Before & After: Transitional Living Room Makeover

I’m thrilled to share a recent transformation that truly highlights the power of thoughtful interior design. I had the pleasure of working with a wonderful couple who were ready to finally tackle a space that had been… well, let’s just say it hadn’t kept pace with the rest of their beautifully updated home.

Imagine walking into a beautifully updated kitchen and dining area, only to be greeted by a living room that felt like a blast from the past. That was the situation my clients were facing. Their living room, the first space you see upon entering their home, was anchored by a trusty (and I mean truly trusty at 15 years young!) couch. While comfortable, it definitely wasn’t showcasing their personal style or the fresh feel of the adjacent rooms.

Project Location

This home was located in Suffern, New York.

Client Wishlist

The room felt a bit heavy and lacked a cohesive vision. The color palette was muted, and the furniture arrangement didn’t quite maximize the potential of the space. One of the key points of discussion was the seating. The husband was keen on an L-shaped sectional to create a cozy and functional lounging area. However, the wife wasn’t entirely sold on the idea. It’s a common design challenge – balancing individual preferences to create a space that works for everyone.

The Vision

The Design Process

This is where collaboration and a little creative thinking came into play! While an L-shaped sofa can be fantastic for maximizing corner space and providing ample seating, it wasn’t the right fit for the wife’s aesthetic. We explored several options, and ultimately landed on a solution that satisfied both needs beautifully: a spacious four-seater sofa paired with a comfortable three-seater sofa. This arrangement provides plenty of seating for guests and chilling with the family, while also maintaining a more open and flexible layout.

Beyond the main sofas, we also incorporated two stylish accent chairs. For these, we chose a complementary fabric with a different texture and a beautiful pattern to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.

To further enhance the functionality and aesthetic of the living room, we designed a custom wooden bookcase. This piece not only provides ample storage for books and display items but also acts as a beautiful focal point. We worked closely with a local craftsman to select the perfect wood – a warm-toned oak – and a design that integrated seamlessly with the room’s style. The shelves were designed with varying heights to accommodate different sized items.

The transformation wouldn’t be complete without addressing the walls and windows. We moved away from the previous muted tones and selected a fresh, light neutral paint color that instantly brightened the entire room and created a more open feel. This new backdrop allowed the furniture and accessories to truly shine.

For the window treatments, we opted for light and airy linen panels in a complementary neutral shade. These allow plenty of natural light to filter through while still providing privacy. We chose a simple, elegant window shade that added a subtle decorative element without being too overpowering. The change in window treatments alone made a significant difference in the overall feel of the space.

A Dining Room Refresh: Bringing it All Together

Since the dining room was already updated but felt a little disconnected from the soon-to-be-revamped living room, we decided to make a few key changes to create a better flow between the two spaces. The clients expressed a desire for more storage and a piece that could serve as a beautiful focal point.

We introduced a stunning new breakfront to the dining room. We carefully selected a piece with clean lines and a finish that complemented the existing dining table and chairs. The breakfront not only provides ample storage for china, glassware, and linens but also offers a beautiful surface for displaying decorative items. The glass doors allow for a glimpse of the contents, adding visual interest.

To further enhance the functionality and style of the dining area, we also added a new buffet. This piece provides additional serving space during meals and extra storage for tableware. We chose a buffet with a similar finish and design aesthetic to the breakfront, ensuring a cohesive look within the dining room.

The After

The result is a harmonious flow between the living and dining areas, creating a welcoming and stylish environment throughout the main living spaces. It’s now a home they can be truly proud to welcome guests into.

This project is a wonderful reminder that even significant transformations can be achieved through thoughtful planning, compromise, and a focus on creating a space that truly reflects the homeowners’ needs and style.

What do you think of this before and after? Let me know in the comments below! And if your own living room is in need of a facelift, don’t hesitate to reach out – I’d love to help you create your dream space!