Remember when our contractors were here last Fall fixing this bathroom? And I mentioned their rockstar painter was able to whip out two rooms for us while they were here? And then six months later I showed you the results of one of those rooms…the Kitchen Update? Well since it’s been nine months, I figured I’d show you the other room. Pretty timely around here with the posts, huh?
I know we’re in the middle of the Living Room and Breakfast Room makeovers, but some of you are reeeally observant, and have noticed in some of my posts that the Den (or Family Room, whichever you like to call it), is a different color. And since we’ve got a few unexpected changes in the mix for this room, I figured I’d better get you up-to-date. (So relieved, right? Now you can sleep easy.) Everyone knows you can’t show Afters without Befores….so here’s the Den….Before….
No, you don’t need to adjust your screen, the walls really are that orange. And no, this isn’t the previous owner’s doing. I chose it. In 2005 on crack. This is our main family hang space (i.e. the TV is in here), and I wanted it to feel cozy….hence the terracotta shade (Sherwin Williams ‘Spicy Hue.’) We loved it for awhile, then I started thinking it gave everyone the glow of jaundice (not a good look if you’re wondering). Not to mention the room was so dark we couldn’t even read with all the lamps on.
The gallery wall started as a square above the couch, but gradually grew to cover the full wall. It was fun to look at, and guests always loved checking it out, but it started to feel like a family shrine. And the black frames weren’t helping with the darkness problem.
Adding lighter furniture, white throws and slipcovers helped, but I was just over the wall color. And over that dumbass country-cute shelf above the windows. That was not my doing!
If you’ve been around here for awhile, you probably recognize some of these pieces, as they’ve since moved to other rooms.
And while I still think the gallery wall is cool, I’m over it, too. Anyone need 52 black frames?
You think I’m colorful now? Check out the palette I had going….remember when the Kitchen was muddy green?
I like how the Den is a cozy and dark juxtaposition to the light and airy adjacent Living Room, but it was time for something more neutral. The bare wall mark in the left corner is where Mr. Sugarplum got sick of the dumbass country-cute corner shelf, and tore it down. Recognize the mantle mirror and sconces? They live in the Pool Bathroom now.
And this sweet pass-thru with the oh-so-useful wet bar….
You may remember the contractors ripped it out, too. (It was a busy four days!)
I can’t leave you with a demo image…so we’ll go back to the beginning.
And there’s our Den….before it’s paint makeover last Fall. That I’ll show you this Summer Monday. You probably have a pretty good idea based on the sample swatches on every wall. Until then, happy weekend, lovebugs!
I had an orange wall too…on purpose. We all make mistakes! Here's links to my recent before's & after: http://coastalpines.blogspot.com/2012/07/its-coming.html
http://coastalpines.blogspot.com/2012/07/its-coming.html
Not trying to advertise…just commiserating! Can't wait to see the reveal 🙂
Isn't it amazing how your tastes and style can change in a relatively short span of time? We've been in our house 5 years and I've got a repainting and furniture refinishing list a mile long!
I can see the potential and can't wait to see the finished project! You could always spray paint the frames. 🙂
Cannot wait till you post on Monday! Love that you were brave enough to try a bright orange. Excited to see what your gallery wall turns in to next!
I have that exact TV cabinet from Pier 1 and am in a big debate with myself right now what to do with it. We bought it originally for the living room but it never fit right, so now it's in the kitchen holding odds and ends, but it doesn't work in there either. I love it but it's huge! Do you still have it?
Ooh, can't wait to see! Happy Friday!!
Love a good cliff hanger! Can't wait to come back on Monday to see the big reveal! I loved the gallery wall, by the way. Have a great weekend!
Oh I'm excited for Monday!!!!
Well, I like the before photos, so the afters must be awesome! Can't wait.
Doh! You can't leave me hanging like this! Ahh! Can't wait till Monday! Happy Weekend!!!
Oh my, you've worked so hard on your living room, I can't imagine having a whole other living area to decorate! But, I know you're up for the challenge and can't wait to see the progress!
I tried orange once and it was a disaster! Can't wait to see what you've done!
I can't wait to see how you change this room!
It's so funny how our tastes change with time or how we think we like something until we have to live with it. I've done that a lot with picking out colors and decor for our house!
Oh I remember the days when it was the in thing to paint every room a different color, and bright or jeweled toned I might add! I am loving our neutral walls!! And, don't EVEN get me started on the ugly wallpaper of the 90s!!!
I love the sailboat and the gallery wall. Can't wait to see your final wall color.
Hannah from I am a lifestyle blog
So looking forward to the After photos!!! Always fun and refreshing whenever changes are made!
I can't wait to see the new color! I think everyone has a "what-the-H-was-I-thinking" paint color in their past…mine was peach. I still shudder when I think about it.
Looking forward to seeing the after pics, but I love that gallery wall! Still going to buiild one in my hallway
Paint is another gift God gives women because he knows we are constantly changing our mind!!! There are so many gorgeous paint colors out there – can't wait to see what color you paint your family room.
One time I did a purplepalooza and in '05 my ATL bungalow was sporting country French red and yellow. Feel better? 😉 xoxo
Don't you know I'm looking at all the pictures and frustrated because I can't see them all?!?!?! 🙂
Changes are always good. So fresh and lovely.