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

| By Sherry Petersik | November 17, 2009 | 142 Comments

Ania’s Design Dilemma: Solved

When Ania sent us her delicious after photos (thanks to this mood board that we whipped up for her last month) we couldn’t wait to share the eye candy! We know you guys love a good before and after, and Ania did a faaaabulous job! Here’s her letter:

Here are a few after pictures that I took for you! Needless to say, we LOVE our new living and dining room area. I can’t believe I ever had doubts about the bentwood chairs or the media stand. They are honestly my favorite items that we purchased. We L-O-V-E everything. From the frame collage to the chandelier to the sofa table… everything! Thank you soooooo much for the design advice. It feels like a completely transformed space and we love to spend time here. Amazing! You two truly have a gift. You will definitely be hearing from me again. Oh man do I have some more ugly rooms for you! Best, Ania

Just to refresh your memory, here are the before photos of the space:

Ania Design Dilemma3

Ania Design Dilemma1

Ania Design Delemma2

Ania wanted a few new furnishings that felt less boxy and matchy-matchy to create a space with beachy, modern and glamorous touches. Here’s the mood board we whipped up to help add polish and breezy style to her living & dining room (find more details here):

Ania Design Dilemma Board

But enough stalling. We know you’re all about the afters. So here ya go:

Ania Dd After3

Ania Dd After1

Ania Dd After2

Ania Dd After5

Ania Dd After4

Didn’t Ania do an amazing job? What’s your favorite part? We’re torn between the super fun medallion curtains and the new white pedestal table with the capiz chandy overhead. That entire breakfast nook just leaves us breathless. I mean we knew that her space had fantastic potential but it’s still unbelievable to see it all spruced up and polished looking. No more paper on the windows!

And didn’t she totally rock that charming L-shaped wall of frames that we described? We love that she took the ball and ran with it. It’s even better than we imagined! Plus it only took her a month to get back to us with after photos which is truly unbelievable. Let’s shower Ania with praise for being so wonderful and sending us her eye-pleasing after pics. And here’s hoping more Design Dilemma after photos will be landing in our inbox very soon…

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 Mariah FraserMariah Fraser says

    November 17, 2009 at 9:44 am

    Wow, Ania! This looks amazing! And Sherry and John- You totally nailed this mood board; it looks perfect in their home! Beautiful!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for ShifraShifra says

    November 17, 2009 at 9:46 am

    Oh, wow. Amazing!! I love love love the breakfast nook with the giant capiz chandelier. It looks even better than I imagined, great job! (and thanks for sending in after pics!)

    Reply
  3. Avatar for prettythingsprettythings says

    November 17, 2009 at 9:49 am

    I LOVE the breakfast nook – looks so restful and cheery. Perfectly pulled together!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for SaraSara says

    November 17, 2009 at 9:52 am

    Looks great, thanks for sending after pictures Ania!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Tiffany T.Tiffany T. says

    November 17, 2009 at 9:53 am

    Great Transformation!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for CarlaCarla says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:03 am

    So delightfully warm and inviting! Such awesome ideas that have beautifully implemented.

    I’ve had a window epiphany after seeing these photos. The struggle I’ve faced over what to do with our bay windows has been ridiculous. Struggle no more! I’m so doing this!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for KristenKristen says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:07 am

    AMAZING!!!!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:07 am

    Oh wow. The breakfast nook is so beautiful! I think the curtains are my favorite thing. Although those chairs are a close second! And the chandelier is too! And the rug in the living room! Can I come over for breakfast??

    Reply
  9. Avatar for KateKate says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:10 am

    Love the breakfast nook! All of those elements just pull together so well. I really love the drama of the big chandelier – gorgeous!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for KimberlyKimberly says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:18 am

    Ania, it look’s so good! Thank you SO much for sending in the after pictures! It is just torture not to see Sherry and John’s great moodboards brought to life. Enjoy your gorgeous space!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:19 am

    Hmmm, overall beautiful of course, but I am not sure if I like the rug…does anyone else think its just too dark? I think there isn’t enough contrast between the sofa and the rug for me. I don’t know, maybe its just me, but everything else seems so light and airy.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 17, 2009 at 10:20 am

      Hey Amy,

      We intentionally went for a graphic rug with some brown tones in it to work with the existing leather sofa so it didn’t feel like the heavy dark elephant in the room- does that make sense? We just wanted something else with mocha tones to work with the sofa so it wasn’t too jarringly dark in a room full of light and airy. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  12. Avatar for PatriciaPatricia says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:21 am

    Your rooms look fantastic. I had my doubts about the leather sectional in this new design but it looks great with the rug. Isn’t it wonderful to use what you have in a new a creative way?

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Erin @ Domestic AdventureErin @ Domestic Adventure says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:23 am

    Amazing work, Ania, with some amazing advice! The space looks so comfortable and welcoming. I am really envious of how confidently you did the frame collage–it came out great!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for calliopecalliope says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:26 am

    I think that this is the best “after” transformation that you have posted so far. I really liked the fact that they strictly followed all of your choices and selections. That made the moodboard really “alive”, if you know what I mean.
    Well done Ania! what a great room to live into!
    Well done youngsters!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for JulieJulie says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:27 am

    Wow – this is a fabulous “after.” What a great job implementing Sherry’s mood board – it honestly looks even better than I’d suspected when I saw the board, read the post, and pictured it all in my mind. What a fabulous area of your house…I would love to hang out there if it were mine!
    And seriously, Ania, thanks for the “after” pictures. It is so fun to see the mood boards actually come to life!

    And for all of you who are loving those chairs, ones just like them (if not the same ones?) are on sale at Target this week…2 for $55. What a steal!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for Kim SKim S says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:29 am

    Wow, great job! I’m in love with those curtains. My walls are almost exactly this color and I also have white wood blinds, so this is giving me a really good visual of what I could do with my living room!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:31 am

    Everything is my favorite part! haha I especially like the lamp, curtains, and breakfast nook! wonderful job to everybody!! =)

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Kelly HKelly H says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:32 am

    The whole thing looks great… but the dining area… looks especially awesome. Love Everything!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Janis from ScotlandJanis from Scotland says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:33 am

    Sorry everyone – I kinda agree with Amy in thinking the rug is too dark – I would have gone for a plain cream or tan rug in there.

    Just my own personal taste.

    Reply
  20. Avatar for MeredithMeredith says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:34 am

    It all looks beautiful, but I am LOVING that first picture of the breakfast nook. It completely reminds me of something I would have seen in Domino (RIP) :)

    Reply
  21. Avatar for ElisaElisa says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:35 am

    The breakfast nook looks like it came from a magazine. Love, love, love it. It’s perfect. The whole house is a just-right mix of beachy, modern & glamorous, just like you said. You guys nailed this one. And I agree about the rug/couch issue – without the rug the couch would’ve been out of place, but with it, it’s all cohesive and makes perfect sense.

    Reply
  22. Avatar for CourtneyCourtney says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:37 am

    Great job! I really love the curtains and think they would look fabulous in our bedroom which my fiance and I are currently making over into an exotic retreat. We are considering purchasing this comforter set (http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6E.aspx?DeptID=59474&CatID=69151&GrpTyp=ENS&ItemID=15d4500&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=59474|59481&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=1&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=59474|59481|69151)and I worry if the curtains would be too much. More neutral comforter maybe? The walls are going to be a neutral color and the furniture is dark wood.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 17, 2009 at 10:38 am

      Hey Courtney,

      Yeah, those curtains are pretty graphic so pairing them with that bedding might be a bit much, but something more subdued (either comforter or curtains) will still make for an exotic space full of texture and interest. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  23. Avatar for Jill StigsJill Stigs says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:42 am

    Holy Moly! It looks fabulous……..you 2 are very talented and thanks to Ania for seeing it thru (and giving us the eye candy to prove it) so quickly! Top rate!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for LauraCLauraC says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:46 am

    Per-fect. I really like the rug and think it helps pull things together! THANKS Ania for the pictures!!!!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:47 am

    I LOVE the dining area vignette! I’m saving it for my personal file…

    Reply
  26. Avatar for BekiBeki says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:49 am

    Wow! The breakfast nook is completely magazine-worthy. And I actually thought the sectional had gotten smaller—it’s in proportion now and I think the rug and art do it. I also like how the round shapes in the rug are repeated in the coffee table. Congratulations!

    Courtney, I think it will look very sophisticated to mix the patterns of the West Elm curtains and Penney comforter, and add depth and interest to your neutral walls and dark wood. Go for it!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for MeganMegan says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:51 am

    The chandelier is stunning!!!! Everything looks fantastic. Great job!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for JessicaJessica says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:51 am

    I love it! I can’t find the paint colour in the mood board though. Help :)

    Reply
  29. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:52 am

    Amazing! Doesn’t even look like the same place. The whole breakfast nook is my favorite.

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Jen Z.Jen Z. says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:53 am

    Gorgeous! Ania did a great job pulling your mood board together. Now the space looks so inviting. Thanks for the eye candy Aina.

    Reply
  31. Avatar for BarbaraBarbara says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:54 am

    Amazing transformation! I love the pops of yellow and the frames.

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Lisa S.Lisa S. says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:54 am

    I love what their new rooms!! Beautiful job. I also love their Basset Hounds. I have one like their black and white one.

    Reply
  33. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:54 am

    I literally gasped out loud! This looks so fantastic. LOVE the way the breakfast area turned out!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for JanetJanet says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:55 am

    Great look! love the rug and the curtains.

    Reply
  35. Avatar for DebDeb says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:55 am

    LOVE it, great job putting all the ideas that they gave you into fruition Ania! I love the rug in the room too, gives the room interest and lovely texture. I think a plain rug wouldn’t make the room have the “wow factor” that it does now. Overall-Awesome!

    Reply
  36. Avatar for MeghanMeghan says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:56 am

    I feel like the mirror over the TV is just too small. Or maybe because it almost matches the wall color it just doesn’t look proportional. Everything else is lovely. Good job!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for JulieJulie says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:57 am

    Simply stunning! I mean I like your furniture in the before pictures and wondered how different it would really look with a similar wall color and new curtains, but HOLY MOLY! I had no idea it would transform into such a sophisticated place. Well done to all!

    Reply
  38. Avatar for OlgaOlga says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:58 am

    Thanks for the pics, this looks aaaaaweeeesome. When can I move in? =D jk. but seriously..

    Reply
  39. Avatar for MirandaMiranda says

    November 17, 2009 at 10:59 am

    Hmm…Sorry, guys. I like the rug (though not sure with the couch?), the coffee table and the photo collage. It’s just my opinion (unpopular, I’m sure), but the room actually seems very mismatchy to me with some elements being very homey and some rather eccentric.

    Reply
  40. Avatar for sabrinasabrina says

    November 17, 2009 at 11:04 am

    I love it! it looks great with not very many “major” changes you know?

    the curtains are by far my fav! i just sent my hubby an email asking if I could get them!

    Reply
  41. Avatar for Caitlin @ That House On The CornerCaitlin @ That House On The Corner says

    November 17, 2009 at 11:05 am

    Great job on everyone’s part! It looks straight out of a design magazine! I love how quickly she got everything done as well! Way awesome!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for Jacquelin HicksJacquelin Hicks says

    November 17, 2009 at 11:05 am

    Beautiful! The chandelier is so glamorous!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    November 17, 2009 at 11:13 am

    Love the breakfast nook but it all looks great!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for heather s.heather s. says

    November 17, 2009 at 11:15 am

    Looks great! The breakfast nook is by far my favorite room of the two. I love the curtains but I agree with a couple of others that the rug isn’t working for me. There are plenty of other rugs that have some chocolate brown in them that aren’t so dark and heavy looking that would have worked great with the couch.

    Reply
  45. Avatar for ErinErin says

    November 17, 2009 at 11:15 am

    Wow, that chandelier is so dramatic!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for IlanaIlana says

    November 17, 2009 at 11:22 am

    The mood board was executed beautifully. It is a lovely place to call home.

    Reply
  47. Avatar for Maha GMaha G says

    November 17, 2009 at 11:22 am

    i love how the round table enhances the architectural detail of the bay window. that breakfast nook is so great! i gotta get one of those round capiz mirrors, hotness!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for triciatricia says

    November 17, 2009 at 11:23 am

    Absolutely gorgeous!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for SuzanneSuzanne says

    November 17, 2009 at 11:24 am

    Wow!! Thanks so much for sharing your after photos Ania. You did an amazing job of pulling all of the mood board ideas together and it looks beautiful!!

    Reply
  50. Avatar for TheresaTheresa says

    November 17, 2009 at 11:27 am

    Another out loud gasp-er here…
    This is a fantastic design and implementation.
    The curtains look wonderful.

    Reply
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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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