With the kitchen and primary bathroom finished, we’re currently focusing on the other two bathrooms, the backyard/patio, and living room. I’ll have updates for those coming soon—but today, let’s talk about the living room!
Who remembers how it looked when we bought it? It had the “cheap flip house” dead giveaways: gray vinyl floors and gray walls.
The living room is open to the kitchen with a relatively small footprint. The only saving grace was the vaulted ceilings, which made the space feel much larger and more open. Here was the initial design plan and layout:
The original plan hasn’t changed much at all, and now we’re at the most exciting stage: furnishing! Here’s the progress and timeline:
Progress
First up, a DIY fireplace, paint (and Venetian Plaster added later):
Next came the single biggest and longest DIY challenge on record: ceiling beams and planks:
Followed by our new waterproof wood floors:
And that’s where the living room progress stopped. It has been under protective paper since last November while we focused on other projects… until now!
Design Plan
I landed on a moody, rich and organic Mediterranean-style look for this space:
The sofa and rug have been sitting in the garage for months, and we finally brought them in and installed the sconces yesterday. Here’s how it looks right now!
I had been eyeing this Fabienne sofa for the longest time and knew it would be perfect here. It’s just the right size, color, and durable velvet fabric. It’s also $1,000 off right now!
The Loloi x Amber Lewis Billie rug was another easy choice. It picks up the deep blue from the sofa, with warmer salmon and peach tones mixed in.
I switched out the sconces at the last minute, after finding my dream sconces on sale for $209—the black iron was discontinued so I bought the chrome and painted them. Easy fix!
The next big decision to make are the chairs. I have a very specific look and requirements for these:
- Woven/textured with a wood frame
- Easy to clean
- Compact size to fit our living room
- Budget-friendly
- Good reviews
We need to squeeze a much seating in as possible, so I’m getting four chairs total (two on each side of the fireplace). I found these woven seagrass chairs at a great price last year but I haven’t pulled the trigger because I’m not 100% decided. Here are the other contenders—what are your thoughts?
- Decor Therapy Seagrass chair, $213
- A Touch of Design Wide Armchair, $250
- Safavieh Soliel Brown Leather Woven Chair, $356
- Safavieh Soleil White Leather Woven Chair, $382
- Safavieh Bandelier Brown Leather Woven Chair, $374
- Lue Bona Woven Leather Cane Chair, $150
The other consideration is our kitchen counter stools, which will be just feet away from the chairs so they have to coordinate well:
Cast your vote in the comments!
What’s next?
Here are the remaining pieces of the puzzle, and my plans for each one:
- Coffee table (possible DIY)
- TV (with our DIY Frame)
- Console table (most likely DIY)
- Large tree (possibly another DIY faux-real tree)
- Mantel mirror (bought this one)
We are jumping around once again now, prioritizing the backyard (the pool goes in this week!), bathrooms and one of the bedrooms, so the living room most likely won’t be finished this year (sigh). But at least it’s looking less like a construction zone these days…
Next week: Better Homes & Gardens is coming to shoot our Haunted Heights House for their Halloween Tricks & Treats 2023 issue so follow my Instagram stories for behind the scenes action. Plus, some other exciting news 😉 Stay tuned!
Destiny says
I’m in love with #3!!
Taylor says
I like number 6 the best, but I think all of them are too matchy-matchy with your bar stools.
Mandy Allen says
I’m going for 5, as they pick up the light wood of your shelves and bar stools, but the dark leather goes with the ceiling. This is the first time I’ve commented, so I’d like to say I adore your kitchen (love tiles like that!) and your Mediterranean bathroom. You have the best taste in blogland! Also, coincidentally, I have been using your font for the watermark on the photos on my blog for years, yet only came across your blog a few months ago!
Sarah says
3 is by far my favorite!
Barbara says
Love your articles. This home is gorgeous! I’m working with a smaller living area in an open floor plan too. Would you share the dimension from the edge of the island counter to the fireplace wall next to the fireplace? Everything you’ve chosen is working so beautifully in the space and you’ve left a nice walkway between the island and sofa too.
Katie says
#2 is my vote, but they’re all fabulous. Can’t wait to watch it all come together!
Cynthia says
I all-in for 6
Kitty says
Wondering how the hurricane affected you all?
Arum says
I vote for 2 and 5!
Laurie says
So beautiful! I like 3.
Teddee Grace says
I’m 78, so I’d be looking for a chair that no only looked great, but was easy to get out of. I think I’d need to sit in all of them to make that decision. Some look as if the seat is so tipped back that they would be difficult to get out of.
Jenna Sue says
Yes, comfort is definitely a factor so you really have to rely on the reviews when ordering online!
Karen says
I like 2 and 3. But may like a softer more cozy pair of chairs. For sure, I will like whatever you go with!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks for weighing in, Karen!
Kristin says
Hi Jenna!
Gorgeous work!
Question…don’t you rent these homes out?
Just wondering after doing so much beautiful work and buying beautiful furnishings if you worry at all about it/them being ruined. Such a gorgeous home!
Jenna Sue says
Hi Kristin! Yes, this will be a short term rental. There’s a tricky balance between choosing quality furniture that will withstand wear and tear, and inexpensive furniture that will likely need to be replaced. I usually lean more towards higher quality and/or durable furniture because replacing is such a pain. You just never really know what will happen. It just comes with the territory and it’s really out of our control!
Carolyn Kellam says
So beautiful! That ceiling! The fireplace and the kitchen hood and tile! I love the sofa and rug you chose. I like the chair with leather straps (#6), not only for the look, but it also seems that it would be more comfortable than the woven sea grass chairs. It’s going to be so gorgeous!
Wonderful job!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks for weighing in, Carolyn!
Jes says
My faves were 3 and 6, but after seeing the price I def say 6! I think a warm camel tone would be best personally.
Jenna Sue says
I’m having a hard time spending $1400+ on chairs! I love the strappy leather look and most likely getting something in that style for the dining room chairs, so it may be too repetitive.