You’ve already seen the first major change in the living room (spoiler: look up!), but that’s just the beginning. When we first moved in to our Modern Colonial home 4(!) years ago, I kept almost everything from our last home’s living room and just rearranged it. I’m all about shopping your own home! Luckily, the style transcended well into this home, but I always knew whenever we actually renovated our living room–I’d get something specific in size and style for this home. And now, with the rest of the renovation, it feels like a fresh start is in order. It’s finally time to design the room as if I’m putting my spin on the space for the very first time–beyond painting, which is the only thing we ever did to our living room since moving in (true testimony to the power of paint!).
I usually share a mood board FIRST, but this renovation has definitely been a little backwards. First, Chris and I knew we wanted to add skylights and beams and trim to the walls so we spent many weeks finalizing all of those things and then I finally sat down and figured out everything else.
So at last!!! Here’s where I landed for my living room mood board!
1. Wall Mirror | 2. Picture Light | 3. London Stone by Farrow & Ball | 4. Géométrique – Noir 12-Piece Collection | 5. Swing Arm Sconce | 6. Roll Arm Sofa in “Pinstripe – Sand” | 7. Double Arm Sconce | 8. Jules Ocean/Spice Rug | 9. Granite Drink Table | 10. Coffee Table | 11. Gingham Ottoman | 12. Fringed Swivel Chairs
Furniture & Fixtures: New Additions and Bold Choices
First order of business? We’re bringing in all new furniture! I found these incredible pinstriped, rolled-arm sofas that perfectly blend modern and traditional aesthetics. (I knew I wanted a patterned sofa and even considered this bold one–but I wanted to go for longevity here and decided to scale back to a simple tan stripe). The classic arms and legs, combined with the clean lines of the back and cushions, create a fresh yet timeless look. Even the slightly lower back of the sofa feels intentional. The specific fabric I chose was the Perennials Performance Stripes in Sand with “Earth/Natural Brass” Legs and casters. I didn’t do a seat test ahead of time (we don’t have a Serena & Lily close), and some of your are going to be shocked about that. When choosing sofas, I always pay close attention to the seat height and depth—and since it’s from a reputable brand like Serena & Lily, I felt confident in my choice. There will be two facing each other.
To add a moody element, I found these amazing smoky navy swivel chairs with mushroom fringe. I think within the first four minutes I saw them, I was already checking out with them in my cart. I’m so excited about them that I’m considering placing these in front of the fireplace so they’re more prominently featured than our previous side chairs. When choosing furniture to bring together in one room, since our sofas are leggy, I knew I wanted a more skirted chair that didn’t show legs and these checked all the boxes.
Fireplace Details & Lighting
Speaking of the fireplace, the trim on our current fireplace inspired the trim in the entire room. I’ve gotten many questions on whether we will be extending our fireplace or changing the mantel and the answer is no. I’ve actually grown so fond of its charm. The exposed brick fits our home so well and the trim work–all the way up to the crown at the top I actually used as a jumping off point for the rest of the room, instead of seeing it as needing overhauled at all. We’re replacing our large gold mirror with an antique tiled mirror that will be more elegantly framed – that project is in the works!
I also picked out a new wood coffee table that’s more traditional-looking than our last one (and hopefully less heavy!). While this one has drawers, it doesn’t have a shelf at the bottom. That’s detail I hadn’t realized I wanted before I lived with it for awhile: the ability to see the floor through the coffee table! I think that will help the whole room feel lighter.
We’re adding lots of wall sconces, including some hardwired ones on the fireplace itself. I’m excited to mix finishes, specifically bringing in bronze picture lights. While I typically gravitate towards gold for picture lights, I felt that bronze would add an edgier touch to this room. You’ll also see some brass mixed in, and the chandelier that we’re keeping has striking black arms, which makes for a fun mix of metallics.
Trim Work Progress
The trim work is officially underway this week! Our lead contractor Micah just updated me that the trim guys are fabricating the panels in their shop and plan to begin installation today or tomorrow. I can’t wait to see it! We chose a pretty intricate design for the living room, making it the most in-depth trim project compared to our simpler bedroom trim. The new primary bathroom walls will be in-between on the trim complexity scale.
Looking back to the plans we had for this room two years ago, it’s incredible to get to check most of these off my list!
Tell Us About the Paint!
I was back and forth for awhile on whether or not to switch the paint color from Farrow & Ball Pigeon (what we painted the room 4 years ago) to something else. I LOVE Pigeon, but it kind of felt like going to the same hairdresser for 4 years and then going through a huge life change (renovation) and choosing the same hair style (paint color). It didn’t sit well with me. It’s time for a big change and I already have plans to use Pigeon in our home elsewhere. In the new living room, I wondered if there was something else that would make the room really sing. After a bit of back-and-forth (and a momentary flirtation with Mouse’s Back, which is the cutest name, no?!), I’ve settled on Farrow & Ball London Stone.
You know I’m usually all about those deep, saturated hues, so choosing a warm, mid-brown neutral like this is actually out of my comfort zone. I think I have a slight fear of the room having too much sameness. But stepping back and looking at the whole plan for the first floor, especially with the moody dining room and bedroom sandwiching this space, I know it’s the right direction. Plus, it’s just paint, right? We can always change it if I don’t absolutely love it!
For the finish, I initially considered Modern Emulsion (7% sheen), but my contractor suggested a little more sheen to really make the new trim work pop. So, we’re going with Estate Eggshell (20% sheen) on all the walls, similar to the finish on our kitchen cabinets.
I think the crew will get to painting in a couple of weeks…and now I’m off to pick a paint color for the primary bathroom!
I can’t wait to see the finished rooms. I love your decorating ideas.
I seem to remember a post from clj years and years ago where you DIY-ed those Géométrique pieces, no?!
Are you going to paint the ceiling as well?
yes!!
I’m looking forward to seeing how the room changes from daylight to lamp o’clock, with all of the new furnishings, paint, and skylights!
Are you changing out your chandelier?
No that will stay the same