I think I can finally say the den is completely finished now! Â Three years after getting my house, that space has certainly come a long, long way and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it turned out. Â Getting new windows made such a difference in that room and now when people walk in they say WOW, at the difference the light coming in makes in there.
Light is such a great thing to have in a house and lack of windows means lack of light, so getting those additional windows on the front of my house has truly brought the outside in for that room.
Just for fun, let’s go back to the beginning…..yes, to this dark and dreary space!
It was so cave-like in here with only one small window.  And that ugly brown paneling didn’t help either.  I immediately painted the paneling since I knew that would help this room more than anything and then we changed out the ceiling tiles to fresh white and non-saggy.
Wall color in here is Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray in a Satin finish.
Yes, indeed, it is the same room!
Here’s a look at the painted paneling progress looking back towards the living room stairs. Â You can see we had a long ways to go still, but progress was made and here we are today. Â New windows and all!
It doesn’t even feel like the same room, believe me! Â I’m so happy with how this area turned out and it’s such a nice place now.
All of my bamboo blinds are from Payless Decor and they have sponsored all the blinds in my house. Â Love their products and have so enjoyed them in my home. Â They are right here in Atlanta, but you can order online.
Looking back towards the stairs to the living room. Door straight ahead goes down to the garage and the door on the left is the laundry room/mudroom.
Look closely and you can see Mr. Cody up there on the sofa.
This room is so bright and fresh now and look,  did you see the drapes?!  Aren’t they so pretty?  I’m in love with this fabric.  It’s by Richloom and called Lucy Eden and I love how it adds such a pop of color to the room.  It really needed a bold floral like this to pull all the mostly neutrals together. I’ll get a couple of pillows made in the floral fabric too.
You may have noticed that I opted to do only 2 panels on those 2 skinny windows. Â With the console table in the middle, it would have crowded the fabric to try to cram 2 more panels in there, so I just framed the windows with 2. Â I think it looks good like this, so keep that in mind when you are planning window treatments. Â You can break the rules.
Glass lamp on blue table from Kirklands.
This room has been an evolution in progress and I’m super happy with it. Â From the rug, to the drapes, sofas and chairs, it all flows together now.
The drapes have so many vibrant colors in the fabric and it’s so fresh and fun. Â From deep pinks to coral reds, several shades of greens and blues and even yellow and khaki on a creamy white background, this is one gorgeous fabric. I had seen the fabric online and ended up ordering mine from a seller on Ebay and got it for $14 a yard. Â They had almost enough and I then ordered 3 more yards from another online shop to make it work for 6 panels.
Richloom Lucy Eden, found it here at Online Fabrics.
I had my panels sewed locally by a fabric store called Fringe Benefits and they have sewed all my panels for my house. These are deep pinch pleats and I love them. These are put on with rings and pins and I’ll show you how I did those later. Â It’s easy to hang them this way. Â They charge $55 per panel for labor (plus lining material), when you bring your own fabric. Â I think that is very reasonable. I told them the length I wanted and that’s what I got. Â I ordered 88″ in length for my windows.
They make such a statement in here and I couldn’t be happier with my fabric choice.
The gallery wall didn’t change, it is still the same.
Another look at the fabric panels in the corner. Â I got these rods from Homegoods and they are inexpensive and pretty. Â Home goods is a great place to find rods. These have a crackled glass ball as finials on the ends.
A look at the painted console table behind the sofa and that wall and corner. Â I bought that pretty brass planter out thrifting and will get a tree to go in there.
This map print I’ve had for a few years and it picks up all the colors in here too. Â It came from Homegoods ages ago. Â Lamp is from Kirklands. Ampersand is from Birch Lane.
I did move my china cabinet down here (switched this china cabinet with the French buffet that is now in the living room) between the windows and it’s a nice little addition in here too. This is an old piece and has been with me for many years.
It anchors the wall behind the sofa nicely.
My Ikea Billy bookshelves are still looking great and I’m so glad my dad and I did that project. It adds such a focal point to this corner. Â To see that entire project of building in the Billy bookcases, you can go to that post for all 3 parts on how we did it all. This is something that many bloggers have done and we followed their lead.
The Ballard Designs coral velvet chair is such a great piece too, along with the ottoman.  Makes a cozy little reading nook, especially with light coming in the window now.
Cozy and comfy!
I love having a space to display some collectibles and family pics.
Separating this space into 2 areas was perfect since it’s a long room.
My grandma’s old Singer sewing machine is a great side table in here. Â Lamp from Homegoods, as well as the chair.
My favorite thing? Â This view coming in now! Â You can’t beat that!
I hope you enjoyed seeing the new drapes. Â I think they add so much to the room and I think adding real custom drapes is one of those things that can really make a difference. Â I like choosing my own fabric and having them made and you’d be surprised how reasonable they can be.
Here’s a breakdown of my room. Â Many of my pieces, I’ve had for several years.Â
Beige Sofa – LazBoy (I was fortunate enough to get this sofa sponsored by the company a couple of years ago).
Brown Leather Loveseat – Bernhardt
Brown Leather Ottoman – Bernhardt
Blue Recliner – LazBoy (recovered in fabric from Online Fabricstore). Â This is a chair I bought years ago.
Painted End table – Thriftstore piece (Ethan Allen) that I painted
Floor Lamp – Yardsale
TV console – Homegoods
Gallery Wall – All thrifted pieces
Coral Chair – Ballard Designs (big thanks to Ballards, sponsored by them last year)
Black and White Rug – Rugs USA
Ikat Rug – Rugs USA
Bamboo Blinds – Sponsored by Payless Decor (these are Tibet in the Premium shade line)
Sandy says
Wow! I love everything about your den! It looks fresh, modern and the antiques anchor the space. The view from your new windows is fabulous! I love the IKEA bookcases too and that chair next to them is divine! This is a wonderful space. Your home is beautiful. I love every room in your house and have really enjoyed your blogging stories about the process.
Barbara says
As a stylist, I must respond. There’s way too much going on in this room. Between the drapes, rugs and all the other patterns, it doesn’t look cohesive. Mixed patterns can certainly work but they should be in the same family. Look at it this way, would you wear an outfit with as many bold patterns as are in this room? Same goes for our homes. We need more neutrals than loud patterns to rest the eye on and then the bold parts will stand out more and will be appealing.
Elaine Poag says
I totally agree with you. It is a beautiful room but it is like a circus and you don’t know where to find the focal point. This could be perfect for some people but a little to busy for me.
Renee says
I love it! I wish I had more space in my house. I only have 1380 sq ft, but it’s a well laid out house, with no wasted space.
I love you gallery wall. I’ve been wanting to do the same thing, but was thinking floating shelves. I may scrap that idea and think about some shutters instead.
I recently sold the old Singer sewing machine table I had…there just wasn’t room for it.
I have the exact barley twist pedestal you have in your bookcase! I picked up mine at an estate sale for $5.
Lisa E says
Pretty drapes and those windows do make such an impact. It must feel so good to get this room done. We will be doing a kitchen remodeled in the fall and I can’t wait! 🙂
Carol says
Love it!
kevin saylor says
the coral chair is where I’d be sitting!!!
Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says
They really finish off the windows beautifully! The room sure has come a long way.
Judy Clark says
Rho,
I love the den. You did an amazing job with that space. I want my living room in Austin to have that same feel. I think I know someone that will help me. Good job my friend!
Holly Rigby says
Oh Rhoda,
Your room is gorgeous! I have given up curtains in favor of plantation shutters for light and heat control…Houston and all…but gosh darn, I love those drapes! So I may be rethinking my all white garden room with turquoise accents. You’ve inspired me! You were the first blogger I discovered…and you continue to be fresh and fabulous with a zillion ideas.
Those of us who have been following you for a while, are so happy for your “phoenix rising ” story, and of course, nothing is more fun than seeing your parents. Love your blog.
Rhoda says
Holly, thank you so much & thank you for following me along my crazy journey. I really appreciate hearing that!!
Annie says
Hi Ronda
I just keep coming back to this room. Can’t get enough of the colors, lightness, & those drapes!
Debbie - Mountain Mama says
Oh wow, I am blown away by the difference in this beautiful room from where it started – it’s like day and night!!! Gorgeous!!
KL says
Wow! Thank you so, so much for sharing this. I have a den similar to your “before” picture and get so discouraged. I then applied an oil based primer on my walls last night. It was a horrible experience and I might be having nightmares for a few days. I already picked a color out but haven’t bought the paint yet. I was worried about painting latex over oil. Well, after seeing the pictures of your beautiful den you have just motivated me to keep going. I love all pieces and colors in that room. Again, thanks for the incredible inspiration.