We finally got our living room to a point where it feels cozy and comfortable and like us. It didn't happen overnight. In fact, it took almost a year and a half so I thought it would be fun to share the different variations here, as well as where we are now!
Here's what our living room looked like when we moved in June 2019:
Fall/Winter 2019, we started renovations--Moving the fireplace to the other wall, making the screened in porch into an official part of our home and optimizing the view out of the arched window:
By Spring 2020, the major renovation was done, and the room felt like it was at a great starting point. Bare bones, very little furniture (we sold all of our furniture with our last home) but it felt exciting to have this new, usable space that already felt so much more like us.
As we got furniture, we tried a lot of different layouts:
I got a leather ottoman for our closet that we were working on, but stored it in the living room until it was done.
Next, we added art above the fireplace, and a different bench as an ottoman, but moved the leather chairs downstairs.
Then in late summer 2020, we tried a whole different layout and liked it quite a bit! It really opened the walkway to the dining room, but it closed off the path from the breakfast nook. It felt cozy, though. I also realized I really loved the blue couch in front of the window because the tone one tone was a lot easier on the eyes.
And that brings us to today. We went back to sofas facing each other, brought in a coffee table (at last!) and the leather chairs to really optimize the seating. We unrolled a new rug (the Lagoon/Brick from the Jules collection of our CLJxLoloi rug line!), added a cabinet and lamp and art in the corner and I realized right away--layered furnishings feel like home to me. Give me all the lamps and stacks of books and art and pillows and throws. I'm home!
I'm sure it will continue to evolve over time, but this is the first time I don't walk into our living room and immediately think something feels off. Home takes time and I'm so grateful for the time we've put into this room, both renovating it and making memories in it.
Sources:
Wall Color: Alabaster by Sherwin Williams
Trim Color: Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams
Floors: Ingrid by Stuga Studio
Window: Pella
Rug
Navy Sofa, Plaid Pillow, Pom Pom Pillow, Navy Throw Blanket
Linen Sofa, Light Throw Blanket, Dark Throw Blanket, Cream Pillow, Navy Pillow, Tan Pillow
Leather Chairs
Coffee Table, Round Woven Tray, Vase, Faux Fig Stems, Candle, Made for Living Book, Still Book, A Tale of Interiors Book
Woven Leather Ottomans, Plus Throw Blanket
Marble Side Table, Table Lamp, Candle
Double-Arm Floor Lamp
Shade Floor Lamp
Tree Art
Chest
Gold Lamp
Black Frame
Art
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Your windows make the place, gorgeous!
Hi, I have a corner in my living room where I want to put a comfy leather chair. I have had my eye on the one you have in your living room for so long. Can you tell me if it’s comfortable to sit in?
It's incredibly comfortable!!!
I LOVE seeing the evolution of this and the vision that you both had for this space when you bought the house. Even though the ceilings are super duper tall, this space feels so warm, cozy, and inviting. And the windows - OH. THOSE. WINDOWS. - they really are crowning jewel on this gorgeous space.
We've been in our new home for 3 years, and I literally JUST started liking our living room simply by moving around furniture! It's amazing what shifting a few things around does to the soul. ????
Thank for you continuing to inspire and I hope your family has a Happy Thanksgiving!
So inspirational! What an amazing before & after!
Such an amazing transformation! Out of curiosity, do you have a few floor outlets? I love the side lamps around the seating area.
We do!
Thank you for taking us along with the progress of your beautiful home! Never stop improving, I'm loving every step along the way.
I think this is one of my favorite posts I've seen on here (and I've been following for a good decade or so). I love that this doesn't just apply to decor but really anything that we try in life--it takes time and a lot of trial and error. Thank you for showing this; it's just what I needed to see at the end of 2020.
Your final layout is my favorite. The rug really ties everything together.
I love that this is both a post about working with what you have as well as being about finding the right pieces that tie a room together. You guys are the king and queen on shopping your house.
My tendency is to think I have to get everything just right the first time when in reality, living in space and making changes as you is the best way to find out what really works.
Julia, this is my favorite layout so far. All of the layering is definitely giving off cottage vibes. The Amber Lewis coffee table looks better in this layout as well. I love how you're repeating design elements throughout the house; i.e. the fluted pattern on the chest (which is currently on sale at $500 off!) that's also on the entry console and your new bathroom vanities. Can you tell us about the bronze bells on top of the chest? Are those an antique find or can you link them?
I love where you’ve ended up for now. I think the pillows, blankets and accessories go such a long way to making it feel cozy and lived in.
So beautiful. I love it
I love seeing the progression photos. There's much to learn, most importantly to keep trying! Thank you for taking us along for the ride (and regularly documenting the space - another lesson)!
Congrats Julia and Chris,
Beautiful cozy and comfy room, just seeing it, I want to curl up on your couch and read. Navy couch ?? Love what you’ve done, from what I saw of your dining room it’s fantastic. I love that you’re taking time to choose pieces that make your home YOU!
I love seeing the evolution of the space. Curious what chairs are in the basement since the leather ones are upstairs again. Love the artwork above the fireplace! Eager to see the space with the tree up for the holidays!! :)
We have our knock off eames down there and it’s so cozy!
Unreal. One of my favorite before and afters of your home. Such vision!