My Parents' Living Room: Before & After


I'm totally a sucker for before & afters. So here are some photos of my mom and stepdad's house which we recently mini-revamped. Below is the AFTER:

Haha, no just kidding! ;) Above & below are the "befores" which had been done in the early 90s. The fabrics on the sofa, chairs, throw pillows & swag were a coordinated set! (How things have changed!) (I remember how excited we were picking it all out when I was about 1o or 11!)



My mom's style has definitely changed. It's more laid-back & comfortable yet still feminine & includes some old-fashioned elements. She's drawn to intricate patterns & viney-floral motifs but she doesn't want a fussy look. (My stedad is happy if she's happy! :) She's got me & my husband, my 11 year old sister & a grandbaby, so she's a busy lady. She wanted less pattern, more relaxation in the living room... a quieter space. (There's a TV in there which I didn't photograph... we're looking for the right piece of furniture for it right now so I'll post on that later.) She's into softer colors now, so we pulled those out from the existing dark Oriental rug for the sofas & revolving pillows. The mantle (below) is constantly changing & today's display is a bit moody/ stormy because we're hoping for snow ( it's a house full of teachers!! :) My mom found & fell in love with the wicker rocker at an antiques shop. The fabric's a bit off but I still think it works because it's totally her style.


Their coffee table is super-functional. That whole drawer pulls out in both directions & it's stuffed with games.


For drapes, we went with these crewel ones from Pottery barn. They work really well with the colors in the existing Oriental Rug.


Here's a close-up of that old tray on the coffee table (It moves around the house too) that was such a steal at $8 from Lucketts!



Below, is a silhouette of my little sister looking pretty above the antique secretary my grandmother gave to my mom when she was in college. This contributes to the old-fashioned feeling my mom loves.



Here's a close-up of the oak leaf lamps. They create a nice sculptural element behind the sofa & pull some more pattern into the room without being obvious & adding more colors/ fabrics.



Here are 2 chairs we scored along with a settee at a thrift store. They're "temporary" seating substitutes for my mom's dream chairs.



One last shot of the "after:" up-to-date, relaxing, comfortable with a hint of feminine tradition. (It's still missing some elements & I'll show more pics when we're finished-- er I guess we're never really finished... so I'll post pics at our next stage! ;)

Thanks for reading!! xoxo,

Lauren

23 comments:

Haven and Home said...

Looks great as always!

The Steel Magnolia House said...

That is very soothing...you hit the nail on the head. Before and afters are the best girl porn ever!!!!!

Things That Inspire said...

You are such a great daughter! Great transformation, and I particularly love the coffee table and acorn lamps.

Anonymous said...

I love before and after's too. The room looks GREAT. It looks both comfy and stylish.

Anonymous said...

great work!

Willow Decor said...

Lauren,
What a great transformation! You have lucky parents!! I am sure they are thrilled!

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

Beautiful Lauren!

I love the coffee table. It's one of my favorite pieces in the room.

I also love the chairs from the thrift shop they look great in the room. What are the chairs that your mom is lusting after?

Devon said...

How do you do it my friend? GREAT before and after. What a fantastic place to hang out with your mom and catch up.

Lee said...

Your mum must be so pleased with the beautiful results. The room looks very relaxing and soothing. You certainly have good interior design skills!

Kari said...

I am totally amazed at the transformation! You have talent oozing out of every pore my dear. That looks like something from a PB catalog, or better! I applaud you and I am *so* jealous you live close enough to go to the Luckett's Store. In my dreams!

Take care,
Kari

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

Looks great! I love that old tray!

gina said...

Looks great I love love love the oak leaf and acorn lamps. I am a total sucker when it comes to that modern rustic style lamp.

cotedetexas said...

great job - I especially love the coffee table! it looks so different in there! you did good.

Michelle said...

How fab......my favs are the lamp, the chairs and the coffee table.....very relaxing aura !

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

I know I have already commented on this post... but wanted to let you know that I left a little surprise for you on my blog this morning... to let you know how much i enjoy reading your blog each day!

Maria Killam said...

Lovely room! Thanks for sharing it with us. I re-decorated my mom's living room 5 years ago, I happily took out the frilly white sheers and peach faux finished walls. Since I have such an aversion to pink and peach we did purple and yellow/green instead. A couple years later she said to me "Maria I liked my peach walls and frilly sheers!"

Lauren said...

hahaha Coulour Me Happy- that So sounds like something my mom would say!!

Thanks everyone! This room I debated & debated about putting in a post... I'm still not totally happy with it & it's defintiely missing a little sparkle but I figured I'd give you a peek at it. And you guys have been really great so thank you :)
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! You mentioned you have a house of teachers (YAY for snow days!!), you also have a house of very talented decorators!

LindsB said...

Beautiful job!! You totally got me with the before and after, I was like whoaaa, that doesn't look like Lauren haha. The real after pics are amazing, it look so relaxing in there, I could just curl up on the couch and chill out.

Great job! xoxo

Lauren said...

hahaha Linsday, I was hoping to get someone!!
xoxo

DesignTies said...

This is a lovely, comfortable family-inviting room... you've done a terrific job! I think your mom's temporary chairs are great - I hope she keeps them for a different room when she gets her dream chairs.
Victoria (one half of DesignTies)

My Galveston Cottage said...

I really do love your sense of color and style!
Nice work. Your relatives are so lucky to have access to your talent. Darn, I wish you were in the Houston area.

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