the TV.

Hope you enjoyed this "leetle tour" of one of my latest redesigns, friend! If you'd like to see more like these, read here.

12 comments:

  1. When I saw the first picture of the fireplace, I thought you meant that was the before, and I couldn't imagine wanting to change it. It's beautiful! So I was relieved to keep reading and see that it was the after. Ha.

    Even that rug adjustment you made really did make a difference. I'm not sure I would've thought of that.

    Great makeover, Courtney! -Julia :-)

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  2. Wow, what a difference!!! I love the fireplace color and I think the way you set it up looks so much less cluttered and hapazard....! It's like a model home now. I hope they paid you extra! Jen r

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  3. Those are some great changes for a little money! Love the red fireplace & end tables. That pop of color is just what that room needed. I'm working on a fireplace redo too with one of my clients. Got to paint the ugly brick!

    Rhoda

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  4. It's like the room added square footage! It looks so much bigger with the new placement of furniture and personal items. And the "reassignment" of the TV made a huge (pun intended? ;-) difference. Before your eye went right to it, and now the fireplace is totally the focal point. And that Craig's List table is a stunner!! Well done! It's a lovely room.

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  5. awesome!! I am so jealous of your skills! my house looks nowhere near like I wish it did.

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  6. love it, the movement of the tv is an amazing change, and so easy, you did a wonderful job and I like how she scoured Craigslist for greenery, such a good idea

    your talent shows in this, you've made it look simple...

    off to look at the others

    great inspiration for me!

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  7. I love that red fireplace. I have been considering painting mine. This one looks great!!

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  8. I LOVE it...you didn't paint the walls?? Just the fireplace?? It looks fantastic!

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  9. I was so confused at first glance. I thought the first picture was a BEFORE! I was wondering HOW you would make that fireplace look any better than it looks. I think this is my favorite room you've done! LOVE that red fireplace!!!

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  10. Isn't it amazing the difference that just some paint makes. That fireplace really makes the room NOW! Great!

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  11. What a fantastic different all of your changes made! The red fireplace actually makes the painting appear larger. And the furniture arrangement is sooooo much better.

    Love that drop-leaf table too!

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  12. wat color was the paint on the brick

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thank you for commenting, dahling! I can't wait to hear what you have to say. :-)