Before & After: Client's Neutral Living Room

{The one-day deer head...  I'll explain later}

My client Diem & her husband Joe (and their two adorable boys- Charley (3) and baby Harry) were looking to make a few changes in their living room.  They wanted something a bit more sophisticated & grown up, yet still comfortable and kid-friendly.   It's the living room and they have an informal family room off of the kitchen so they were looking for something a bit more formal than what they have in there.  Diem's love of neutrals inspired the design which is a mix of shades of gray and pale yellow-creams.  (Diem & Joe wanted to keep the wall color.)When I first visited, it looked like this:



We're still not completely finished yet, but here's how it looks now:

{That's Charley on the sofa!}

Here's a close-up of some of the fabrics on the velvet sofa:



Here's a close-up of the chairs & colorblocked linen pillows I had done by Paul David Designs:


When we were setting up the living room, Diem told Charley (3) that the figurines below were Indian.  He listened carefully and then proceeded to call them "Aliens" for the rest of the day.  I love 3-year olds.


And here's Mr.Charley himself sinking into one of the new chairs:


{i can't handle him...  he's such a good little guy!!}

We started the process of styling Diem's cabinet using her brother-in-law Derek Larsen's pottery:

{Diem's got a shopping list now for those 2 bottoms shelves!}
Derek will be busy ;)

Here's another view of the room before:


And here it is now:




I had a really tough time shooting because of the light, but you get the idea.  (Straight into the sun)

...And now let's talk about the deer...  the "one day" deer...

I just got word from Diem that Joe came home and hates the deer so he has to go.    He's calling him "RoboDeer" which is actually pretty hysterical. 

{At least we got RoboDeer's pic!}



xoxo, Lauren

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

69 comments:

hello gorgeous said...

Great job! I, of course, love the deerhead.

What's that Ikaty gray and white pillow fabric on the sofa?

Laurel-Dawn McBurney said...

Great job! This transformation is fantastic! I really love the two chairs-- the fabric is gorgeous! I also love what you have done to the fireplace... flanking it with floor lamps really gives it more prominence!

abodelove.blogspot.com

Danielle Sigwalt Interiors said...

Heehee...that was so funny, I could totally see a guy walking into a room and commenting on that deer and then give it a name to make it look even more foolish. RoboDeer..hahaha! Everything is looking gorgeous so far, but no surprise. And Charley is sooo cute!!! The chairs and floor lamps are stunning and really make the room! Happy Wednesday! xx Danielle

Acquired Objects said...

Sorry I have to say I'm with Joe, robodeer must go! Where did you find that fabulous ikat gray pillow on the sofa? Love it! You did a wonderful job so far updating their living room and making it more grown up.Fun watching a room come to life!

Libby said...

Love the transformation thus far. Where did you get the metal round table between the two chairs, if you don't mind me asking. Thanks! Libby

Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} said...

I'm totally bummed, I *love* robodeer! The room looks awesome (c;

http://loveallthingsbrightandbeautiful.blogspot.com

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

Love the changes...I want this room already!

AntiqueChase said...

Gorgeous... and I'm okay with the deer leaving... bye bye Bambi!

Unknown said...

I love the room.. and the deer! Tell them they can send it off to me! :)

The House Creative said...

Love it.. I need to know what color is on the wall though! I love that paint color. :-)

Lisa said...

Very pretty. I love all the neutrals. I am a neutral girl through and through. Its too bad about robo-deer because I think he's pretty cool. But he seems a bit small for that space anyway. Maybe he could find a place that's less conspicuous and they could get something more grand for over the mantel?

Here On Crow Creek said...

Very very pretty! I happened to like "robodeer" myself:) Great conversation peice. Its shiny and well I just think hes cool.

diane@onlinefabricstore said...

I love the way you placed the two lamps on either side of the fireplace...very unique. And I also love all the fabrics you chose. I think all it needs is an abstract canvas hung above the fireplace as all those items are too small. I did like the deer, just felt he was too small but maybe one of the boys can use it in their room. Great job!

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

Love the room, especially the fabric on the chairs and pillows -- proof that custom pillows need to be put into the budget -- they are critical to a finished look. Gorgeous! Will they be doing window treatments? I'd love to see what those will look like. Really, really nice, Lauren...

Jen said...

It's so very pretty. I love the calm feeling, and fun fabrics you used!

Yolanda @ Miss Refashionista said...

I'm totally smitten with the gray IKAT fabric. Where do I find that?????????????????????????????

Jen Biasi said...

Incredible transformation. You have such talent...
(Hmm, Robodeer and the Aliens. Sounds like the name of a band.)

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

Lauren,- This room looks great! I really like how the two chair-and-couch combo works over the precious arrangement.

More formal, but as that cute little guy on one of the gorgeous chairs surely attests to, still nice and comfy!

Loretta

Unknown said...

RoboDeer! Love it. Luckily, you can find something else that will be beautiful as well. The chairs add such style to the space, and a velvet sofa is dreamy! Lovey work!

kayce hughes said...

Beautiful job! I especially love the grey ikat pillow and your signature greens.

Karen said...

I love Robo deer. I'm surprised the hubby didn't like it---it's very cool.
Karen

Courtney at SL's No Ennui said...

ROBO DEER: How clever!

Mona Thompson Providence Ltd. said...

Great job on the room. Definitely more grown up. I'm sad though. I like the deer. A bit of the unexpected is always a favorite with me. Unfortunately it is the very thing a lot of husbands just don't get. We don't all have a Steve Gianetti that will let us have chickens!

Nita Stacy said...

That deer is fabulous!!!! It should stay!!! The whole room looks great now...but the deer is the one clever thing in the room. I'm usually not a fan of taxidermy anything...but this one is great!!!!

patrick.com said...

I LOVE the deer and have been looking for one for over my mantle. Where do I find one?
I was going to go with the butcher shop bull from Wysteria:
http://www.wisteria.com/The-Butcher-Shop-Bull/productinfo/W2856/?utm_source=onlincatalog&utm_medium=catalog&utm_campaign=onlinecatalog

Unknown said...

Beautiful job- it's a very elegant and welcoming space...and I love that deer!

pve design said...

Ommm. love the green bhudda by the fire.
Lovely...love that silver tipped deer.
pve

Stephanie Sabbe said...

husbands...I think their comments should be kindly dismissed:)

Tammy@InStitches said...

Looks like you're getting a new deer at your house ;) The sofa is so gorgeous, exactly what I've been wanting.

Alison Hodgson said...

And I loved the pair of tall lamps flanking the fireplace. Since this is a more formal room you probably had more freedom in placement. Is there a plan for more lamps?. I see the one behind the couch, but can't tell if it's close enough for reading.

foleydog said...

I have to ask how those awkward doors came about. Two doors that open into each other???

Kare said...

Wow, it's beautiful Lauren. Those chairs are dreamy!!

Elsina said...

The deer is super!

Chrissa said...

But, but...I love the deerhead!

(Is it Z Gallerie? I thought theirs were white?)

I want it.

Maison Blanche said...

LOVE the chair fabric..could you share the source????

Jenny Castle Design said...

Love the chair fabric - looks fantastic!

trisha said...

i love LOVE robo deer!!! ...and the coffee table as well, so clean and modern with a rustic feel, love! would you mind sharing your sources???

Carolyn said...

Love the color-blocked linen pillows. Classic. Very pretty.

Unknown said...

I love it! Love the gray and yellow, those chairs and the colorblock pillows are yummy! I'm actually looking for a piece similiar to your cliet's cabinet that you referenced styling. I'd love to know where she found hers. Also, love the round accent table! Is that to-the-trade? if you have a chance to get back to me, my email is anneworthington@hotmail.com thanks!

Megan said...

I love the lucite (?) floor lamps and the fabric of those chairs. Gorge!!! That is the same color wall as my dining room- it's so warm and inviting. Where did you get the chair fabric? I've been searching for a graphic print like that and the color is perfect!

Jen Adair said...

This room looks amazing! The chairs made a huge difference!

Jen @ Opal Never Shouts

Anonymous said...

Adore the deer!

Love the floor lamps flanking the fireplace. I might have to borrow that idea. The wall color is so gorgeous---I want to dive in.

Well done!

SisterBatik said...

Hi

Great blog! We are hooked.

Love what you have done - so sleek and sophisticated.

We love the home. Our favorite piece of furniture are chairs, and we love the chairs in this room!!

We have recently started creating our own brand of pillows, and love adorning spaces with them.

We would love you to visit our blog to see what we make.

http://sisterbatik.blogspot.com/

Warm wishes

SisterBatik

WhisperWood Cottage said...

It's all stunning! I especially adore the pillow fabrics and the colorblocked linen! Smiling about Charley's "aliens!"

marla said...

Great changes - much more interesting now. Would you share information about the new coffee table? I'm looking for one similiar to it. Thanks, marla

The Buzz Blog @ Diane James Home said...

What a great transformation - I love all of the subtle colors! Do you think Joe would prefer a wooden deer head? Roost and John Derrian make a handsome ones.

flowergarden129 said...

I too love robodear. Please, please tell us where you got him?

La Petite Gallery said...

I love the Deer, in fact where can I get one ? How big is it?
You did a wonderful job. What a difference.
Come visit me when you get the chance.
yvonne

Carissa @ the Fabulous Design File said...

Hahaha... what are you going to do with 'robodeer'? Love your fabric choices. Beautiful.

Lauren said...

Hi everyone! Robodeer is mine {again!} and will be for sale in my online store... opening as soon as I can gather enough time to finish photographing our goods!

xoxo,
lauren

Gretchen O. said...

I thought you were going to say it was a placeholder for the deer he was going to kill one day....I was almost relieved that he just wasn't a fan!!!! Those color block pillows are fab!

Sarah van Loon said...

Where did you get the 'RoboDeer'? I LOVE it and would love to buy one!! (Or buy that one, if it's possible and the price is right!!)

If you are thinking about selling it and it wouldn't be a huge hassle to mail to Chicago, let me know!!

Sarahvanloon01@gmail.com

Thanks!

ps - I totally loved the whole transformation! I would have never thought to do that with the space - thank you for the inspiration!!

Kathysue said...

Lauren what a change and all for the good. I love, love the fabric on the chairs, do you mind if I ask where it came from. I love that it is a pattern that can be mixed with just about anything!! I am not big on the deer head trend either, sorry!!! Love the pottery on top of the book case. great job as always, you are one talented lady,kathysue

All That Jazz said...

It looks great! Kids in home decor photos always look great. I think they add a real, spontaneous element, don't you?? Too funny about the deer, I personally love it! ;-)
~michelle~

Linda in AZ * said...

*** A TERRIFFIC look you've got going here, Lauren! Fabrics, lamps, chairs... all uber great choices!!! (& the wee one is tooooo cute!!!)...

... And YES, I brought back many of the real, mounted, small "reh" deer antlers (I THINK that's what they're called, if I remember correctly) from Germany~~~ got them all at flea markets & verrrrrry inexpensively, ESPECIALLY compared to what they cost here in America... I am an animal lover~~~ biiiig time~~~ and my husband & friends all SWEAR to me they were all "found" (shed) in the forest ... (And I have to believe that so I CAN enjoy them.).

There are probably some of us interested in purchasing these... please give a shout if they're not already "promised" to someone else! (Am grabbing my checkbook as I write~ grins!)

Thanks n' XO,
Linda in AZ **

A Perfect Gray said...

love the deer and the cabinet styling...

Naomi@DesignManifest said...

So pretty! Love the little bits of greenery. Too bad about RoboDeer, but I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding it a new home.

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

This room is so pretty Lauren. You did a great job! Loving the fabrics and that pottery!

A well Loved Home said...

Beautiful! Is the coffee table from Ballard design? I've been thinking about getting one from them similar and just wondered if this was it.

Velvet and Linen said...

Beautiful Lauren, and yet family friendly... Looks like you have some happy clients (Charley included).
Loving the new chairs. Personally, I'd keep Robodeer!

xo
Brooke

KatyO! said...

I have the same crate and barrel bookcase (which i just LOVE) and it's great to see it styled!!! I'm always trying out different things with ours

traci zeller designs said...

To read your explanation of the "one day deerhead" is just hilarious!! Love those chairs and pillows!

Jen of MadeByGirl said...

It all looks super nice! Wheres the Ikat pillow from? :)))

www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com

ewmackey said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ewmackey said...

those chairs are sooo beautiful!!! where did you get the fabric??

just discovered your blog but am already smitten :)

(elizabeth.mackey@gmail.com)

Jane @ The Borrowed Abode said...

The addition of those chairs really lightens up the space - love it!

LindsB said...

Those fabrics are so delish! Love the chairs, and love those new lamps- basically I love everything! What a fantastic job as usual Lauren!!

Anonymous said...

I love everything! Those chairs are fabulous. Can you tell me what that paint color is.
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I asked about the paint color...my email is paulapositano@aol.com.
Thanks again!