Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Showing My Progress


Thanks to Amanda at Serenity Now for hosting a really cool party today!  "Show Me the Progress" allows us to show an area of our homes we're working on and what we've accomplished so far.  Plus it's an opportunity to get input from some very talented ladies--for free!

I'll be honest, I'm a little timid to do this--but don't let that you hold back from commenting!  I've posted pics before and gotten zero comments, which made me think my taste and/or abilities were lacking (which may be true, but come on, at least say "interesting idea" or something!).   Okay, got my big girl panties on now, so here goes...

This is my monster of a living room.  It's about 25x25 and has no unbroken walls--windows, doors, fireplaces, aarrgghh!  Where do you put the furniture?  Especially when dear husband insists on this huge TV!  But I guess he does live here, too, and he asks so little--I'll give in.  These are the befores:



And here are the pictures of what I've done so far:

I'm looking for another cabinet for the TV or maybe hang it over the mantle?



This is NOT how this corner is going to stay!  I put what I had there to get a feel for what I have in mind.  I was thinking a hutch or cabinet of some sort where the bookcase is and a leather chair and ottoman in the corner.  Maybe a ficus tree behind?  (What's back there now are speakers for the surround sound.  Darrell's waiting for me to leave the furniture in one spot long enough for him to set it up again.)
Then a friend gave--yes, gave, as in free--me this last night.  It needs some work, but still--it was free!  So now, I'm thinking of putting it in the space where the bookcase is with shelves above. 
 Whatcha think?

20 comments:

Connie said...

You have been busy. I love the changes you have made so far. I know about enormous tv's, and of course EVERY seat must have a view of it. I like the change in the window coverings, it really lightens up the room. Great Job. Everything looks lovely.

Lauren said...

I like the new coffee table. You should include a pic of the fireplace and mantle redo.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

I love the moving furniture and making little 'islands,' sort of. As opposed to how everyone used to just put everything along the walls.

And my Dear, don't you ever worry about "what will readers think?" Oh sure, I don't show broad views of my rooms, because I'm too chicken to do so. But I'm great at advising everyone else to not be that way. -giggles-

Our homes should feel/look good to us, is my motto. :-)

6L's said...

i love all the changes you've made! looks much more updated....beautiful work! :)

guess what!? i'm your new vt! :)

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Beverly!!! I think it looks great. :) The room really looks put together now...it looked a bit crowded and jumbled up before.

I can see a clear seating area now...it looks so cozy.

You must be so excited about your new furniture from your friend. That is awesome. :)

Thanks for linking up!

Connie said...

I didn't see the desk/sidetable/buffet? when I commemted before. Wow that has a lot of potential.

I just read your comment on Lauren's blog about thinking of giving up blogging. One word, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"! I won't let you. I always look forward to your posts. If nothing else keep blogging for me. (I'm greedy that way).


Love ya,
Connie

Jenn said...

I think it looks awesome! I love your house! :o)

Lauren said...

Cassidy and I were looking at your pics again. And we really want to come visit. :)

Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst said...

I like the L shaped layout you've got going on now. I'd fix up that free jewel you received, and put that under the TV. I think it would look fabulous!

Holly said...

I really like the new seating arrangement and the new coffee table! The mantel looks really nice now, but hanging the tv over it might be a good solution for that little "problem". They're doing that a lot these days. Then you wouldn't have two competing focus points (tv and fireplace).
I think your wonderful new buffet would look lovely in that corner!

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

Came over from Serenity Now & wanted to tell you how nice your updates look! The new seating arrangement seems so welcoming, and I really like the mantle display as well!
Blessings,
Stacey

Heather said...

WOW!! This looks like a COMPLETELY new room!! I absolutely adore everything you've done!

And wait... FREE?!?! Amazing!!

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards said...

I'm in awe that you have that big of a living room! Craziness! I woudn't know what to do with all that space. I think you did wonderfully! Much better than I would have. =)

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lori E said...

Of course I agree with all the rave reviews. You have really pulled it all together.
I know what you mean about the comments. Some days are very dry.

Sweet Tea said...

I LOVE the BIG space and you've done exactly what needs to be done, IMO, pulling your sitting area out from the wall...Aren't you the lucky one to be gifted with that piece of furniture. I love to refinish furniture - wish I lived close so I could help you with that project.

Come bhttp://lagirlsweetea.blogspot.com/2010/03/youre-invited-to-snoop-around.htmly and see my current project.

Mom in High Heels said...

Great job! My mom and stepdad have the same issue in their living room. Every wall has a door, window or fireplace. It drives my mom crazy.

elaine said...

I liked your living room before but it looks like a room in a decorating magazine now! The changes you have made are great! The buffet is beautiful, it is going to be a wonderful addition once you get it refinished. What a fun gift your friend gave you!

I've see those big tv's over mantles a lot lately. Might as well go with the flow, I think it would look good above the mantel.

Something about the seating area looks much better than before. You did a great job changing it up. I need to do some redecorating but don't feel ready to change things yet. You are inspiring me though, thanks!

Eric and Rozanne said...

I like what you've done! And, the comments that were mentioned are all good. It looks more cozy and inviting.

Sweet Tea said...

FYI - I posted the "Sour Cream Apple Squares" recipe today.
It was yummy!

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