So waaaaay back in March, I told you about a design client who I’ve been working with to give her living room an overhaul. If you haven’t seen it or don’t remember it, please click here to see the background and my design moodboard that I created for her at the time.
The good news is that there’s been some progress and I went for a visit yesterday to have a look and see how things were getting along.
Well, there have been pretty dramatic changes since I was last there and the room is really taking shape. There is still much work to be done of course in terms of kitting out the room with furniture and accessories but the room itself has undergone some pretty intensive DIY and I love how well it’s coming out.
Before getting to the good stuff, I want to show you a couple of the before pictures.
The room had become a bit of a dumping ground and hadn’t been touched since they’d moved in. My client wanted a ‘grown up’ space that was primarily used in the evenings after the kids had gone to bed that was “dramatic, theatrical and cosy” (her own words). A far cry from the dated magnolia and red colour scheme she had currently.
The fireplace and storage units were top priority aside from the walls and carpet – they had to go along with all the clutter.
So… what’s been done? Well, the entire room has been cleared, the walls stripped, plastered and painted; new sisal carpeting has been put down (originally we were going to go with wood floors in here but she was afraid bare floors might be too cold); the fireplace has been installed and new built in cupboards have been created in each alcove. I think you’ll agree even with the old furniture still there, the room already looks dramatically different.
(For those wondering, that beautiful paint colour is Dulux Hawaiian Blue 1.)
I’m so pleased with the progress. I mean, this is real life here with real budgets. And my client, like so many of us, doesn’t have an endless supply of cash to make huge changes in a very short time period. So it’s going to take time! But they’ve done a great job so far and now that the “big” work has been mostly done, what’s next?
Well, wallpaper will be added to the alcoves and floating shelves installed. Replacing the sofas and chairs are the next big purchases along with the lighting. The pink chairs in my original brief didn’t go over so well with her other half (why do men have to have opinions? lol) so we’re looking at some alternatives. After that, the area rug and console table for the far wall and finally art and accessories will come last. Still loads to do!
But what do you think about the changes so far? Isn’t it amazing what a bit of DIY and paint will do for a room?
WOW. That blue is beautiful.
It really is such a gorgeous colour! The room is just so cosy now, like a little jewel :) xx
Wow. The blue paint is GORGEOUS. The built-ins look great. The drapes in the window nook now look so luxe too. On track for a beautiful room!
Isn't it funny how much better those drapes look? We are looking to go with shutters in here but until the money can be scraped together for those, the curtains will certainly do :) xxx
This looks stunning.<br />We're learning first hand just how much of a difference a bit of smooth plaster and some paint can make – unfortunately like your client, it's all time consuming and money is a factor.<br />I hope you'll show us how the room is finished! x
It really does eat so much into your budget but yes, definitely worth the effort putting into it! Absolutely plan on doing so :) xxx
What a transformation! Amazing what some paint and new carpeting can do to the look of a room. I do agree that wooden flooring would have probably turned out even nicer though. Would have gone well with the colour of the walls! And don't think I didn't see the comment about men and opinions… :)
Hahaha! I don't mind when men have opinions as long as they are of the same opinion as ME!! (joke!!) (mostly! lol)<br /><br />Yes, I would have preferred the wood floors as well but sometimes with design clients, it's about compromising and finding something that keeps everyone happy – and so the sisal it is! It does look very nice in person :)<br /><br /> xx
Such a change! From depressing to stunning, that new fireplace and mantel and the built ins, wow. I think the sisal is ok, but I personally am not so into area rug on carpet. Cake on cake so to speak (swedish expression). Very nice to paint the radiators, such features this room has now. I think pink would have been lovely, will be interesting to see what other drama you have in store for this
"Cake on cake" sounds yummy to me! LOL! No, I know what you mean – I would have preferred the wood flooring as well but some things you just have to compromise on and to be fair, it does look nice in person :) We are still working on him about the pink chairs but we'll have to see if he bends or not – keep your fingers crossed xx
Oh! The room before was nearly making me cry. I'm not joking. <br />They must be so much happier! The colour of the drapes is near perfect for the paint colour, eh? Score. Already your 'Swoon Magic' is making that room sing! Yay!
The curtains were a very happy accident! But yes, thankfully, they totally work :D xxx
It looks gorgeous – what a transformation already! Love that colour, and the carpet is great too. Funny how the old curtains now look new and dramatic when paired with that bold colour!<br />Excited to see what comes next!<br />Maria x
Oh Kimberly, you must be tired of the endless fangirling at this point. That room – even in it's current unfinished state – is a fucking revelation. That wall colour is just YES. It's such a beautiful jewel tone and is so yummy. I can't wait to see the room progress. And I love how it's all being done in real time – too many people see rooms transformed in under a week and that&#
Haha!! Don't worry, my ego is totally in check!! LOL! But thank you – yes, the room colour is just SO good. It's so true, this is a real person with a real budget and these things take TIME but it's so nice to see how paint & diy can really transform a space, eh? :) xxx
Wow! I need your help to make me braver! Amazing what your guidance has achieved so far! So much nicer to see a real family home looking stylish rather than just kitted out from a Next catalogue!
Thanks so much Anonymous! And agree, nothing ends up looking more dated and bland than when you buy everything from the same shop & at the same time lol xxx
Ah, beautiful transformation, even if it's not finished yet. It's great to see a real life project slowly come to life rather than somebody ripping everything out, spending tons of money and – as if by magic – presenting the results two weeks later. This is in a way far more interesting and it's nice to be able to see 'the journey'. Looking forward to the completely finished
Thanks darling! Yep, this is a REAL person with a REAL budget. It's gonna take some time but I think so far, the progress has been great :) I'm looking forward to it as well ;) xxx
Amazebobs… it's looking fantastic! That colour, wow – not a shade I would ever have thought of, but it is stunning and I'm sat here in my beige front room stroking my chin and thinking hmmm……! Xx
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It looks incredible – that colour is stunning! xxx
Kimberly, I also meant to ask did they use the same paint on the radiator, fireplace and cupboards as on the walls, ie emulsion – or was it an oil based paint in the same colour? Thanks!
I'm bowing to you. It's just that good. Xo
Love this! Congratulation on being shortlisted for an Amara Interior Blog Award!