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!
Catherine says
My vote is definitely chair #6. I think they go well with the barstools, they look the most comfortable, and nice bonus that they are the least expensive!
Chanin says
Chairs = # 6 👍😄
venturagirl@heart says
#6
It picks up the colors of both the island stools and the darker ceiling.
Kym says
#3
Michelle says
That sofa is just lovely! If you are going to use this chair style I’d put 2 on the TV side and choose something upholstered with more back structure for the opposite side where someone might actually sit to watch TV or a movie after a fun vacation day. The structure of that type of chair looks really cool, but past the age of 38, I can tell you they are hard to sit in comfortably at all. There’s no way I could ask my 70+ year old parents to sit in chairs shaped like that. Just a reflection from a slightly older viewpoint! I love them too, but the ab workout/back pain/neck pain trying to stay in this weird position is not for me any longer!
AH says
This. Where does one (and one’s family) curl up and put feet up to relax? The sofa arm is high enough to lean back against when facing the TV, but you can only seat one adult on the entire sofa that way. Movies and lounging feel like an afterthought with this config. It’s a beautiful look but not practical or comfortable as a multi use space for families imo.
Carly says
The ONLY answer to the correct chair is #6, #6, #6. Here is why. Wood tone similar to bar stools, scale of back is similar to bar stool shape but on larger scale. It will stand the test of renters versus the others which will snag, break or in general not hold up. The color is perfect and pulls into your color scheme and finally if the worst happens and the straps break with time they can be repaired easily or even replaced with new strapping cheaply. I did not even look at the price, just looked at design and ability to hold up to renters, the fact they are price friendly is a plus. GET #6!!!!!!!
Kristina says
3 all the way!
Mickail says
5 or 1 for sure
Denise says
Definitely 5. The style isn’t as common as others. Both the weave and color are beautiful.
Patrice says
I would prefer #1 for the warmth of the wood tone and the woven seagrass’ color as it blends with the frame to give the design of the chair, as a whole, more presence in the total shape…
It’s different enough from the bar stools to keep it interesting as well.
I would suggest, avoiding the repetitiveness of 4 chairs, two on each side, all the same…
The room would definitely benefit from two #1’s on the side of the windows, and two compatibly
shaped/sized, upholstered chairs on the opposite side…looks, and is, more comfortable, inviting, and visually interesting! 🤗
Kristi says
Hi Jenna. The room is so stunning. From an owner of the same couch, my only caution is that the back cushion looses its shape quickly. Since it is down, it can be reshaped. Just thinking from a rental standpoint that might be a consideration.
Jenna Sue says
Thanks for the heads up, Kristi! I’ll be there regularly to check up on things and fluff when needed 🙂
Deborah says
Absolutely love how this room is coming together! My favs go chairs are 1 and 6. Would go with whichever had the best reviews for comfort.
Your kitchen turned out amazing. I am putting in a new kitchen also and struggling whether to go with 2 or 3 lights above the island. If you wouldn’t mind sharing how long your island is and how wide your pendant is, I would greatly appreciate it. I selected a similar pendant, it’s 18” wide and my island is 10’ long.
Toni says
Great choices! Seems that your barstool choice should be harmonious with the 4 chairs, too! I love #5 but maybe the same shade of rattan as the barstools would be a better continuity.
Kathleen says
Congrats on the BH &G photo shoot!! So excited for you. Go for comfort in chairs first. Just my thoughts.
Dolores says
The kitchen is absolutely gorgeous, Jenna! My favorite chair is number 5, although I wonder if it would be too dark with the rug and couch. I love number 4, but it could potentially get very dirty.
I know whatever you pick, it will be stunning when you’re done!