My Clients' Family Room Before & After

I'm so excited to share some of my professionally photographed work with you today!!  There is such a difference between photos I've taken myself to photos that have been shot by a talented professional.  (I love my photographer, Helen Norman!!!)  The past year has been crazy for me with the birth of my third son, moving and a busy life in general so I've been really behind on having my finished projects photographed.  As you can see from the "before" photo below, I first met with my clients over a year ago around Christmas time:

{unflattering pregnant photo of me with my sweet little friend}

Their family room is just off of their kitchen and is a beautifully sunlit, large, happy-feeling space.  My clients wanted a room that felt both relaxed & elegant.  They needed the kids to be able to flop on the sofa and play, read or watch TV in the room, but they also wanted it to feel like an adult space too, where they could entertain and relax.  My client's style is warm and classic, she loves blues and soft colors, and wanted to get away from the reds and golds she'd had previously.  When I presented my client with the design, I realized how receptive she was.  (I'm not positive, but I don't think we changed even a single element besides a discontinued lamp pair!)  Here's how the finished family room looks:


We replaced the wall-to-wall carpet with hardwood to match the rest of the home and added built-ins around the fireplace.  (Work by CarrMichael Construction)  The TV is mounted in a large cubby.  My clients have a formal living room and since one of the main functions in the family room is TV-watching, we decided to keep it exposed.  We had a seagrass rug custom cut to fit the room and layered it with a striped wool dhurrie.  We had the built-ins lined in a blue grass cloth which really warmed up the room and is probably one of my favorite elements:


Like usual, we used a mix of metals to keep the family room feeling more collected and casual vs. perfectly matched.  

Here's a close-up of the built-ins:



Below is the view of the family room into the kitchen:



We couldn't resist taking one of the photos with my client and one of her (completely adorable!!) daughters in the background.  They'd gone into the kitchen for a cup of milk and it was too perfect.  As you've probably noticed, one of the biggest changes was replacing the ceiling fan with an oversized lantern over the coffee table.  When large pieces like a massive lantern go in, it can often be a bit of a shock to clients but they took it in stride.  

Believe it or not, one of the most "off" elements in the room's plan - which you'd never know now- is one of the pillows on the sofa.  It's a blockprint by Michael Smith with mustard-colored flowers.  When you look at the fabric palette, it stands out as very "dirty" and orangey-yellow compared to everything else, but I felt we needed it to relax things a little and wander a bit off the palette.  My client of course was surprised by it's left-fieldedness but I asked her to "trust me" on this one, and I'm so glad she did because it's one of her favorite fabrics in the room.

Here's a view of the prints we hung, which feature oak leaves and are special to my clients because our area is  filled with oak trees. The massive chair-and-a-half is one of the only good-looking chair-and-a-halves I've ever found because it looks a bit more like a settee and has slim elegant English arms.  My client absolutely loves it.  She's commandeered the chair-and-a-half while the kids wrestle for the pair of ikat chairs in front of the windows.  (above)



I hope you enjoyed getting a peek into my clients' home and I'm so thankful to them for allowing me to help them.  Here's one last pic:

(Little House on the Prairie  is playing on the TV,  I've always wanted to have a picture taken of a project room with the TV on.  ;) ;)


*The professional photos in this post were by Helen Norman and the others/ close-ups were taken by me on my iphone.  (I'm mentioning this because I want you to know Helen took the perfect pictures and I took the bad ones. hahah)

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

68 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful Lauren. One of the best family rooms ever.
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Emily A. Clark said...

Beautiful, as always :) I've enjoyed seeing the progress on Instagram.

A Lifestyle Thing said...

LOVE it, Lauren! Amazing transformation!! Happy Friday!

pve design said...

Lauren,
every time I visit, I say, I am so glad that girl is doing what she is supposed to be doing. I really cannot imagine you doing anything else!
pve

Tiffany Leigh said...

Beautiful work, I LOVE the blue grasscloth detail. You're right, the professional photography looks great!

Kelly Robson said...

So beautiful Lauren!!! They were so lucky to have you design this space-- it's gorgeous. Bravo.

Laura@happyroost said...

Gorgeous.....as usual! :)

Laura
www.happyroostblog.com

EDYTA & CO. INTERIOR DESIGN said...

Great job Lauren, Its so wonderful to have such trusting clients. Its a wonderful calm space :)
Have a fantastic weekend!

Xo
Edyta
Www.edytaandco.com/blog/

Unknown said...

Lauren, you are SO talented! Beautiful space! I learn so much every time I read about your projects! Enjoy your weekend! xo

Jennifer @ MillerMusings said...

Gorgeous!! Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less! Always enjoying seeing your projects! Now you have me completely rethinking the color scheme of our office and built-ins we're about to start building! Ah!

Susan B. said...

Amazing! I love it all! The grass cloth in the built-ins is just beautiful! I want to pick up the entire room and put it in my house!

Kristy @ I Design Love said...

Absolutely stunning!!! You are so talented. Who would of ever thought that family room could look like that :)

JNoPie said...

Love this room, especially the blue grasscloth. Great work!

Anonymous said...

Lovely! I love the blue grasscloth. And all the perfectly scaled pieces of furniture...they look crisp and formal while at the same time comfy enough for lounging on. great job!

Unknown said...

Beautiful, Lauren. Love the wingchairs and lantern.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Love it! the built-ins really make the space and they're so nicely detailed.

Unknown said...

Such a fabulous result, very elegant, yet relaxed and livable, so Lauren Liess! I love the addition of the off fabric, gonna remember that one!
Cathy @ Room Rx

Jules said...

This is one of my favorite rooms you've shown us. Soothing and relaxing and welcoming and elegant all at the same time. Very well done!

kayce hughes said...

Beautiful! I love how clean it feels but with big furniture that feels cozy.

Hannah said...

I love that lovely blue paper!

Julie said...

I love the room! Can you tell me who makes the unique mirror above the fireplace?

Melanie said...

Love the room but have a question. I am having trouble 'reading' the photographs. In the 'before' photo of the room and some 'afters' it appears that to the right of the fireplace there are two windows with a solid wall between and some show 3 windows with no solid wall between. Am I nuts or stupid? in any case, Great job and i so enjoy you blog.

Tawna said...

Lauren, just perfect! Soothing and comfortable are two of the greatest words one can find in a home with little ones, and it accomplishes both!

Great job, as always.

xo,
Tawna

Rachael said...

It's soooo pretty! I love it. You are such a good designer. I love the soft pallet.

LindsB said...

I can not even believe that is the same space! You did it again my dear- such a warm, personal and amazing space for a family- I LOVE it! xxoo

Meg said...

This space is beautiful as usual, Lauren! The thing i like best about it is that I didn't even realize there was a tv in there until I read the phrase, "The TV is mounted in a large cubby." You did such a great job keeping the tv from being the focal point!

alison giese Interiors said...

Looks amaaaaazing, Lauren! Did the same contractor who did the built-ins also install the wallpaper? Might need that info in the near future! ;)
alison g.

Julie M. said...

Lauren, I can't stop staring at this room. It is the perfect layout for our living room. I didn't even notice the TV until you mentioned it. We have out TV to the right of the fireplace, so I've definitely pinned this for our carpenter when we are ready to to do the room. The botanicals are just beautiful, too.

Carolyn said...

So pretty, Lauren. I love that you added an 'off' element. Adds character and dimension. Lucky clients.

Unknown said...

Love it! Great job.

Dixie said...

What is the paint color?? Do tell!

Elisa of Fancy Free Me said...

What a calm and welcoming space! You did a beautiful job with the room! I love the bookcases.

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Beautiful job!!! Love the grasscloth.

Velvet and Linen said...

Relaxed and Elegant. Beautiful.
Mission accomplished!

Your clients will live in this room!

xo
Brooke

Donna said...

My favourite thing about your blog is the "Before and After"s. Thanks for showing us your work.

Anonymous said...

SO beautiful, Lauren!!! You are so talented :)

Steph of Fortique

Anonymous said...

Simply stunning! Looks totally livable and lovely. Amazing work.

Unknown said...

One of my dearest friend's family room! I enjoyed watching this project unfold from the sidelines. It is truly a beautiful room.

Sarah said...

Really lovely room - very comfortable and I love the colors and patterns - congratulations! ;-)

Paris to Montreal to NYC to London said...

gorgeous! love the wallpaper in the shelves, great idea!!! just gorgeous!!!!

Rebecca Gibbs said...

Absolutely lovely, Lauren! The blue grass cloth and the lantern are really special and make the room beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

Windlost said...

Gorgeous Lauren. And the best part is the happy family who live there.

You are such an awesome designer. Your rooms have the most inviting feel. They are so organic and lovely and approachable but also tailored and yet relaxed. I don't know how you do it. Also love the infusion of those bright green plants and know exactly what you mean by the "off" element of the Michael Smith fabric (though I'd never have thought of that). That really sums it up - your rooms look decorated and yet undecoratedly comfy.

That blue grasscloth is sooooo pretty.

Wish you lived closer (and I would hire you).

I also have a work friend with a real house dilemma, much more contemporary tastes than me, and a very small budget. But she reminds me of your organic au natural style and so I am looking at photos of her house thinking "what would Lauren do?". So I am scouring your blog for inspiration ideas for her. I LOVE the oak leaves. She needs an art wall and will love this idea.

:)
Yours, cousin Terri xo

Unknown said...

Loved the room..it looks very beautiful..:)
kiddicare

cindy hattersley design said...

Absolutely gorgeous...love the funky wings, the mix of fabrics on the pillows....mixed metals!

Lauren Gayeski said...

The grasscloth is amazing. I love what it adds to the room. It's my favorite part! You do amazing work:)

Herd of Elephants said...

Oh my goodness. That room is gorgeous and balanced in every way. Why do you have to live 800 miles away from me?? You are amazing.

Rachael and Rut said...

Beautiful! I think you accomplished exactly what the client requested. A perfect combination of adult and child friendly....so chic!!

Marianne said...

Your clients must be thrilled with their new room! Beautiful job, Lauren!

debra @ 5th and state said...

you are BRILLIANT lauren!!!!
this is both stunning and soothing and fresh. what a transformation!
anyone who engages you is lucky and oh so smart
bravo!
xoxo
debra

Annie Vincent Interiors said...

Absolutely perfect!The family will really thrive in this place. Congrats again!!

Woodside Park said...

Absolutely awesome!! The room is comfy and beautiful in your signature style!
xo
Loi

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

LOVE it!! What a cozy useful space. Great styling too!

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Such a stunning and beautiful makeover!
XO
Kristin

Willow Decor said...

Such a pretty room. I love the wallpaper. It brings a special touch and depth to the room. Just beautiful.
xox Gina

Willow Decor said...

Such a pretty room. I love the wallpaper. It brings a special touch and depth to the room. Just beautiful.
xox Gina

Erin Goodchild said...

Love this room!

Ashley said...

Absolutely amazing! Love this room. It is cozy and warm and elegant. This is one lucky family!

Unknown said...

Lovely work! The blue colour mixed with the neutrals is perfection. Love the lantern as well!

Amy Vermillion Interiors said...

Gorgeous Lauren! I love the background of the cabinets and the divine oak prints..Congrats!

Carla @ Inside Home Living said...

Absolutely one of the best before and afters I've ever seen. Helps that it is right up my (design style) alley!! It is perfect in every way. I had to do a double take, the bookcases that flank the fireplace add so much height to the room!! LOVE IT!!

Julia Ryan said...

This looks incredible Lauren. Such a beautiful but liveable family room!

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

Lauren- What a beautiful transformation - I can just see a happy family hanging out! The blue grasscloth is luscious. Gorgeous!

Loretta

Sarah said...

Came over from 6th Street Designs. This room is GORGEOUS! Love it!

CLAUDIA PERSI said...

Wow this is really beautiful! Love the makeover. First time here on your lovely blog.
Claudia
http://claudiapersi.blogspot.ca/

Pam said...

So amazingly lovely! The way the colors, textures & furniture soften the room but keep it bright and open are beautifully done.

Unknown said...

A great makeover of the home ina very pleasant way, love that idea of organizing.
NYC professional organizer

Unknown said...

Gorgeous...:)
Android Developer

Ms Jay said...

That is absolutely beautiful!! The transformation took my breath away literally!! You always nail it!