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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Abbey’s Design Dilemma: Solved

| By Sherry Petersik | December 8, 2009 | 111 Comments

Abbey’s Design Dilemma: Solved

Oh happy day! Abbey sent us her lovely mood board after pictures and we couldn’t wait to share them. Her space is a great reminder that you don’t have to paint the walls a dramatically different color or spend big bucks replacing everything to get a majorly upgraded look. Sometimes just a few new pieces, a slightly more saturated wall tone, and some simple accessory switcheroos can make all the difference. Here’s her letter:

I’m finally submitting my after pics of the family room makeover you helped me with this summer. I want to thank you sooo much for your design ideas. By adding in the chocolate furnishings and the rug it really helped provide contrast to the room and define the space. The new glass end tables paired with the round coffee table really give it that classic and contemporary look I was going for. And the new floor length curtains, matching table lamps, and geometric pillows definitely pull things together. Everyone who comes over loves the decor. And you may notice that I went with three prints from Crate & Barrel’s Classical Symmetry Set (when you posted them on another mood board I knew I had to have them!). You’ll also notice that we added crown molding along the ceiling and updated the baseboards which really helps enhance the look of the room. Thank you again for helping to make our family room a more comfortable place to hang out. You will definitely hear from me again! The dining room needs help too. And congratulations on the baby! -Abbey

Just to refresh your memory, here’s Abbey’s family room before:

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And here’s the custom mood board we whipped up to help bring in some classic-meets-modern polish (check out more details on Abbey’s mood board right here):

3656079842 Effcb3e908

And now for the lovely after photos. Of course some big items like the red sectional and the armoire didn’t change. And the wall color just went a bit deeper and wheatier (we suggested Benjamin Moore’s Westminster Gold 200 for the luxe and “crisp” finish we knew it would add). But we think the smaller furnishing and accessory updates (like the rug, coffee table, media cabinet, side tables, lamps, pillows, curtains, and desk that we dug up) really chic-ed up the room. Plus there’s added function too now that Abbey has gained a workstation along with some serious style.

Abbey Dd Afterpic1

Abbey Dd Afterpic2

Abbey Dd Afterpic3

Hooray for mood board after pics! Didn’t Abbey do a fantastic job? It’s amazing how the red sectional truly shines in the after photos. It suddenly looks like it was meant to be and really pops thanks to the richer wall color and the red stripes in the rug (instead of just blending in with the lighter walls and the rugless floor in the before shots). And the crown molding really is the icing on the cake. Thanks so much for the pics Abbey! We just love when people send us after photos… and we especially love to hear that a room is more comfortable and inviting for those living there. That’s what it’s all about!

But enough chit-chat. Let’s play the what’s-your-favorite-part game. We’re torn between the wheaty walls, that striped rug and those sculptural lamps on either side of the sofa. Decisions, decisions! And that art is delicious too…

Update: We sadly can no longer find the time to take on client commissioned mood boards (we now whip up general inspiration boards instead) but if we ever reinstate them we’ll make a big announcement!

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Comments

  1. Avatar for This Thrifted LifeThis Thrifted Life says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    Wow, what a great transformation! The sectional really does look like it was picked out for the room; it looks so much chicer paired with the updated accessories. Love it!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for AmeliaAmelia says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:14 pm

    wow – great before and after pics. That couch looks practicaly new! My favs would have to be the richer paint colour, the addition of crown moulding and upgraded baseboard (adds a sharpness to the room), and the black rods for the curtains (much better against that paint colour then bruchsed nickel or white – are the curtains the same?). Oh yes, and that rug really helps tie everything in together.
    Great job Abbey :-)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2009 at 2:22 pm

      Hey Amelia,

      The curtains, although they appear the same, were actually upgraded from previously shorter versions to the floor length variety that we dug up instead (we just love the height and polish that they add to a room). And you’re totally right about the curtain rods- they really make a world of difference!

      xo,
      s

  3. Avatar for ChelseaChelsea says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:22 pm

    Great job Abbey! You did a fantastic job…love the wall color.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for KateKate says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:23 pm

    I really like the art above the sectional, great pick even though they came from a different mood board :) They did a great job adding the crown moulding too.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for CarMajCarMaj says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    LOVE IT!! Beautiful job!!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Jill StigsJill Stigs says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:28 pm

    Fabulous job!! Looks so much better………..thanks to Abbey for sending in the after pics! EVERYONE loves a good b&a.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for JeniferJenifer says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    I love how the couch, pillows, wall art, and couch really compliment each other. Great job, and amazing transformation.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for taratara says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    This makeover is great! Nice job! It looks like Abbey went with something a little different than the PB Nesting Tables for the side tables…Abbey, I’m wondering what tables you went with instead? I’m looking for something exactly like that for our family room!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:30 pm

    Love it! I like it all! The table, paint color, lamps, art, pillows! Good job everybody! =)

    Reply
  10. Avatar for emilyemily says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:31 pm

    love the whole thing! can someone please help me find where the art print came from. Not the Symmetry Set, but the one with what looks like 3 mannequins with the red, blue, and yellow dresses. i would love to have one for myself.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2009 at 2:33 pm

      Hey Emily, Tara, and Amy,

      Good questions! Here’s hoping Abbey stops by soon so she can share those details!

      xo,
      s

  11. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    Ohh, beautiful room! Any idea how they spruced up the baseboards? It looks like they added a toe-kick and maybe some additional molding on the top? I want to do the same thing in my house.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:34 pm

    Oh, one question! Where did the art come from?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2009 at 2:35 pm

      Hey Melissa,

      The three prints above the sofa came from this mood board we whipped up a while back: https://www.younghouselove.com/2009/09/ashleys-design-dilemma/

      As for the other solo print, we’re not sure where that’s from, but here’s hoping Abbey stops in to answer that question soon!

      xo,
      s

  13. Avatar for KatrinaKatrina says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:41 pm

    i’m loving the after! The wall color looks so much more inviting and really makes the sofa pop…those two lamps are perfect!

    I also like the artwork!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Chloe & CompanyChloe & Company says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    A big huge WOW. You guys are good! It’s hard to pick my favorite part, but changing out the artwork and the curtain rods and curtains made a big impact, and then the new end tables and lamps, and the new coffee table, oh, and the rug…

    Reply
  15. Avatar for CourtneyCourtney says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    LOVE! Great, great job! It looks fantastic!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:47 pm

    This is great! LOVE the paint color and the new side tables, especially. I like the C&B prints, too- I think they add a lot of interest. Beautiful job!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for jessicajessica says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:49 pm

    oh the crown molding makes the place look a trillion times better!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Lori HLori H says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:50 pm

    Wow! Love those after photos. My favorite thing is the striped rug. And well, all of it just sings!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for RenaeRenae says

    December 8, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    The crown and base molding in my opinion add so much dimension!! That’s a “can’t miss” paint color too. Bravo to all of you!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for Kasey at Thrifty Little BlogKasey at Thrifty Little Blog says

    December 8, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    Amazing! I especially love the new art and lamps!!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    December 8, 2009 at 3:01 pm

    I love the art Abbey went with! It looks fantastic with the sofa and the wall color. Great job! And the crown molding and heftier baseboards really add some wow to the space.

    Reply
  22. Avatar for MikiMiki says

    December 8, 2009 at 3:12 pm

    The room looks amazing Abbey! You did a fantastic job. My favorite part is the new art whipped up off the other mood board!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for BetsyBetsy says

    December 8, 2009 at 3:23 pm

    From pretty nice, to FABULOUS!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for Tiffany S.Tiffany S. says

    December 8, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    I thought the Before WAS the After – it looked pretty nice, but the real After is FABULOUS!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for JennyDJennyD says

    December 8, 2009 at 3:41 pm

    A huge rug & floor length curtains make everything better always, but I love the lamps the most! They look really unique and add style & personality.

    Reply
  26. Avatar for AbbeyAbbey says

    December 8, 2009 at 3:48 pm

    Hi Everyone – it’s Abbey! Wow, I didn’t even think other people would like the after pictures since the room didn’t change drastically from the before. I absolutely love the way the room turned out. To answer some of the questions – (Tara) We actually got the tables from Crate and Barrel and we got them on clearance! (Amy) The baseboard is actually pieces -the main board with some detailing at the top and the addition of a toe kick. (Emily) That picture of the 3 ladies was a gift a friend gave me 5 years ago. Thanks again for the compliments!!!!! Sherry and John are really the best!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2009 at 3:49 pm

      Thanks for dropping by with those answers for everyone Abbey! And again, we’re soooo excited that you sent the after pics our way. Your room looks amazing and we’re so glad you’re enjoying it!

      xo,
      s

  27. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    December 8, 2009 at 4:01 pm

    WOW! It looks great. The couch looks like it’s new – I had to scroll back and forth to make sure. I love the rug – actually it is all fantastic!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for chachachacha says

    December 8, 2009 at 4:05 pm

    Love the wall color and the prints against it. The color makes the crown molding totally pop.

    Reply
  29. Avatar for laurenlauren says

    December 8, 2009 at 4:06 pm

    This looks great! I think for me the crown molding and cleaning up the baseboards really, really improved the room. For me, crown molding makes a room and gives it character…exactly what Abbey has done! Great Job!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for caitlincaitlin says

    December 8, 2009 at 4:07 pm

    ah!! the rug is perfect! also the light streaming in in those after shots helps a lot :)

    When you choose striped rugs for folks, do you think about what direction the stripes will face in relation to neighboring rooms, etc? Everything makes so much sense with the rug in these photos. Great room.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2009 at 4:08 pm

      Hey Caitlin,

      Good question! We usually settle on a rug based on the colors and the pattern, but generally don’t believe that the direction of the stripes will make or break the design. Perhaps in some specific instances we’d love for a stripe to go a certain way (to make a room look wider for example, or to draw the eye to a specific focal point) but for the post part we care more about the colors and the scale of the pattern (ex: are the stripes too thin and busy? are they too thick and heavy? etc). Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  31. Avatar for juliejulie says

    December 8, 2009 at 4:13 pm

    WOW!! Amazing job! The crown molding looks fantastic and those lamps are to die for!!! Great job!!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for PeggyPeggy says

    December 8, 2009 at 4:18 pm

    GREAT job! I love this room.

    I am struggling with a red couch (crimson) in my living room…this mood board really struck a chord with me! (The rug is already sold out…bummer).

    Reply
  33. Avatar for MaryGeneMaryGene says

    December 8, 2009 at 4:20 pm

    Aside from the fact that it was really hard to choose a favorite part, I must say I LOVE those lamps!! Very cool!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for TamaraTamara says

    December 8, 2009 at 4:30 pm

    Everything looks great but the crown molding sold it to me. It’s such a polished look.

    Reply
  35. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    December 8, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    I love the crown molding against that gold paint. And I love the art. And the curtains! And the round coffee table is definitely an improvement. I never would’ve guessed that!

    Reply
  36. Avatar for ClaireClaire says

    December 8, 2009 at 4:46 pm

    Love the new room! What was the wall color before? Do you know?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2009 at 4:48 pm

      Hey Claire,

      We’re not sure about the wall color from before but maybe Abbey can drop in with that info for ya. A similar look could be achieved with Glidden’s Water Chestnut. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  37. Avatar for KatherineKatherine says

    December 8, 2009 at 4:52 pm

    Words cannot describe my love of that wall color!! I am so using it in my husbands man-room makeover!

    Reply
  38. Avatar for ClaireClaire says

    December 8, 2009 at 4:56 pm

    Thanks for the quick reply. Do you have a color that would be equal to that in the Bengamin Moore collection? I am trying to paint a room that will have light laminate wood flooring and white trim and I want it to be very neutral so that it will sell easily!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2009 at 4:57 pm

      Hey Claire,

      I would just pick up the paint chip at Home Depot and get it color matched to Benj. Moore paint if you like that quality better. Benjamin Moore has a number of great neutrals but most are a bit cooler/grayer than the Water Chestnut so it’s the closest match to those walls that we can think of. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  39. Avatar for Robyn in ChicagoRobyn in Chicago says

    December 8, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    WOW! What a great change!

    Reply
  40. Avatar for anna seeanna see says

    December 8, 2009 at 5:18 pm

    this looks great! i love the prints on the walls, the gorgeous wall color and those lamps. well done!

    Reply
  41. Avatar for DonitaDonita says

    December 8, 2009 at 5:24 pm

    WOW what a change. It is very pretty, bright and lush looking. I too LOVE the longer curtains and the rods. JOB WELL DONE Abbey!!! Thanks for the after pics, we love ’em. ;-)

    Reply
  42. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    December 8, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    Seriously fantastic after photos!! The crown moulding is stunning and the symmetry prints fit in perfectly.

    Reply
  43. Avatar for anneanne says

    December 8, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    Wow, what a difference?! Great job!!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for Lisa in SeattleLisa in Seattle says

    December 8, 2009 at 5:35 pm

    Oh Abbey, *what* a handsome room! It’s warm and cozy and welcoming and so pulled-together. Love the rug and the art. I’m sure you’ll get tons of compliments from anybody who visits your home. Thanks for the extra effort to send in your afters! (We have a very similar wall color in our bedroom – it’s yummy.)

    Reply
  45. Avatar for AutumnAutumn says

    December 8, 2009 at 5:41 pm

    I think this is my favorite room by far–the changes are dramatic by themselves, but altogether the room just looks so much more pulled together and lovely! I love that couch and the wall color. So cozy and warm.

    Reply
  46. Avatar for KrisKris says

    December 8, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    To quote The Dude, ‘That rug really ties the room together.’

    Reply
  47. Avatar for MarthaMartha says

    December 8, 2009 at 6:14 pm

    Great transformation! Love the new wall color and the way it plays off the sofa. The C & B art is fantastic in the space!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for CeceliaCecelia says

    December 8, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    I have to go with the paint color.

    The rug is gorgeous and is PERFECT with the sectional, but even without it the room would look 100% better because of the paint color.

    Reply
  49. Avatar for MandaManda says

    December 8, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    Fantastic! I love the new wall colour, rug and lamps. The crown molding really finishes off the room too. Love seeing the ‘After’ photos!

    Reply
  50. Avatar for Sheryl JSheryl J says

    December 8, 2009 at 7:10 pm

    I love the ideas that YHL comes up with. Always practical, affordable and fabulous. I was wondering if you guys have ever thought of doing a book of your blog posts with all of your tips and experiences. I would definetly buy it since I don’t have too much free time to navigate your whole website. Please consider it, *Down on my knees w/ puppy dog eyes*

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2009 at 7:12 pm

      Hey Sheryl,

      Well, everyone knows that we love DIYing up a storm and sharing our adventures (and misadventures) with the world, so a book would definitely be fun someday. We’d just have to find the time to balance churning out so many daily blog posts along with actually doing the projects and finding time to whip up a book (there just aren’t enough hours in the day!). We definitely consider the blog to be our first love and our baby, so before we could take on anything else we’d have to be sure it wouldn’t cut into time that we’d need to be devoting to writing posts and whipping up more projects for our blog baby. We’re not saying no though, who knows what the future holds!

      xo,
      s

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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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