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Apr 12

Our Living Room: The Before

living room before_1

Somehow we are already in week two of the One Room Challenge, and while things are moving along over here, I have a feeling that week six will be here well before I’m totally ready. Next week I’m going to be sharing all of our plans (complete with legitimate floor plans), but I thought that it might be helpful to show you where we began. 

living room before_3

Admittedly, our living room isn’t the worst by any stretch of the imagination. We have furniture that’s more or less the proper scale, cute toss cushions, and pretty art. But the reality is that I have design ADD. With the exception of our living room rug (which we picked up at Elte for a steal shortly after we moved in), everything else has lived with us since our condo dwelling days (you can see that home tour here, if interested). It worked perfectly in our old space, but it feels lackluster and frumpy in our new home, and I’m simply ready for a change. 

living room before_4

The clunky sofa and arm chair are both pieces that have paid their dues. The couch was actually a craigslist find when I moved into my first condo in my early twenties. It has done me well, and while I’ll be sad to see it go (I’m a bit of a sentimental nut), it has seen better days. Plus, we’re a lounging family and while sectionals aren’t always the cutest, I’m making it my mission to find one that still feels elegant and pulled together. 

living room before_7

The coffee table is another piece that I feel torn about. It was such a unique find back in the day, and I love that Justin and his dad painstakingly refinished it themselves. It was actually the first piece that we purchased together after deciding to “shack up” (my 95 year old grandfather’s exact words.) which gives it some sentimental value. Unfortunately, I may have a cold black heart because it’s just not enough to convince me it should stay. I’ve grown tired of the rustic vibe – it looked great in our condo, but feels out of place in our Victorian home. I’ve selected the most beautiful new coffee table that perfectly bridges that gap between modern and traditional. I’m secretly excited for the change.

living room before_5

If you follow me on instagram, you may remember when I hung some art (here). I knew, even then, that this wasn’t going to be its forever home, but am still amazed at how quickly it warmed up our space. I actually adore each one of these prints, but they’re just not quite right for the vibe we’re after. Not to worry though I’ve already found them a new home – they’re currently sitting pretty in our main floor hallway, and have transformed that space just like they did here. This is essentially the first view you see when you walk into our living room, and I have big plans for this very spot so that it really and truly shines. 

living room before_6

With all that in mind, I thought it’d be fun to put together a little graphic so you can see what’s staying (um, basically nothing), and what’s to come. 
living room before_4_notes living room before_3_notes

Next week: our design plans *insert dancing twins emoji*. And in case you missed it, I share all of the inspiration for our new design here

A LIST OF ALL THE ORC PARTICIPANTS – I’M IN VERY GOOD COMPANY:

Centsational Girl | Chris Loves Julia | Christine Dovey | Dwell With Dignity | The English Room

Glitter Guide | House of Brinson | House Updated  | J+J Design Group | Lark & Linen | Abby Manchesky

Nesting Place | Old Brand New | Old Home Love | The Pink Pagoda | Rambling Renovators

Erica Reitman | Sketch 42 | Suburban B’s | Erin Williamson Media Partner House Beautiful | TM by CIH

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  1. Your living room is so bright and inviting! Glad you’re keeping the rug. It looks really cozy and plush. Keeping us in suspense about your furniture choices, eh?!

  2. this is already not so bad, so i can’t wait to see it become amazing! love the rug so i am glad it is staying!

  3. Jen says:

    Isn’t it funny how pieces you loved in an old home just don’t work in the new one? I’m having the same dilemma. Looking forward to seeing your changes, though maybe you could reuse the coffee table in another space? Such a sweet story behind it.

    • We actually couldn’t bear to completely part with it. We ended up giving it to Justin’s parents so that it stays in the family. They’re thrilled and it looks great in their more rustic home :)

  4. natalie says:

    can’t wait to see what you come up with! these challenges are my favorite!! I’m sure yours will be amazing :)

  5. Lynne says:

    It will look fab! Can’t wait to see the progress :)

  6. Great starting point and can’t wait to see all your updates!

  7. Karen Smith says:

    Oh man I totally feel you. Design ADD is real. The current coffee table is unique, but I get it, when you’re over it there is no looking back. I’m super excited to see what you have picked out :)

  8. Holly says:

    Loving all of your plans! It is going to look great. So glad I am following along!

  9. Anna Roszak-Robinson says:

    Very nice and cute doggie. My dog looks just like yours

  10. looks awesome…… ! i love reading your articles a lot

  11. nikki says:

    Its going to look amazing, cant wait to see the reveal!

    http://www.shopthecoconutroom.com

  12. Can’t wait to see the plan! It will be fab.

  13. Looks like you are on your way! Let us know if you need help with the window treatments!
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/recreateyour?ref=hdr_shop_menu

  14. Cathy says:

    You might be interested to know that it was that coffee table that first drew me to follow you! I think I saw it when you were featured in a national magazine. However, I totally support your moving on – as if you need my approval!

    • Ah, I’m just seeing your comment now! That’s too funny and means so much. You’ll be happy to know that we ended up giving the table to Justin’s parents. It’ll stay in the family (and looks MUCH better in their more rustic home :)

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