I told you yesterday that I was going to begin sharing some client work, so here it goes.
This project took almost a full year and was a whole house re-do. The client got my name from our local Benjamin Moore store who has sent business my way from time to time.
One thing I have learned in meeting new clients (although I always forget!), is not to have any expectations because the job and the people are never what you expect. Not necessarily in a bad way (with the exception of the time I had to leave a client’s master bath because I was feeling itchy and she indicated that was “the bug problem” they were having!), just always different from what you expect.
When I walked into Linda’s house I had the most physical response to a house that I have ever had. The house was built in 1981 and everything was exactly as it had been from the beginning. This house needed some love and light. Where she was living was not matching who she was.
I thought I would start today with the changes to her living room.
Here are the before and afters:
Before
After
Here are some side to side comparisons:
We left the mirror on the wall for two reasons. One it had sentimental value. Two, it did a great job of reflecting light into the room.
We took away the heavy and dated draperies and replaced them with a lovely shade of blue in dupioni silk which added a little bit of elegance to the room.
The upholstered furniture was old, tired and not laid out correctly in the room. The new sofa and chairs are by Temple. The coffee and side tables are actually what she had, they just look much nicer with the room pulled together.
On the long wall where we removed the couch, I placed a set of three prints from Ballard Designs.
Removing the heavy credenza and replacing it with two new chairs and the existing side table made the room much more inviting.
She had a keyboard and TV in the corner. The TV was moved to the family room, but she wanted the keyboard to stay. So, I just worked with it by placing a runner and some accessories on top. A room still has to function for a client, even if it is not the prettiest thing.
It is a little difficult to see, but the tile in the entry was very dated. We replaced it with a neutral tile in a mixture of sizes in a random pattern.
The biggest changes were to remove the wallpaper and the carpeting. Hardwood floors were underneath, but unfortunately we still had to replace them because there was so much pet damage that had seeped through the carpet over the years. The wallpaper was replaced with a soft neutral beige paint and a large area rug was used on the hardwood floors.
Here are some other images of the room:
I absolutely loved the mirrored tray on the coffee table. It reflects so much light and adds just a little bit of “bling”.
Oh, and when you see my living room pictures, yes, that is my embroidered pillow. At the time we had not yet found something to work there and it needed a little extra something for the pictures.
This table is in the corner behind the couch. I struggled so much with this area because the budget was D-O-N-E. One day when I was there working on stuff I went and “shopped” her basement. Wouldn’t you know this table was buried under a bunch of stuff not being used. She as so please for it to find a place in the room.
I will continue to share additional rooms from this completed house, so come on back!
If you would like to learn any more information about how I started my business, you can read about it here.
I will be sharing this project at the parties on my Party Tab and at the Thrifty Decor Chick. Come on by!
Thanks so much for visiting and have a great day!
Laura
You really put a breath of fresh air into that space. Gorgeous!
Huge difference! I bet they love it. It feels so fresh, clean and airy. Nice work.:)
This turned out Fabulous!! I bet your client is so pleased, what a difference!
I started a small interior decorating business a few months ago so will be checking out your blog for tips! Or if you have any advice for me, please feel free to send me an email, would love to hear from an experienced interior decorator!
What a beautiful, calming room. You really transformed it into a fresh space! Great job!
I LOVE IT… as im redecorating my living room, that is so inspirational- LOVE the curtains, where did you get those-IM looking for some just like that..
a new follower cant wait to see more of your work..
Karryann
Wow! I love the prints and the drapes are such a wonderful change to the room. You made it look 100x more bright and airy in there! And, how could that table be hidden?? It's beautiful! So glad you could find a place to showcase it!
This is gorgeous. Sophisticated yet comfortable. A little more formal than my own style though I love rooms like this.
Kristine
Beautiful job! I'm sure your client was really pleased … especially if the whole house received a facelift the likes of this one room!
Great job! It looks beautiful! I found you through the Shabby Nest. Hope you have a great weekend!
Can you share the paint color on these walls? Love the room and what you have done with it!
OH- I love this room and would love to feature it if you are interested. (let me know) you could do a special guest post and maybe get some more business??
But I also must know where you found the sofa, forgive me if you mentioned it I didn't see the info. Please!
Beautiful Redesign! I am a fellow decorator and am now your newest follower. Hop you stop by and visit me sometime:)
It looks great! Amazing job!
http://www.pathb4me.blogspot.com
It looks great! What an amazing job:)
Coming to you via TT & J. Great transformation. Light and airy feel.
What a transformation! I looks so serene and beautiful… definately a place you could sit down and relax. Great work.
Humble Homemaking
p.s. I have a weekend party going on right now so feel free to hook up if you would like to.
laura, The room turned out beautiful! I love the color of the drapes and pillows. Great job.
Hugs,
Sherry
i love it!!! every darn inch is great!!!
Beautiful room makeover. The colors are fabulous. I love the feel of this room!
The room turned out fabulous. The colors are so calm and soothing. It's a nice place to relax or chat with friends. Dropping by from Met Monday. When you have a few minutes, I'd love for you to come see my recovered chairs.
Allison
Atticmag
Oh I love the new changes, now it's so clear, fresh and lighted, it makes it a very relaxing atmosphere, to sit there, caddle up and read a good book. Fantastic job, your clients must be sooo very happy to have chosen you for the re-decorating.
FABBY
Not sure how I missed this but this is GORGEOUS!! You did an amazing job on this makeover. I love the colors and the art work and the little details are perfect!! She must be so thrilled!
The room is absolutely beautiful! I think the most telling thing was when you said, “Where she was living was not matching who she was.” That is the key, isn’t it? The space should reflect the individual – not just their personal taste in style or color, but “who they are.” Finding that in each client, and bringing it to their space, has to be just about your biggest challenge.
Visiting from Better After…this space looks GREAT!!! I love the wall color & furniture & accessories!
I love how you updated the client’s home while still working with the client’s taste and style. The little round table was such a find in her own home. I wish I had one, like that, hiding somewhere.
Thanks for sharing.
This room is beautiful. Can you share the wall color? Thanks!
LOVE this transformation! The colours are beautiful and your layout really changes the feeling of the room. Great job! I can’t wait to see the rest of the house transform. I’m in the process of redesigning our 1981 split-level house. It’s really fun to see the potential become realized.
I just recently found your blog & am inspired. I am redoing our home (to some degree) & saw the artwork you used in Linda’s family room (hallway & above couch). It is so peaceful. They would look beautiful in our home as well. If you can give me an idea where I might find these canvases, I would appreciate it. Thanks again….Jenny
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