b*home :: a room to live in

Our living room has always been something like the neglected step-child in the family. While the kitchen and dining room underwent improvements, it sat off the in background, quietly clothed in worn and mismatched secondhand duds. Considering it’s the room that we, well, LIVE in, this refresh project has been needed for some time.

In the past week, we’ve checked off more of things on the big old to-do list. The master list is below, with new accomplishments at the bottom:

WHAT I’VE DONE – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -

Painted the walls “Brook Trout” by Martha Stewart.

Painted the inside of the built-in’s a color that has the word “seal” in it, also by Martha. Don’t recall the exact name. Carry on.

Painted the fireplace white.

Painted the hearth the same gray color as the inside of the built-in’s.

Put one coat of white on the baseboards.

Painted the face of the built-in’s with a fresh coat of white.

Bought new hardware for the lower cabinets.

Touched up wall paint.

Second coat of white on the baseboards.

Coat of white on the shelves.

Hang cabinet doors.

Find new couch. YAY! We finally found it!! After looking for MONTHS, I found this chocolate brown leather sectional and ottoman on Craigslist. It was nearly new, in immaculate condition and a total steal ($1900).

Curtains. I picked up gray linen panels and black hardware from Ikea (total for both windows was $115), and hung them high and wide. I ended up getting rings from Home Depot ($32), because I really prefer that look.

New rug. After much searching and hemming and hawing, I went with the “platinum” Jute Boucle Rug from West Elm. It was on sale, but the shipping was ridiculous, so…whatever. The rug is supposed to be delivered today, and I CAN’T WAIT. The old one is already up and gone, and the room feels far too echoey without it.

Lighting. In what was a definite splurge, I purchased the Chelsea Sectional lamp from Pottery Barn ($TooMuch). That being said, it really makes the room. It’s super heavy, and I love the quality. It has a dimmer, and at its brightest setting, it can light the whole room. Turn it down for movie night, and it’s perfection. We also got a new fan (only $45 from Home Depot, so that makes up for the lamp! Right?).

WHAT’S YET TO BE DONE – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -

1) Wall art.

2) Paint front door.

3) Sew pillow covers.

4) Wire new outline inside built-ins for TV.

5) Change all switches from ivory to white.

6) Cover scallop trim.

7) Finish it off with some fresh items for the shelves, table, etc.

8) Eventually… find a linen side chair.