Livingroom Makeover ~ Grandma to Grandeur!
“Shop the House” decorating
As you know, I am a much better gardener than decorator! However my friend, Lorraine Edwards, has taken me under her capable designer wing, and is transforming our home . For years I have loved our furniture and the wonderful artwork and accessories we have collected, but not how they were arranged. No matter where I placed things, I was dissatisfied.
When Lorraine offered to restyle our living room I thought that would mean an hour or two of moving furniture. Boy oh boy, was I wrong! Following her direction, we relocated furniture and “shopped” the house for more pieces and accessories to update this stodgy room.
Such imagination and vision! An oak table from our kitchen entry was paired with wicker chairs from the garden room and became a new dining and game area. Just taking down the damask window treatments we inherited from the previous owners made a huge difference. Light sheers and sliding rings on our existing rods made for a lighter, brighter room. Lorraine arranged the Copenhagen blue and white plate collection into a lovely grouping on the wall. She restyled the dishes and glassware in the white hutch and secretary until they were magazine worthy!
The couch was moved and chairs edited to create a cozy conversation area by the fireplace. Artwork related by frame color was sized beautifully on the mantel and pitchers of flowers were added. Two small side chairs were tucked under the table behind the couch for watching birds out the window or accommodating extra guests at a party. Pictures I had stowed in the closet for years were unearthed, and Lorraine designed a wonderful gallery wall using them. Our largest, more modern oil painting was hung between two wall sconces. A pottery vase on the table and hammered steel birds echo the colors in the painting and wicker chairs. Woven birdhouses never made it outdoors because Lorraine pronounced them “Very Pottery Barn”. Even the chandelier got a makeover. We took the glass shades off and replaced the light bulbs with clear candle-tip bulbs.
Better flow and, even though there seems to be a lot more space now, we added seating! How can that be?? And did I mention that all of this was done for less than 100 dollars? Everything in this makeover we already owned except for the new sheers, light bulbs and picture hangers! Now we still have all our pretty furnishings and artwork but , at last, they look beautiful together.
Before ~ pretty but dated
After ~ current with better flow
Before ~ too much like my Grandma’s house!
After ~ updated and elegant
new dining/game area
cozy conversation grouping
Birdhouse accents
artwork colors echo
artwork placed on the mantel
table becomes extra party seating
Lorraine Edwards
You can contact Lorraine Edwards, schedule a consultation and see more of her work at YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND MINE http://www.yoursurroundingsandmine.com/
Love the changes she helped you make. The cost factor is right up my alley too. Isn’t it amazing what a fresh pair of eyes can do with what we already own? I am getting more and more excited for my visit!
Thanks, Terri! Things are getting pretty spiffy around here : ) Can you believe this only cost less than 100 dollars? I was amazed!
Happy Decorating!
Barb
Barb- she did a great job! I love your furniture as well and the new placement does so much with the space. Love the grouping of plates. The red table is nice touch & in a needed area. The fireplace mantel has interesting layers now and removing the curtain valance makes the room look younger. Great job!!
I will pass on all these wonderful compliments to my friend, Lorraine – it was all her!!! All I did was lug and carry and say, “Oh, My Gosh” a lot : )
Happy Decorating , Mama Goose!
Barb
I’d like your friend to come down to Texas for a day! I didn’t notice the sheers until I read the article, and I think that one change made a huge difference. for what it’s worth
Sorry, my outdoor shots are much better than my indoor shots, Jeannie! The sheers have a lovely little stitched flower pattern in them that echoes the floral design in the couch. Lorraine can’t come to Texas, but she will do consultations ~ all you have to do is contact her to arrange for her to see your room pictures and tell you what to do! Isn’t the computer age great?
Happy Decorating!
Barb
p.s.
Lorraine’s contact info is at the end of this article
Lorraine certainly has the magic touch. I have seen the before and after in person and her fresh eye is remarkable. The rooms are brighter and so comfortable. Good job Lorraine!
Thanks for stopping by, figuratively and literally ! : )
Barb, I looks so good! It does take a fresh eye sometimes. And it helps when that eye is as talented as Lorraine!
Isn’t that the truth, Karen!! I must have rearranged that living room a dozen times and always ended up putting it back the same way! Lorraine is the one with the decorator super power “Decor Vision” : )
Happy Decorating!
Barb
Hey There!
I was looking at the hometalk pictures and you direct me here. The house looks so nice and up to date. Great job of home shopping.
Lisa Rose
Thanks for taking the time to come by, Lisa! We are thrilled with the changes Lorraine made – with all the things we already loved :)
Happy Decorating!
Barb
Gee-I am flattered and humbled! How lovely to have made someone so pleased and happy-and all the while, so enjoying the experience myself. I’d definitely call this a “win/win” situation and a mutual admiration society. Thanks, Barb and all to all those posting such lovely complimentary comments!
That was so fun, Lorraine! I can’t believe how you can just look at a room and “see” what it should be! We are truly enjoying our “new” rooms , thanks to you!
Your biggest fan,
Barb