From the first time we viewed this home (see the “before” image below), I knew I wanted to do a tone on tone look for this room. I agonized over the paint color (why do I always do that?).
In the end, it was so worth it because I absolutely love our living room and our family enjoys it every day—from reading books by the fireplace to listening to our favorite records and doing puzzles.
I struggled with our living space’s open floor plan and sought out solutions to make each space feel distinct and individual. In addition to adding arched openings, we did a floor-to-ceiling mid-tone green in the living room to give the space its own personality.
Related posts: How to Draw a Floor Plan, How to Hang Curtains, Entryway Decor and Wallpapered Ceiling, Library Dining Room.
This space is one of the biggest transformations I have ever been a part of. Please feel free to audibly gasp when you see the before photo below.
If you look closely, you will spot dozens of small changes, but at a glance it appears that the glow-up is 90% “the power of paint.”
Here’s a quick overview of the remodels we did: Replaced tile floors for hardwoods, rebuilt the fireplace from scratch, reconfigured lighting (and added a chandelier), and moved the air vent to make room for our giant wall of built-ins.
Green Built-in Shelves:
The green built-in shelves add storage and do so much for the room, visually. We store a large percentage of our children’s toys in the cabinets as well as our record collection.
I opted for shelves that are not adjustable, so I spent a lot of time thinking about how we would use them and made sure they were big enough to display our largest art, records, books and decor.
This was my first experience with custom cabinetry and it was worth the extra money and effort to me. I love how they reach the ceiling and look like they were always a part of the home.
Custom Tiled Fireplace:
We designed our fireplace from scratch after the original fireplace got (accidentally) destroyed during floor renovation. I took the opportunity to dive DEEP into Pinterest for a style that matched our home and felt classic and traditional.
The elements of the fireplace I love most as the addition of the bench to the front (or as my 4-year-old calls it “the stage,” haha) as well as the herringbone brick firebox. This is a working gas fireplace that you can turn on with a remote control.
I first chose the subway tile from Fireclay Tile in the color “Rosemary.” Next, I found a paint color (Rosemary Sage by HGTV Sherwin Williams) that matched the tile as closely as I could find. I am really happy with the match, and most of all, how it all feels very intentional and cohesive.
Shop My Living Room (Splurge + Save)
Sources: Pink Velvet Sofa / Maze Rug / Similar Coffee Table / Boucle Chairs / Chandelier / Tile / Rattan Sconces
Budget Sources: Pink Velvet Sofa / Maze Rug / Coffee Table / Boucle Chairs / Chandelier / Rattan Sconces
