There’s absolutely nothing better than coming home to a space that feels like home! Photos on the walls, curtains on the windows… we are making progress y’all! I even got the hubby to put away his PlayStation 4! The cats are disappointed they can’t lay on it’s fiery goodness any more but I’m ecstatic to have it off the floor!
This particular room was a challenge because it’s so long and skinny… we call it the living room but it’s technically a two-car garage that was converted into a living space. Which means it’s an amazing room with lots of space… but that space has to be filled! Since the rest of our rooms are so small the most logical decision was to separate my computer desk from my craft room.
I used the front half of the space as our living room and placed my desk directly behind the couch. It’s a tiny little work space but by placing your desk in the living room you’ll be able to spend time with the family while editing photos on those long blogging nights!
Space Dividing Tip: Use a rug (or two) to define the space! By placing our large 8 x 10 in the center of our “living area” that portion of the room is clearly defined as one space. To add further definition try placing a smaller rug in the secondary area (aka the office area! or a small sitting space!).
My favorite part of this entire space is that while it functions as two spaces it still reads as one!
By taking a common accent color (in this case a medium aqua) and spreading it throughout the space it reads as one continuous area! You can see the aqua in the area rug and in my office chair, in a throw pillow and in the floor length curtains!
By keeping the rest of the space neutral the teal really pops… and you’ve gotta love that!
Swoon.
My aqua office chair is probably my favorite piece in this room… it’s new though so that might be part of the appeal! I’ve wanted one ever since Young House Love rolled out their new office chairs several years ago… although the PBTeen version they used was way out of my budget!
I didn’t let that stop me though… I searched high and low for a similar chair in a lower price range! It only took 3ish years but I finally found one! This baby is only a fraction of the cost but it still adds massive pop to the space!
Then again anything with tufts and nail-head trim is a winner in my book!
If there’s something you love don’t let a price tag deter you… shop around, hit the thrift shops… if there isn’t a cheaper option you can always DIY your own masterpiece!
Although this version of our living room looks remarkably similar to the living room in our old house (we do have all of the same stuff!) we have worked on a few projects since then!
Like a coffee table makeover for the center of our space!
It’s important to remember that the best rooms evolve over time. I’m the absolute worst when it comes to wanting a room to be finished now… but buying something you kind of like now (just to fill a space) is no comparison for waiting to find something you truly love!
A room may come close to finished but in my world it’s never truly done. Even now I’m waiting for my brother to stop by and help hang our TV on the wall! Once the TVs on the wall I’ll decorate the space behind the TV… and I’d love to paint the end table next to the couch and re-upholster the chair in the corner!
Maybe one day I’ll completely run out of projects and my space will be finished… until then I’ve learned to love my space at every step along the way!
If you’re struggling to find the personality in your space try incorporating items that have special meaning to you! Take the globe next to our TV for instance. Yes it’s a globe (which is very trendy right now) and it’s the perfect color for this room… but the best part about it?
It’s the guest book from our wedding!
You don’t need a giant globe to inject a little personality… try adding personal photos like the wedding photos we have on the back wall or photos of places you’ve traveled to (check out the print of Venice Mom picked out for me after my last trip to Italy!). What about a canvas with your favorite quote or a bouquet of your favorite flowers?
Injecting a few ultra personal touches will make your space feel more like you… and once you’ve gathered a whole house of personal touches you’ll really feel at home.
I just added a cute little yorkie pillow to the couch and my all time favorite touch… a Happily Ever After sign over my desk! Since this is my blogging station it’s a cute little touch that makes me smile every time I see it! You can personalize the sign with whatever you like but I’m pretty happy with my choice.
There you have it!
The grand tour of living room number 2! What was your favorite part? If you haven’t stopped by the house tour go ahead and check out our last house… but before you go mind if I ask you a question?
What color should I paint my side table?
Carol Cassara says
I love your color palette. You have so many touches that make the room warm and cozy. I know you’ll enjoy looking at the fruits of your labors!
Happily Ever After, Etc. says
You’re so sweet Carol! I absolutely love all the little touches… although it’s always hard for me to draw a line between decorative and clutter! Haha! Thanks for stopping by hon!
tara pittman says
Love all the pillows! My family always throws mine on the floor.
Happily Ever After, Etc. says
I know your pain Tara! My pillows always ended up on the floor as well (which is easy since I have so many! I just love them!) that’s why I bought the big basket in the back corner… now instead of the floor the pillows end up in the basket! Thanks for stopping by!
Evgeniya Nazarova says
Love all your tips, especially pillows and watches! Very creative and shining 🙂
Happily Ever After, Etc. says
Thanks hon! I definitely have a thing for clocks… and we all know I’m a pillow hoarder! I’m so glad you like them! Thanks for stopping by!
Elizabeth O. says
Wow! I love the combination of classic pieces with a bit of modern! The throw pillows are great and the colors just mesh really well! I love it!
Happily Ever After, Etc. says
Thanks Elizabeth! I was hesitant at first to merge all the styles but that’s how it goes when you love antique and tufted and the hubby likes modern clean lines! I think it’s coming together beautifully… the grey linen on his straight-lined couch helps it to blend in! Haha! Thanks for stopping by!
Top5life says
Love the space dividing tip. I also look for creative ways to decorate my house. thanks for sharing
Happily Ever After, Etc. says
I’m glad it was helpful! Thanks for stopping by!
michelle says
i completely agree with what you said about shopping around and not letting the price deter you from an item you really want
Happily Ever After, Etc. says
It might take longer to get there but you’ll be so happy in the end! Thanks for stopping by Michelle!
Claudette Esterine says
That’s a really lovely room! I just like it when décor reflects your personality and this one gives some nice insights. 🙂
Happily Ever After, Etc. says
You’re such a sweetheart! That’s such a nice thing to say! Thanks for stopping by Claudette!
Arianne Adams says
Your living room was absolutely looks neat. I wish i had an own living romm
Happily Ever After, Etc. says
Thanks Adrianne! You’re so sweet!
OurFamilyWorld says
I’ve always loved the combination of modern and classic pieces. These are great tips.
Happily Ever After, Etc. says
It’s a great compromise for our family! Thanks for stopping by!
lexie lane says
That looks beautiful. Love your color scheme.
Happily Ever After, Etc. says
You’re such a sweetheart! Thanks for stopping by Lexie!
Amy Jones says
I love what you’ve done with the place it looks incredible. I specially love your colour palette and how everything integrates
Happily Ever After, Etc. says
You’re such a sweetheart! This is one of my favorite rooms in the house so I’m glad you like it! Thanks for stopping by!
Tamason Gamble says
Absolutely love those cushions!
Happily Ever After, Etc. says
I love them too! Thanks for stopping by Tanason!
Jennifer Corter says
I love the color scheme and the overall look of it! When I get a house someday, I want to decorate it similar to yours! So pretty!
Happily Ever After, Etc. says
That makes my day! Thank you so much Jennifer… you’re so sweet!
Leslie Soto says
This whole space is swoon worthy! You know I love the personal touches, too and I love the neutrals with pops of color. Our entire house will be grays and creams with pops of blues once we’re all done. You are my inspiration girl. You are so right, its better to let the space evolve over time rather than fill it with things you don’t love just because you want something there!
Happily Ever After, Etc. says
Thanks Leslie! You always say such sweet things. I can’t wait to see how your new house turns out, sounds like it will be gorgeous. Over time is always best… I always regret purchases I make just to fill a space. I still want to replace our tv stand and get a new slipcover for the weird chair in the corner but it’s so close!