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

| By Sherry Petersik | February 18, 2009 | 52 Comments

Blayne’s Second Design Dilemma: Solved

Oh happy day! Blayne just sent us the after pictures for her recent living room makeover and we couldn’t be more excited to share them. You may remember that we whipped up this custom mood board for her a little over a month ago. Here’s the before picture to refresh your memory:

before-mood-board-makeover-picture-living-room

And here’s the mood board we whipped up for her (see more details here):

3172929788 3bed9bb8d3

Here’s the lighter and brighter after thanks to a new furniture arrangement, a blue fireplace accent wall, breezy curtains, a punchy graphic rug, and a few fabulous accessories:

living-room-after-makeover-photo-beachy-blue

living-room-makeover-blayne-before-and-after-design-decorating-consultation1

We were especially inspired by Blayne’s request for a room that “feels beachy in the sense that you would feel like if you looked out the window you might see the ocean.” And this breezy bay of windows makes the room feel light and airy and oh so stunning. The fact that they’re $9.99 Ikea panels paired with some discount store bamboo blinds is the icing on the cake.

living-room-makeover-curtains

Here’s what Blayne had to say about her living room makeover:

“I was amazed at how much bigger and brighter it looks! And my husband loves it too. Yay! I was so excited to show it off that I invited some friends over last night. Everyone loved it. A few people who had never been over before commented that they loved the way the living room and bedroom were decorated (thanks John and Sherry!). I’m so happy to come home to this gorgeous room!” – Blayne

So what do you guys think? Didn’t Blayne do a steller job with her living room?! Oh and do you remember her bedroom makeover from a little while ago? It just feels so good to help such a lovely lady spiff up two of her rooms. Hooray for after pictures!

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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Filed Under: Reader Redesigns

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Comments

  1. Avatar for SoBella CreationsSoBella Creations says

    February 18, 2009 at 9:41 am

    Great transformation! I love the rug.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    February 18, 2009 at 10:01 am

    It looks tons better! I like the rug, too, even though I don’t like pastels that much.

    Where did she put that huge TV?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2009 at 10:11 am

      Hey Jennifer,

      Good question! The TV moved over to the wall across from the sofa (on the opposite side of the room) so the room feels a lot lighter and more open since we spread things out a lot more (and strategically placed the big TV cabinet so it’s not the first thing that you see when you walk into the room). You can see the rest of the makeover details by clicking “this custom mood board” in the first paragraph which will take you back to our step-by-step plan that Blayne used to make over her space. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      Sherry

  3. Avatar for Kim & RyanKim & Ryan says

    February 18, 2009 at 10:13 am

    It’s gorgeous. I love the slipper chair.

    And, thanks for addressing where the TV was. I was wondering the same thing. =)

    Reply
  4. Avatar for bungalow_blissbungalow_bliss says

    February 18, 2009 at 10:23 am

    I’m in love with that rug! It is just perfect.

    And the room does look tons bigger. So light–great job, Blayne (and John & Sherry)!

    Three cheers for before-and-after posts!! :-)

    Reply
  5. Avatar for NikkiNikki's Nacs says

    February 18, 2009 at 10:24 am

    awesome makeover!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for jessejesse says

    February 18, 2009 at 10:26 am

    Gorgeous makeover, they did a great job! Fabulous suggestions!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for heather s.heather s. says

    February 18, 2009 at 10:35 am

    Looks great! Even though I read the moodboard when you first posted it I was hoping for pics of the wall with the tv as well to see how that looks. Are there white blinds on the windows as well or are my eyes playing tricks on me?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2009 at 10:44 am

      Hey Heather S,

      The blinds are actually a tan colored bamboo, but since they’re so sheer and all that light is flooding in they look quite light in the picture. As for the TV wall, there are more pics and explanations on Blayne’s blog, so definitely feel free to check it out by clicking Blayne in the last paragraph to see the full monty over on her site (you have to scroll down a bit since the makeover is a few posts down). Hope it helps!

      xo,
      Sherry

  8. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    February 18, 2009 at 10:40 am

    Any idea where the bambook blinds are, and if they’re the kind that roll-up (Roman Shade style, I think)?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2009 at 10:47 am

      The slipper chair is the “Dolce Lounge Chair” from Target (we have two and love ’em and recommend them to anyone who will listen) and we’re not quite sure where the bamboo blinds are from (although we frequently recommend Walmart since they’re affordable and come in many styles and sizes). Hopefully Blayne will mosey on over here and confirm her source for the blinds!

      xo,
      Sherry

  9. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    February 18, 2009 at 10:41 am

    Do you know where she got her slipper chair? I love it! Great job!!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for SaraSara says

    February 18, 2009 at 10:52 am

    Wow…that’s a beautiful transformation with the existing furniture piece. I like the clean & crisp look.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for AlinaAlina says

    February 18, 2009 at 10:53 am

    the change is incredible, the whole room feels bigger en fresher. Great job!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for HollyHolly says

    February 18, 2009 at 10:54 am

    This makeover is lovely! It really suits my taste–I might have to copy some of this. :-)

    My favorite accessory? The cat on the back of the couch. We have something similar–a dog that appears somewhere in every photo of the house I take.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for michellemichelle says

    February 18, 2009 at 11:00 am

    this looks amazing. the room is so much brighter and the blue fireplace accent wall looks great. i have the same white ikea drapes and bamboo roman shades from target in my office and love them.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for LisaLisa says

    February 18, 2009 at 11:13 am

    I’m curious what happened to the fish. . . .did I see a smile on the cat’s face?

    Reply
  15. Avatar for underwooddcunderwooddc says

    February 18, 2009 at 11:45 am

    Oh my goodness I have that rug AND that Dolce lounge chair AND the same color walls AND a brown couch. Sadly my living room doesn’t look quite as spiffed up as this. Sigh…
    I’m getting there though. I think I just need more lighting and some stuff for the walls. I wonder where she got those side tables?

    Reply
  16. Avatar for srabeesrabee says

    February 18, 2009 at 11:52 am

    I am not a huge fan of area rugs over carpet. i do love the target chair. is it comfortable?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2009 at 12:10 pm

      Hey Underwooddc- The great x-detail side tables are Victoria Hagan for Target. Love ’em so much we also have one in our guest bedroom.

      As for the Dolce Lounge Chair, it’s a bit stiff to begin with but about three weeks of use (you have to make yourself sit in it) will get it comfy in no time. Ours are totally broken in and wonderful.

      xo,
      Sherry

  17. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    February 18, 2009 at 11:59 am

    It looks fabulous! I love the fireplace wall the light blue. Blayne definitely pulled off beachy even with with her dark leather sofas.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for BlayneBlayne says

    February 18, 2009 at 12:35 pm

    I’m glad everyone seems to like it almost as much as I do! Regarding the windows… There are 3 layers. White, 2 in wood blinds (for darkening as needed), the roll up shades which are actually burlap shades that I sewed with dowels in the hem, then rolled up and secured with jute twine, and the wonderful $10 (per pair!) Ikea curtains. The fish moved into the kitchen although my husband says he may want to move them back in, on the wall under the three shell pictures. The TV wall is on my blog, although I think it needs a picture above the entertainment center, it is pretty monochrome. The side tables are from Target (Victoria Hagen perfect pieces Darby table). And I do love the Dolce chair, it has gotten a lot more use than the chair that used to be there. Thanks for all the comments!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for AudreyAudrey says

    February 18, 2009 at 12:35 pm

    you guys have done such a great job on both of her room makeovers – love the before and afters!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for KarenKaren says

    February 18, 2009 at 12:38 pm

    Congrats to Blayne for pulling it off and to Sherry/John for the mood board! Stunning transformation!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for AlyssaAlyssa says

    February 18, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    Wow! Looks great :)

    Reply
  22. Avatar for KristyKristy says

    February 18, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    Looks fantastic. I knew that leather furniture could easily transition. Nicely done!!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Jersey Girl in DCJersey Girl in DC says

    February 18, 2009 at 3:54 pm

    Wow! It looks amazing!!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for KimberlyKimberly says

    February 18, 2009 at 4:14 pm

    It looks great!! Kudos to Blayne for getting the work done so we can see one of the luscious moodboards in (virtual) real life.

    Great job, Sherry, John and Blayne!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for GillianGillian says

    February 18, 2009 at 4:20 pm

    This might be the icing on the cake. I might have to hire you to do our dining room and take it from dark to light and airy. But…that will have to wait till after Easter because I gave up shopping for Lent!! Perhaps with the money I save I’ll be able to hire you two!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for G&DG&D says

    February 18, 2009 at 5:39 pm

    Gorgeous transformation–I love it!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for CourtneyCourtney says

    February 18, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    Love that!! Great job!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for juliejulie says

    February 18, 2009 at 7:59 pm

    The after looks amazing!! What an inspiration!! Where did those bamboo blinds come from????

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2009 at 9:35 pm

      Hey Julie,

      Blayne actually weighed in on how she made (!) the blinds herself a few comments up so feel free to reference her explanation! It’s certainly a great low-budget option. Hooray for DIY!

      xo,
      Sherry

  29. Avatar for Denise T.Denise T. says

    February 18, 2009 at 10:18 pm

    I really like the new furniture arrangement. The fireplace with the blue wall is a great focal point for the room. Kudos to Blayne for decorating 2 rooms in her home and sending in the “After” pictures. Love the Betta fish and the lamps!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Anna SeeAnna See says

    February 18, 2009 at 11:18 pm

    Looks gorgeous! I’ve been eying those end table for quite some time.

    Reply
  31. Avatar for caitlyncaitlyn says

    February 18, 2009 at 11:20 pm

    The new arrangement looks really awesome! I particularly like the rug — it goes so well with the blue accent wall.
    Sherry and John — your recommendations to Blayne were great and I am totally planning to contact you two in the future for decorating help!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 19, 2009 at 12:02 am

      Aw, thanks everyone for the kind comments! We definitely give all of the credit to Blayne for seamlessly executing not one, but TWO of our room plans in such a fabulous (and fast) way! A whole new look doesn’t have to take months and cost thousands of dollars- and many people can use a lot of the stuff they already have in new ways. We love that Blayne is helping us show how much a little furniture shifting, a dash of paint, and a few well selected accessories can really transform a room.

      xo,
      Sherry

  32. Avatar for heather s.heather s. says

    February 19, 2009 at 9:14 am

    I knew there were three layers on the windows! Yea – I’m not crazy. :) Still…such an amazing transformation.

    Reply
  33. Avatar for SandySandy says

    February 20, 2009 at 7:13 am

    It’s so fun to see your moodboards come to life. Blayne really pulled it off; it looks terrific!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for MelMel says

    June 20, 2009 at 1:05 am

    Hi,
    I am a huge fan and am saving up to have a mood board/room plan or two done for my new home! I am actually going to ask for a mood board/room plan for my bday (in Sept). In the meantime, I was wondering if you can point me to a website or vendor where I could buy the floor rug shown in Blayne’s Second Design Dilemma: Solved (February 18, 2009). Thanks so much! With deep appreciation and admiration, Mel

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      June 20, 2009 at 9:16 am

      Hey Mel,

      That fun graphic rug is actually from Pottery Barn but it has since sold out. You might have luck finding it on ebay or amazon though (it’s called The Bridget Rug in blue). You also might want to check out overstock.com for about a million rug options that you can sift through to find something that tickles your fancy. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      Sherry

  35. Avatar for NicoleNicole says

    August 25, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    I love the room! I’m actually thinking about doing the same colors in my living room and was wondering where the pillow that’s on the dolce chair is from. Thanks!

    Reply
  36. Avatar for lauralaura says

    November 24, 2009 at 3:39 pm

    what is the name/brand of the tan wall color? thanks :-)

    so beachy, i love it!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 24, 2009 at 3:40 pm

      Hey Laura,

      We don’t know the exact color that Blayne used in there (since it was already on the walls) but Glidden’s Water Chestnut is extremely similar. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  37. Avatar for susansusan says

    November 24, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    i don’t know how i missed this one. it’s gorgeous!!!

    Reply
  38. Avatar for nadianadia says

    February 10, 2010 at 8:13 pm

    I’ve been looking for window hardware for VERY wide windows such as these… can you please let me knwo where the window treatment hardware was purchased? thank you so much!
    [email protected]

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 10, 2010 at 8:44 pm

      You can get extra long rods at JC Penney (they even sell extender rods) or Lowe’s. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  39. Avatar for CassiCassi says

    February 15, 2010 at 9:25 pm

    I know this is from last year, but I was introduced to your site recently by a rather stylish friend. I love the rug here, but it’s been discontinued. Any tips on where to find something similar? We redoing a kitchen/dining/living area and want to use blues, greens and browns. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      February 15, 2010 at 9:26 pm

      Definitely try sites like eBay and even Craigslist. Hope it helps. Happy hunting…

      xo,
      s

  40. Avatar for Daniel SmithDaniel Smith says

    August 4, 2010 at 4:16 am

    You did an awesome job. How much money did you spend to this total makeover?

    Reply
  41. Avatar for NicoleNicole says

    September 12, 2010 at 10:13 am

    I’m desperate for your help, and can’t get your “custom consultation” link to work. :(

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 12, 2010 at 10:51 am

      Hey Nicole,

      So sorry! We no longer have the time to take on custom consults! But we do have a ton of mood boards that you can peruse by clicking our “Design Dilemma” category after clicking the Topics tab up next to our search bar. Hope it helps!

      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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