Melissa and her hubby knew what they liked, they just needed some clearcut direction on how to get the ideal familyroom put together. We also worked on the foyer. You can see from these pics that a very bad faux finish was in place. It was there when her hubby moved in the house and he didn’t bother to change it. That was one of the first things I addressed and advised them to paint out that foyer one color, the same color that was flowing up the stairs.
AFTER
And here is the AFTER, foyer table in place and the artwork. She added a new lamp and a few new accessories here. She picked up this other smaller companion oil painting for the little nook going into their bedroom and they both make a nice statement.
BEFOREBEFORE: This is the room as it was when I first met with them, except the old rug was very neutral, with no color. This is already the new rug in place. I told Melissa that once everything that was needed was purchased and in her house, I would come back over and we would empty out the room and I would put it all back together again. Just like on TV! And that’s exactly what I did.
BEFORE: Wall on right coming into the familyroom, a set of Pottery Barn bookshelves with a fountain in the middle. AFTER: Melissa already owned the olive green sofa pictured here, so that was brought in and the rug was the only other thing she purchased for this room. I brought back all the accessories and shopped other rooms in the house to fill in where it was needed. We talked about colors to bring in and decided to get a rug that had olive greens that will pull into their diningroom, as well as working with the olive sofa. I told her I would like to bring some blues into the room and she was very excited about that, so made sure the new rug had blues in it. We used all her things and just moved them all around. That’s the fun part about a redesign! Notice the fireplace here. It got a makeover too, per my instructions, and they did that after this redesign day. BEFORE: The red brick fireplace was a little blah and needed some major perking up. I advised them to glaze or paint the brick to tone it down & make it flow better with the contemporary feel of the room. She ordered a fireplace glazing kit and they did it themselves. I also told her to paint the mantel black. Notice the changes above the fireplace too, when you see the “After” shot below.
AFTER: The newly glazed fireplace looks great! Since their dogs are a big part of their family, I brought this dog pic from another room and it’s Melissa’s favorite pic, so why not highlight it over the fireplace? She had this pair of faux plants and I added them up there for some visual height and fun. ALL AFTER: This shows the Pottery Barn bookshelves moved to another wall and pushed together for more impact. This area was great for displaying all their collectibles. I used all their artwork, just moved them to different areas.
The bookcase was moved to this large wall, where it takes center stage in front of the sofa. It’s a very pretty piece and looks much better on this wall where it can be appreciated. The blue fish on top was brought in from the bedroom and she already had the mirror, I just added it to the mix. The plant up there is real and looks pretty trailing along the top. Those 4 prints are original photographs that her hubby took.
Back to the bookshelves, I arranged all of those with pretty books they had, along with collectibles and family photos for a very pleasing look. All the pops of blue really add a nice contrast to the black shelves, as do the photographs on the wall above.
I loved the & sign and decided to display it in the middle. They had some nice pieces to work with that meant something too. You can see the pops of blue in the accessories, which really work well in the room.
I added a sofa table behind the sofa, with a lamp (brought in from the bedroom), accessories, and the artwork that used to be over the fireplace. See the pops of blue in the candles and single pillow on the sofa? Works well to bring in that color around the room.
They have large windows in this room that bring in a lot of light. I advised her to just leave them open with no other window treatments since this room is casual. They have blinds so don’t really need more fabric in here, so we’ll just leave them alone. I love the big real ficus tree in the corner.
You can see what a colorful rug she found and I thought it was perfect for them. This was one case where I sent them to do the shopping, since they already know what they like. That worked best in this case and then I came in and did the redesign of the room to pull it all together. I just loved using what they already had to completely change the space.
Melissa sent me the sweetest email:
Rhoda, thank you so much for yesterday. I have enjoyed my room SO much! This morning I got up at 6:30 to just sit in there and drink my coffee. It is so peaceful which is what I was looking for. Now, I can enjoy my home! Thank you so much. This was more than just a room re-do. I can’t tell you how much peace it gives me and totally eliminated conflicts. Thank you, you are heaven sent! You had the greatest ideas, and pulled them together with expertise and ease!!
Now, THAT makes my day! Hope you enjoyed the redo! I sure enjoyed orchestrating it. Thank you Melissa, for allowing me to come in your home.
nikkicrumpet says
Wow what an amazing change. Even some of the very subtle things had a huge impact. The fireplace is especially a much needed change. I love the black mantel. You really did a great job and I can see why they think you were sent from Heaven!
Kat says
Oh Rhoda! Youve done it again!! I know Melissa has to be thrilled. She probably learned alot during the time you spent with her. I loved the before and after pictures. The room looks pulled together and comfortable.
Darlene says
That is absolutely a wonderful redesign. I always love watching those shows and YOU are the show!!! WOW…what talent…I just LOVE it!!!
Caren says
Nice redo! You could have suggested simply getting rid of that horrible faux finish and right there made a big difference. Everything you suggested looks great!
Reynie says
It turned out wonderful! And her peace (and not conflicting with her husband) is the best payment in the world for you! How incredible!
Debbie @ ribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com says
I love the redo. Redo’s are definitely one of my favorites! I think the biggest impact is the bookshelves, how you put them together and then changed the books and pictures around. It looks so beautiful. Wow. Great job, and you gave us alot of ideas. Thanks,
Blessings,
Debbie
Southerner says
That room looks so good. When I first looked without reading I thought you faux painted the walls and I had the before and after mixed up and thought you had really messed up this time! I am so glad that you are finding people and growing your dream.
Valarie says
I love the look in there. Very casual and comfortable with style. I really do like the pops of blue you did also. 🙂
My home - My life says
Love the change to the fireplace!!! Looks very nice.
the pleasures of homemaking says
Rhoda you did a fabulous job! The foyer looks soooooo much better without that faux finish and the fireplace mantle looks great black. It all looks tons better!
Manuela
SASSY says
SO, so, so much better – especially the foyer! Great job, Rho! Enjoyed seeing all the pictures.
Mim says
Rhoda.
You are certainly inspiring and may I ask.. do you ever sleep?
You seem to have so much energy, and so I come here to be motivated.
Thanks so much and fun to see your ideas and for sharing all the pictures.
Mim
Terri and Bob says
Rhoda, nothing pleases me more than when someone redoes a room using what the owner already has but using it better. This is a masterpiece that should be on HGTV somewhere!
Daisy Cottage says
Wonderful job Rhoda! I know your client must be thrilled – and I know you gave them 150% of your efforts.. Bravo!
xo,
Kim
Joanna says
It just looks great! That faux finish was just not pretty! Although it was in style there for a while, we had something similar in our home in AL.
Oh, I started a new blog for my personal stuff, decorating, ideas and such, check it out! http://thissoutherngirlsnest.blogspot.com/
I have been inspired by so many wonderful bloggers! : )
Buzzings of a Queen Bee! says
You have the best job! I just love redecorating, and I am sure your client was so happy with the changes! Impressive work! 🙂
Carrie
Mrs. B says
Hi Rhoda! What a change! I bet that was fun to work on. I really like the fireplace makeover!
Strawberry Blonde says
What a transformation! I love what you did. You created such a happy space for them. Great work!
— Brandi
DebraK from ~the Bunnies Bungalow~ says
Hi Rhoda, The room redo is fantastic. I didn't even know there was a fireplace glazing kit! My favs are the new fireplace & mantle & the couch from another room…..oh…& the rugs!
Hugs, DebraK
Anonymous says
rhonda: the changes look great – can you tell me how you paint or glaze the brick on a fireplace
thank you [email protected]