Several months ago my friend, Laura, asked if I would be willing to help her makeover her living room. I was so excited to help tackle this space in her home, and the process has been a blast. Laura has an incredible eye for design and is quite the bargain hunter. We have very similar styles, and that made the search for treasures really fun.
Laura and I both lean towards a traditional foundation with modern touches. For main living areas we prefer big neutrals that allow us to have fun with color in smaller doses. Laura’s living room was in great shape and the bones of her historical home can’t be beat, but her style had evolved, and she was ready for the space to reflect that. There is literally not a single item left from before, yet the space feels collected over time.
I’m proud to say that this room is not only a mix of styles, it’s also a mix of price points and DIY vs. store bought. I’ll be sharing our approach to this long and narrow living room that needs to function in several different ways, along with lots of details in the next coming weeks.
Is there anything specific you’re curious about?
See other details here and here.
Beth of designPOST Interiors says
I can totally relate to the problems of a long and narrow living room! I love this room and can't wait to find out more about that rug!!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
what a difference- it's gorgeous!
Unknown says
It looks beautiful! I'm dying over those yellow chairs, they are perfection!
~Keena
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Keena!
Rachel Rardon says
I adore the update. That ottoman = wow! Changing the drapery totally freshens the space. I love it all! Yes – I get asked all the time how to arrange and decorate a long, narrow living room. This is a wonderful example!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Rachel!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
Gwen, this is such a stunning room! You both pulled it together beautifully. There are so many cozy spots to curl up in!
sarah m. dorsey says
Wow!! Stunning! I love that it looks carefully collected over time! That bookcase is amazing!
Albertina M. Cisneros says
The transformation is beautiful! I love how much lighter and cozy it feels. The art, the chandeliers, the furniture all works so perfectly together. Congratulations on a wonderfully designed room.
Meghan Arnold says
I love that bookshelf. So beautiful!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Meghan!
Brent says
What did you use to fill in the unused shelf holes?
themakerista@gmail.com says
Just a wood-filler putty. Good luck!
angela | the painted house says
You two hit it outta the park, Gwen! The color placement and editing are perfect. And, smart use of ready-retail items. LOVE IT!
Julia Konya says
So so gorgeous!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Julia!
Brittany Cramer says
I LOVE yours and Laura's style! it definitely looks collected over time! Something I'm always trying to figure out without my house looking like a casserole, haha. Seriously, fantastic work! I'd love to hear about your general process, how you layered these pieces, what came in when and how, and kinda urge all of us that this type of styling takes some patience! you rock.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Brittany! Yes, ha, I totally get what you're saying! But I think you're spaces are far from casserole dishes! 😉
Emily Palmier says
It is STUNNING!! I love the pops of color… and such a perfect wall color. Do you mind sharing the color you chose?
themakerista@gmail.com says
We actually left the walls the same color, so let me ask Laura and get back with you, Emily! Thanks for your kind words.
Whitney says
I'm in love with the wall color too! Did you happen to find out what it is?
Love you work!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Sorry about that! It's SW sedate grey!
Jennifer Lippi says
It is truly magazine worthy. I can't wait to hear about how you created your mix of highs and lows!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
You're sweet, thanks, Jennifer!
Summer Hogan says
This is just beautiful Gwen! Love every inch!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, lady!
joanna and dayton says
Wow, this is beautiful!! Love this collected look over time, very eager to hear your process and how it came together- love it all!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much!
Rebecca - Hello Creative Blog says
Looks awesome!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Rebecca!
Autumn Beach says
Gah! All the things! Love. All. The things! Cannot WAIT to hear more. And I am just taken by that ottoman!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Isn't it amazing? Thanks, friend!
Shavonda@AHomeFullOfColor says
OMG Gwen this room is beyond gorgeous. Im most curious about the daybed/bench. I love that you used it in this space. I thought of using a narrower version in our small living room. Its beautiful.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks! Yes, I think it makes the space!
jana bek says
Holy cow! What a beautiful transformation! So cozy yet polished. Love the layers of color & texture- gorgeous design Gwen! Xx jana
themakerista@gmail.com says
You're sweet. Laura loves layers of texture, so I'm glad that came across. Hope you're having a lovely weekend!
Jennie says
Absolutely beautiful! I love how fresh and calm and relaxing it looks. Selfishly, I want to know everything – sources, your thought processes, priorities, etc. Love it!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Jennie! I'll do my best to share as much as I can!
megitys says
Not only is this room beautiful, but it's completely inviting! I would be very comfortable in their with my little family. Great job! I hope that you find a new home soon for you and your family! I'm sure it's frustrating living in limbo and I'm sure your ready to get back into a good routine.
Ursula Carmona says
Perfect. It is simply perfect. I could definitely live there! 😉
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Ursula!
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
This is so STUNNING! I love every detail. Fab job Gwen 🙂
Amanda Risius says
Wow what a transformation! You did such a great job making it unique and functional. Dare I say it looks like something Emily Henderson would design! 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Amanda!
Cindy says
What a beautiful room! I also love to decorate with big neutrals so I have flexibility with color, so I am studying the heck out of this space.
Can you share how you did the ladder? We want to do something similar and feel lost.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Hi Cindy! We actually found the ladder on craigslist and it came with all of the railing and parts. You can find ladders and parts online, like here: http://www.vandykes.com/rolling-library-ladder/c/1647/
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
How did I miss this?! You did such a beautiful job and your layout is perfect for an awkward space. Love this room!
Antoinette Arrington says
Hi Gwen! Where did you find the rolling acrylic tray that's by the daybed?
themakerista@gmail.com says
Hi Antoinette! It's from CB2. I believe they always carry it!
Marie says
I keep coming back to this post. So beautiful. Would you mind sharing with the drapery and curtain rod are from? Thanks so much
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thank you Marie! The rods are from Bed Bath and Beyond and the curtains are from this etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/AVISAFabrics?ref=l2-shopheader-name