I am seriously grinning ear-to-ear with happiness, the living room is finally finished!! This room has been slowly evolving ever since we moved in. From refinishing the floors, the fireplace demo / rebuild, updating the windows and front door, installing lots of trim, adding lighting, and a ton of paint… this space is hardly recognizable. Click through for the entire tour and a crazy transformation! It’s a long post, but trust me when I say- it’s a good one.
Since there are SO many images and tons of content, I’m going to break the living room posts up. I’ll share alllllll of the resource links and paint colors tomorrow! There will be a post solely devoted to the fireplace and my trip to Georgia to find that amazing marble slab. I’m also working on a shelf styling post for next week, so be sure to check back for all of those!
Ok- so here’s what we were working with… remember this wayyyy back when?
These before images were taken for the real estate listing, so they make it look ever better (and bigger) than it did in person.
Quite the difference, right? It’s amazing what the updated fireplace and built-in shelving did for the focal wall! I’ll talk more about the fireplace in an individual post, but Emmett worked really hard on building this, and I’m so in love with how it turned out.
This entire wall was a dream to style. I absolutely loved adding our treasures, objects, and artwork to the space. I actually sketched and painted most of the artwork in this space myself. You can read all about the art right here!
This room is actually on the small side for a living room. It’s smaller than our old living space, but more functional in terms of the layout. The only real floor planning challenge was the entryway. This is the main entrance into our home, and the one we use every single day. That means we needed a clear traffic path, a place to drop mail / keys, a door mat or durable rug, and hooks. I tried to cram all of that into the space without it feeling forced, and surprisingly- it’s one of my favorite vignettes.
I usually drop my keys and sunglasses in the cool vintage hand, and Emmett drops his in the ceramic dish.
We also keep an umbrella holder close by the front door. I’m sure we’ll trade things out once the Utah winter arrives… maybe a snow boot tray where the umbrella currently lives?
Believe it or not, the living room had zero lighting when we moved in. Yes, there is a ginormous window that provides adequate natural light during the day, but at night- it was a real struggle there for awhile. Rather than adding overhead lights or flush mount fixtures, we opted for an oversized wall sconce and a few art / gallery lights. Why? First of all, the ceiling height is standard. There’s not a ton of room for a statement light fixture.
I also think sconces and soft lighting make the room feel cozy- as a living room should. I think it look and feels better balanced this way. This hinged arm wall sconce also swings from side to side, making it ideal and functional for the sectional. It also came with a diffuser that gives it a nice, soft glow in the evenings.
Moving onto the seating area… people think we’re crazy for having a WHITE sofa with two dogs (who are allowed up), and for getting a sectional (bachelor pad style). Here’s the thing… we love our dogs, they make us happy, and we enjoy cuddling with them. That’s why slipcovers were invented! I wash the sofa once every month or so and it always goes right back to looking brand new. It’s also been tested by our nieces and nephews. I’ve even spilled red wine on the thing- no harm done. We do love using blankets and throws, so when the dogs come up, we usually toss one underneath them to keep it neat.
In regards to the sectional… I pick my battles. Emmett begged for a sectional and it actually fit the space best anyway. The living room is pretty narrow, and the sectional accommodates the most amount of seating given the floor plan. Marriage is about compromise, right? I actually like the way it looks, but enjoy the size and comfort level even more so!
In regards to the material, the slipcover fabric is actually denim. I know what you’re thinking… a vision of your favorite bluejeans just popped into your head. Yes, there is white denim, and no… it does not have any sort of lined texture. Denim is incredibly durable and resistant to shrinking, so it was an easy decision. I also like that it looks relaxed and casual. I love the look of linen or cotton, and this has the exact same effect, but with better durability.
I kept the coffee table styling pretty simple and practical this time around. I always burn candles at night, so I left out one of my favorites- along with some matches I stuck into a pretty votive vase. Solid stacked books occupy most of the coffee table to fill the negative space. I keep books out for visitors to flip through (good conversation starters) and in case Emmett has food out… he knows the books are for piling things like that (they protect the table). Speaking of- coasters are a must. I’ve already had to remove one ring stain from this vintage table. Luckily- readers shared their tricks and remedies, which totally worked.
So, to wrap things up, I actually have a confession. The living room isn’t totally finished. Short term, we still have to paint the ceiling and do a little bit more electrical. When the kitchen renovation happens at the end of the year, we’re also going to widen the door way- it’s going to be a beautiful arched entry into the kitchen from the living room. After the doorway is cut out and opened up, we can finished adding trim and panel moulding. Panel moulding has tremendously helped our master bedroom and guest room, so it sort of killed me to post the living room reveal before it was installed. It just didn’t make sense to wait because everything else is pretty much done, but look for the updates later on!
I suppose it’s also worth noting, we’d like to upgrade our dinosaur TV eventually. That thing has been around for over a decade and we enjoyed it’s top of the line technology back in college. Sadly, it’s pretty outdated and heavy, but all in good time!
I’ll be sharing all of the sources tomorrow, and remember- the fireplace and shelf styling are getting their own posts as well! I’m happy to answer any non-product related questions in the comments below. As always, I love hearing your feedback!
*This post is brought to you in collaboration with some of my favorite companies: Metrie, House of Troy, Alice Lane, Coveted Home, Polycor, and Ellis Stone. All content, ideas, and words are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that allow us to create unique content while featuring products we truly use and enjoy!
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KarenJ
August 29, 2017 at 2:47 pmAbsolutely killed it again Sarah! I always look to your style esthetic for inspiration in my own home.
Sarah
August 29, 2017 at 2:51 pmThank you so much!! That absolutely means the world to me. xo
Kim @ Yellow Brick Home
August 29, 2017 at 2:55 pmThis is beautiful. Can’t wait for more info on the sources! That coffee table finish might be my favorite – or maybe the green wall – or maybe the marble? It’s ALL GOOD.
Sarah
August 29, 2017 at 4:11 pmThank you SO much, Kim! Such a giant compliment coming from you. xox
Stephanie
August 29, 2017 at 2:58 pmAmazing!
Sarah
August 29, 2017 at 4:10 pmthank you!!
Jen
August 29, 2017 at 3:01 pmLove it! you did a beautiful job! Could you tell me about the black trim around the windows? I’d love to paint mine, but not sure if the “material” of the window is paintable…. thanks for any advice.
Sarah
August 29, 2017 at 4:09 pmThanks so much, Jen! The windows are actually new, and we purchased black framed windows (rather than painting). Painting is totally doable if your windows are wood. I painted the windows in our previous home. Hope this helps! xo
Leah Prevost
August 29, 2017 at 4:31 pmAMAZING!!!!!! I saved just about every picture haha! You and Emmett seriously kick ass.
Sarah
August 29, 2017 at 4:51 pmHa :) You made my day!!! … let’s get real- probably my week. Thanks so much, Leah! xox
Elizabeth
August 29, 2017 at 4:53 pmSo gorgeous!! Love the before and after!
Sarah
August 29, 2017 at 5:06 pmThanks so much, Elizabeth! xox
Robyn
August 29, 2017 at 5:03 pmThis is so beautiful, Sarah! I especially love that focal wall. The green paint is an unexpected color and I think it pairs so nicely with the marble. And thanks for being honest about your seating options. We also love to have our pup and cat on the couches (really didn’t have much of a choice with the kitty). I’ve been looking around for options for slipcovers for a possible future change, and I wouldn’t have dreamed that denim would be an option. What a great idea!
Sarah
August 29, 2017 at 5:07 pmThank you, Robyn! We definitely wanted the living room to be comfortable and functional- above all else. Even if that meant a slipcovered sectional. This is where we spend the majority of our time! Definitely look into a denim slipcover- it’s a great alternative. xo
Becky
August 29, 2017 at 6:01 pmLove what you’ve done with the space. You’ve given me some great ideas for ours. Seriously wanting to do some redecorating to update the look, especially in the living room. I can’t believe Finn hasn’t knocked over the pedestal at the end of the sectional. That would have been Thor’s first goal.
Sarah
August 29, 2017 at 6:06 pmHa! I HAD to make sure it was dog proof. That thing seriously weighs about 500 pounds. He bumped it and it didn’t even budget. I was shocked! haha
georgia
August 29, 2017 at 6:25 pmBeautiful!
I saw that hand sculpture on IG somewhere and noticed you liked the post, too. What a cool piece! So is that horse painting! Looking forward to seeing the sources.
Sarah
August 29, 2017 at 7:33 pmThank you! That’s the only one I’ve ever seen… I found it at a local thrift shop a couple years back. The horse painting was from one of my high school friends for photographing her wedding. It’s a portrait of Emmett’s childhood horse (who is still living) named Derby!
Linda
August 29, 2017 at 8:28 pmSarah, I just love every room reveal you post! I love your simplicity, how you have carried a bit of that green you love in every room I remember seeing. I love the rug and look forward to your posts with sources of all you used. As a matter of fact, I am forwarding this post to my daughter who is looking to update a similarly laid out living room, and I think she will love it too!
Sarah
August 29, 2017 at 8:58 pmThank you so much, Linda! I hope your daughter can also find some inspiration. Good luck to her with her own living room update. Thanks again! xo
Jacqui
August 29, 2017 at 10:59 pmThat olive color is fabulous.
Sarah
August 29, 2017 at 11:17 pmThank you! Sherwin Williams Olive Grove.
Marti | Project Palermo
August 29, 2017 at 11:11 pmThis is beautiful! Super impressed you knocked out this room AND your yard in one summer. Beast mode!
Sarah
August 29, 2017 at 11:17 pmThanks so much, Marti! Ha! I thought I would be fit by now with all of these physically demanding projects. lol! xo
Maren Buck
August 30, 2017 at 12:30 amI really love this room! It feels unique, interesting and curated! I sometimes feel like the internet gets bombarded with really similar-feeling fireplaces and yours feels unique and original!! Mind blown, as usual :)
Sarah
August 30, 2017 at 12:37 amThank you so much, Maren! I think this is the best compliment ever. I definitely agree- there’s a lot of super similar fireplaces floating around the internet these days. xox
Nicole Varga
August 30, 2017 at 12:23 pmWow, this room looks amazing! I love your style and every detail here just works so well together. My favorite is the entire focal wall plus that hand tray!
Sarah
August 30, 2017 at 1:37 pmThanks so much, Nicole!! That hand is still one of my favorite vintage finds. xox
Steve Schrenk
August 30, 2017 at 1:55 pmSuch a cozy space, and so many soothing design elements to lay my eyes on. It flows so nicely, much like the veins in that stylish built-in fireplace surround and hearth! Love following your work :)
Sarah
August 30, 2017 at 1:59 pmThanks so much, Steve! I’m excited to share more about the fireplace and that amazing marble slab tomorrow :)
Sonja
August 30, 2017 at 8:10 pmThis is a beautiful mix of minimal and cozy! That fireplace – amazing.
Sarah
August 30, 2017 at 11:47 pmThank you so much!! xox
Anna
September 9, 2017 at 11:27 pmEvery bit of this is fabulous! Where did you find the wooden hand? I love it!!
Sarah
September 9, 2017 at 11:33 pmThanks, Anna! The hand is actually vintage but I’m in the process of commissioning an artist to make some for me! Look for them in my shop soon :) xo
Rosemary Corning
September 10, 2017 at 6:10 pmWhere is the sectional from? Thanks – luv it All!
Sarah
September 10, 2017 at 6:17 pmThanks so much, Rosemary! The sectional can be found here: http://bit.ly/2xKk3se (in the white denim)… all sources are linked in this post: https://roomfortuesday.com/living-room-get-the-look/
Jaime
September 18, 2017 at 7:17 pmI am currently trying to design a built in entertainment center around our tv and would like to hide the speakers! I see where your subwoofer probably is. Where/how did you hide the other speakers?!! Thanks!
Sarah
September 18, 2017 at 9:33 pmHi Jaime! Yes- the sub is located underneath in the closed storage portion of the built-in with the mesh door. You can see more about surround sound in this post: https://roomfortuesday.com/a-big-design-battle-surround-sound/ Emmett is actually installing the speakers in the back of our finished living room this week. Stay tuned! I think he’s going to do a post about it.
Kellie Reynolds
October 21, 2017 at 4:22 amThis is such a beautiful room! I really love it!
I would love to know where you found the rug in here! I am the worst at finding rugs and the glimpse I see if this one is gorgeous 😍
Kristie
January 24, 2018 at 7:50 pmStriking & Beautiful room. What is the paint color of your light gray walls & white trim? Love them!
Sarah
January 25, 2018 at 8:44 amThanks so much, Kristie! You can find all of the paint colors in this post: https://roomfortuesday.com/my-living-room-palette-paint-colors/
Patty
January 27, 2018 at 7:41 pmLove, love, love your living room. Ours is very similar in size and style with a fireplace and large window. I was thinking about getting a sectional and was afraid it wouldn’t work but now I th think it will. We just lost our beloved standard schnauzer. What breed are your dogs? Giant Schnauzer and schnoodle?
Sarah
January 28, 2018 at 4:02 pmThanks so much, Patty! I’m so sorry to hear about your precious schnauzer. Sending positive thoughts your way… that’s so tough. Finn (the big guy) is our giant schnauzer and Johnny Cash (the little guy) is a wire fox terrier. We’re dog lovers for sure!! xo
Peg Shields
March 4, 2018 at 5:52 pmThanks especially for the wall paint colors. Having a fit with this, your information settles me😌
Sarah
March 4, 2018 at 6:42 pmSo happy you found the paint swatches helpful, Peg!
Barbara
May 30, 2018 at 11:55 amJust found your blog. We’re building a house. What did you use for the doors of the builtins? I want to put speakers there.
Sarah
May 30, 2018 at 1:15 pmWe found the mesh metal at our local Lowes, but you can also order different patterns online! Congrats on your new build, Barbara! xo
gaby
August 16, 2020 at 8:41 pmWhere can I find this round coffee table? I really like it.
Payal Sedani
August 17, 2020 at 5:23 pmHi,
Where is this sofa from? <3
Sydney
September 18, 2020 at 8:22 amI love the window treatments!! Makes such a difference by replacing the blinds. Do you have a link you could share? Or were those custom? Thank you!! Love your style!
Sarah
September 18, 2020 at 8:06 pmThank you, Sydney! Those were custom from Blindsgalore because our windows were odd sizes, but they were very affordable for being custom. Check out this post for more info: https://roomfortuesday.com/how-we-choose-roman-shades/
Patii
June 12, 2021 at 12:55 pmWhat a fabulous job! So much detail to take in! I realize that I’m new to your site (and late to your furniture choices) but I have 2 questions about your sofa. The PB one you have looks like it has bench seats? Is this just the way it was photographed as I don’t see that as an option on their site now. Secondly you mention that it’s covered in white denim. They also don’t seem to have that option. Or not any longer. Is yours actually called “white denim”? Thanks so much! I’m a new subscriber!
Sarah
June 15, 2021 at 9:33 amThank you so much! Glad you’re here, Patti :) To answer your questions… we have a Pottery Barn sectional in our basement living room (it does have bench seats). Here is the exact link for you (and the fabric is warm white denim, which is still showing as available): https://rstyle.me/+MkRkBqc4203Y_sFjL56oyw I hope that’s helpful!
Patti
January 29, 2022 at 11:56 amI’m late to this site and this post but what a fab room! I love the gutsy green paint! This is 2022 and I have had that same West Elm wall lamp in a box for years! I just haven’t been able to find the right place to hang it so it doesn’t get in the way. Do you have any other photos of that wall that are full on? I can’t quite tell how it looks from the side view. Many thanks!
Sarah
February 1, 2022 at 2:08 pmThank you so much, Patti! I really appreciate it. It’s a beautiful light fixture. I loved having that (we’ve since moved). On the lamp wall, we installed two pieces of artwork. It was a pretty small space. I hope that helps!
Ana
March 29, 2022 at 8:06 amSo beautiful! This was exactly what I needed to see for our small living room being built soon. Could you give me the dimensions of your living room? It would be so helpful for our planning!
Sarah
March 31, 2022 at 9:37 amThank you, Ana! I’m so glad to hear that! I wish I had the dimensions, but this was our previous home (we moved a few years ago) and I can’t remember off the top of my head. I’m sorry!