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.
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!!
what a difference- it's gorgeous!
It looks beautiful! I'm dying over those yellow chairs, they are perfection!
~Keena
Thanks so much, Keena!
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!
Thanks, Rachel!
Gwen, this is such a stunning room! You both pulled it together beautifully. There are so many cozy spots to curl up in!
Wow!! Stunning! I love that it looks carefully collected over time! That bookcase is amazing!
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.
I love that bookshelf. So beautiful!
Thanks, Meghan!
What did you use to fill in the unused shelf holes?
Just a wood-filler putty. Good luck!
You two hit it outta the park, Gwen! The color placement and editing are perfect. And, smart use of ready-retail items. LOVE IT!
So so gorgeous!
Thanks, Julia!
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.
Thanks, Brittany! Yes, ha, I totally get what you're saying! But I think you're spaces are far from casserole dishes! 😉
It is STUNNING!! I love the pops of color… and such a perfect wall color. Do you mind sharing the color you chose?
We actually left the walls the same color, so let me ask Laura and get back with you, Emily! Thanks for your kind words.
I'm in love with the wall color too! Did you happen to find out what it is?
Love you work!
Sorry about that! It's SW sedate grey!
It is truly magazine worthy. I can't wait to hear about how you created your mix of highs and lows!!
You're sweet, thanks, Jennifer!
This is just beautiful Gwen! Love every inch!
Thanks, lady!
Wow, this is beautiful!! Love this collected look over time, very eager to hear your process and how it came together- love it all!!
Thanks so much!
Looks awesome!!
Thanks, Rebecca!
Gah! All the things! Love. All. The things! Cannot WAIT to hear more. And I am just taken by that ottoman!
Isn't it amazing? Thanks, friend!
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.
Thanks! Yes, I think it makes the space!
Holy cow! What a beautiful transformation! So cozy yet polished. Love the layers of color & texture- gorgeous design Gwen! Xx jana
You're sweet. Laura loves layers of texture, so I'm glad that came across. Hope you're having a lovely weekend!
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!
Thanks, Jennie! I'll do my best to share as much as I can!
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.
Perfect. It is simply perfect. I could definitely live there! 😉
Thanks, Ursula!
This is so STUNNING! I love every detail. Fab job Gwen 🙂
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! 🙂
Thanks so much, Amanda!
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.
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/
How did I miss this?! You did such a beautiful job and your layout is perfect for an awkward space. Love this room!
Hi Gwen! Where did you find the rolling acrylic tray that's by the daybed?
Hi Antoinette! It's from CB2. I believe they always carry it!
I keep coming back to this post. So beautiful. Would you mind sharing with the drapery and curtain rod are from? Thanks so much
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