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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: Color Me Wonderful

| By Sherry Petersik | September 18, 2009 | 77 Comments

Reader Redesign: Color Me Wonderful

Laura’s paint and accessory makeover is truly a testament that high style doesn’t have to come at a high price. Here’s her letter:

I enjoy reading your blog and wanted to share some before and after pictures of my living room redesign. I too am a first-time homeowner of a charming older house (a Cape Cod built in 1951). Since moving in four years ago, I have enjoyed taking on many projects to make the house my own while still honoring its history. The living room is now one of my favorite rooms in the house. Please excuse the clutter and décor in the “before” pictures; they were taken before I moved in. To complete the transformation, I used Behr’s Tide Pools on the walls with Behr’s Pot of Cream on the trim and filled the room with furnishings from Target, Pier 1, and JCPenney (and accessories from Homegoods, Marshall’s, and Target). The curtains hail from Christmas Tree Shops and the photography is actually pictures I took when living in Spain. Thanks for such an inspiring site. Keep up the good work! – Laura

Here’s Laura’s living room before the big makeover:

Turquoise Paint Before

And here’s the same room after a few totally doable changes (hard to believe, isn’t it?!):

Turquoise Paint After1

Turquoise Paint After2

Isn’t that a lovely and inspiring transformation? We always say that paint and curtains really can dramatically upgrade a space and Laura’s living room is the perfect example of just how far those two things can go! What do you guys think? What’s your favorite part? Thanks so much for sending the photos our way Laura. Long live simple and oh so transformative room redos like yours!

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Comments

  1. Avatar for LindseyLindsey says

    September 18, 2009 at 9:57 am

    Looks nice, and I hope you found another room for that fabulous mid-century coffee and end table.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for CarMajCarMaj says

    September 18, 2009 at 9:59 am

    AMAZING transformation – thank God you got rid of that bright yellow lamp shade – YIKES! Great job!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for AngelaAngela says

    September 18, 2009 at 10:00 am

    GORGEOUS!!! I am so very impressed. Can you come to my house, Laura?

    Reply
  4. Avatar for MollyMolly says

    September 18, 2009 at 10:11 am

    What an incredible before and after. Laura’s decorating style is so tasteful. I’m inspired to re-do my living room now. :)

    Reply
  5. Avatar for mariannemarianne says

    September 18, 2009 at 10:13 am

    Beautiful!! Looks so warm and inviting now.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    September 18, 2009 at 10:16 am

    I love love looove this makeover! This is exactly what I want the feel to be in my place. Kudos to Laura- you did an amazing job!

    Love your site by the way! I have printed a lot of your stories out and have them in a binder with dividers labeled “Future Projects”, “Money Savers”, “Color Inspiration” and “Tips and Tricks”. I go to it every time I need some motivational pick-me-ups.My hubby calls it my DIY Bible ;)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 18, 2009 at 10:17 am

      Hey Jennifer,

      Wow, we’re pinching ourselves. It’s so amazing to hear that you’ve printed out some of our posts for reference and organized them in a binder. So orderly and flattering!

      xo,
      s

  7. Avatar for Laura@JourneyChic[email protected] says

    September 18, 2009 at 10:16 am

    This is such a classy transformation! I love the geometric pillow on the side chair.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for AudreyAudrey says

    September 18, 2009 at 10:25 am

    WOW! From Grandma to Glam!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for TaraTara says

    September 18, 2009 at 10:40 am

    Whoa! That is amazing. I love the whole room. What a great transformation.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    September 18, 2009 at 10:41 am

    What’s Laura’s blog?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 18, 2009 at 10:44 am

      Hey Amy,

      We’re afraid Laura doesn’t have a blog. Yet. Maybe now that she’s heard how much everyone enjoys her makeover she’ll start one so we can watch her makeover the rest of her casa!

      xo,
      s

  11. Avatar for Megan @ The Southern NestMegan @ The Southern Nest says

    September 18, 2009 at 10:55 am

    Wow! I love the color combination…how fresh! I love the brown chair with the nail head detail, and I love the patterned pillows which add a great pop of color and pattern. Great job!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for jacquelin Hicksjacquelin Hicks says

    September 18, 2009 at 10:56 am

    WOW! Thank goodness for paint and sleek furniture. This room is gorgeous. I love the fun pillows… they make the room pop!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for prettythingsprettythings says

    September 18, 2009 at 10:58 am

    Looks great! I usually shy away from blue, but this looks open, spacious and very comfy!

    And I love the fact that Xmas Tree Shop curtains were used – they are a great ‘secret’ source for deeply discounted, unique decor! I drove past the one in Sandwich yesterday and would have loved to stop in but had no time.

    Our family calls it the “$20 dollar store” because even when we have nothing in mind to buy, we always spend at least $20 in found treasures! (And Target is the “$60 dollar store”) :)

    Reply
  14. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    September 18, 2009 at 11:26 am

    Super inspiring! The color scheme in my new place is a bit like this. I just love how simple but modern it is. Fantastic!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for claireclaire says

    September 18, 2009 at 11:29 am

    wow… i want to live in that room!! i love the blue/brown combo – i have that in my house, but not done nearly as well!!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for ThaoThao says

    September 18, 2009 at 11:29 am

    I really love these colors! We’ve been thinking about redoing our living room in similar tones and I love love love the wall paint.

    Reply
  17. Avatar for katiekatie says

    September 18, 2009 at 11:32 am

    WOW!!! THAT LOOKS AMAZING! i AM GOING TO SAVE THIS PICTURE FOR MY NEXT PROJECT ROOM! LOVE IT!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for KellyKelly says

    September 18, 2009 at 11:38 am

    Looks great! I instantly recognized the Target furniture (we have the same coffee table)! :)

    Reply
  19. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    September 18, 2009 at 11:41 am

    Great job on the living room, Laura! I love all the pillows you chose.

    One question, though, and I am hoping not to sound too stupid but, what is a “Christmas Tree Shop” – is that the actual name or is it like a Peppermint Forest type store?

    Reply
  20. Avatar for RachaelRachael says

    September 18, 2009 at 11:41 am

    Laura, i loooooove this room… it is “so me” Awesome Job!!!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for MeganMegan says

    September 18, 2009 at 11:49 am

    I love this room, and it definitely seems do-able on an average budget! Do you happen to know where Laura got the couch and two chairs? (She mentioned furnishings from Target and JcPenny – perhaps from one of those stores?) I’m hunting for the same pieces now, and I’m looking for something affordable, cozy and basic that I can jazz up with interesting throw pillows and decor!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for JanelleJanelle says

    September 18, 2009 at 11:53 am

    Wow! LOVE. IT. I love the blue and brown color combo. The whole thing looks amazing!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for DanielleDanielle says

    September 18, 2009 at 11:55 am

    Holy cow! The before picture looks like she traveled back in time! Looks great!! Love the contrast.

    Reply
  24. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    September 18, 2009 at 11:59 am

    Breathtaking!! I like everything about it! The two chairs and pillows are definitely at the top of the list!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for DiannaDianna says

    September 18, 2009 at 12:06 pm

    What a difference a little paint and up dated furnishing can make. 100% transformation.

    Reply
  26. Avatar for Alicia SAlicia S says

    September 18, 2009 at 12:09 pm

    Wow, great job!!! This is the look that I am trying to get in my own home!! So gorgeous!!

    I love the idea of the binder that Jennifer started. I’m going to do the same!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for LeighLeigh says

    September 18, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    Love it! I have a room done in very similar colors and have been looking for throw pillows. Do you happen to know exactly which store she found those and when she found them? She mentioned several stores and I have access to all of them but have not seen those pillows lately. It’s just amazing!!!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Janell BealsJanell Beals says

    September 18, 2009 at 12:20 pm

    You wouldn’t know it was the same room…excellant!
    Janell

    Reply
  29. Avatar for prettythingsprettythings says

    September 18, 2009 at 12:20 pm

    Jennifer, the Christmas Tree Shop is a chain of discount stores that sells decor, overstocks, holiday items, candles, toys, etc… you can read about them here http://www.christmastreeshops.com/ If you have an opportunity to visit one, do so – they have great items!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Jenny @ Words On WendhurstJenny @ Words On Wendhurst says

    September 18, 2009 at 12:25 pm

    So much of the stuff in our house comes from the Christmas Tree Shop. I love that a lot of it is really classic, and may just need a little tweaking to be the perfect item for my home.

    I found this cabinet for the kitchen there a while back, on clearance! http://wordsonwendhurst.blogspot.com/2008/08/score-at-christmas-tree-shop.html

    Great job Laura!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for Laura GrahamLaura Graham says

    September 18, 2009 at 12:43 pm

    I LOVE before and after pics! That looks awesome!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 18, 2009 at 12:49 pm

      So glad you guys are loving Laura’s makeover as much a we are! We’ve dropped her a line to let her know that her before & after pictures are up, so here’s hoping she drops in to answer all of your questions soon!

      xo,
      s

  32. Avatar for LauraCLauraC says

    September 18, 2009 at 12:50 pm

    FAB-U-LOUS!!!! We also have a cape cod built of the same age; I can only hope when we’re done it will look as nice as hers!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for SaraSara says

    September 18, 2009 at 12:57 pm

    A lovely and relaxing room. Great job! The colors and scale just fit together!
    The only suggestion is to think about replacing the area rug when time/budget allow. Think about something larger and maybe creams/taupes with just a touch of blue. Sherry and John always recommend great rugs on their mood board, so maybe look at those.
    Love to see more of your house,
    Sara

    Reply
  34. Avatar for MeredithMeredith says

    September 18, 2009 at 1:01 pm

    I love this room–I know a lot of people say brown and blue are “overdone”, but I personally think it always looks totally classic and chic.

    Reply
  35. Avatar for CarrieCarrie says

    September 18, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    You guys need your own HG show, I swear?! Love the makeovers you show, as they are incredibly affordable and attainable. SO glad I found this blog, and have passed it along to all of my friends and colleages!!

    PS- the wedding pics and ideas are FAB. Wish I could go back, throw in my uber formal starchy wedding, and do it your way?! =) Just awesome…

    Reply
  36. Avatar for Court @ Beauty Fully UsedCourt @ Beauty Fully Used says

    September 18, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    GORGEOUS!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for schmeischmei says

    September 18, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    Those colors are so great – it looks like the perfect place to relax!

    Reply
  38. Avatar for Krista DKrista D says

    September 18, 2009 at 1:30 pm

    I adore this room! I’m most interested in the trim painting, though (I know – out of all the gorg things in this room, I ask about the trim!). Our house has dark brown stained trim in every single solitary room – around windows, baseboards, and doorways. I’d love to paint some of them white, but am not sure how to do it without it looking wrong as it meets the trim in the next room. I love how much of an impact the cream trim adds to the room, as opposed to the former color. Just beautiful!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for GailGail says

    September 18, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    So gorgeous, Laura. I just love your colors.

    Speaking of binders, I also have printours from your site in a binder here. John and Sherry, please tell me an agent has snapped you two up by now? I eagerly await Young House Love: The Book! You practically have all the material right here!

    Reply
  40. Avatar for Lisa in SeattleLisa in Seattle says

    September 18, 2009 at 1:36 pm

    Lovely! My faves: The wall color (I have almost the same color in my craft room, like the sky on a spring morning), the creamy trim (obsessed with baseboards at the moment), and the bright pop of pink flowers (it makes me want to see more pink accents). I hope our living room comes together even one percent as nicely as this!

    Reply
  41. Avatar for Amanda WhiteAmanda White says

    September 18, 2009 at 1:48 pm

    Fabulous throw pillows! All the colors flow so well, she did a great job of picking out the paint colors on the wall! Definitely an inspiration..I am wanting to paint my guest room a good blue color. ***Sherry, do they still have Gentle Tide? I didn’t see it at Home Depot and I was thinking of using the color in my guestroom and having all white bedding! I think it would be pretty! :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 18, 2009 at 3:01 pm

      Amanda,

      Supposedly if you ask at the counter they can look up the formula and whip up a batch for you even though the color has been discontinued. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  42. Avatar for kristin jokristin jo says

    September 18, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    Very pretty room Laura! I bet you enjoy that comfy chair w/ ottoman a lot.

    I have a very tactical question: how did you hang the sheers? Are they hanging on a tension rod? It doesn’t look like you are using a double rod — the hardware for the panels looks separate. Any advice would be great! I now have panels and may add sheers for more privacy.

    cheers,
    -kristin jo

    Reply
  43. Avatar for K*OS (Keep On SK*OS (Keep On S'myelin!) says

    September 18, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    Great job!!! Great colours!!!

    I’d like to know where the sofa and matching chair with ottoman, coffee table and end table are from. Is there a way to find out?

    Reply
  44. Avatar for JanaJana says

    September 18, 2009 at 2:12 pm

    Great transformation! More modern, yet inviting. I too love the pillows.

    Sherry, any tips for your favorite online sites for great-looking (and of course, affordable!) pillows? I always seem to see the same things at all of the stores. You’ve probably already posted that somewhere, but I missed it. Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 18, 2009 at 3:04 pm

      Good question! We like Target, Crate and Barrel and even places like TJ Maxx and Bed Bath and Beyond for pillows. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  45. Avatar for KariKari says

    September 18, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    I LOVE it!! Particularly the cool blue/brown combination, very relaxing!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for DonnaDonna says

    September 18, 2009 at 2:34 pm

    Nice job! Quite a transformation.

    Reply
  47. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    September 18, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    Thanks prettythings! I’m in SC so there aren’t any close to me, but it looks great!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for SaraSara says

    September 18, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    Gorgeous makeover, I love the colors used! I’ve never heard of the Christmas Tree Shop before this post. I had to check it out, but there’s not one near me, just like the nearest IKEA is 300 miles away. =(

    Reply
  49. Avatar for GillianGillian says

    September 18, 2009 at 3:08 pm

    That is amazing!!! It doesn’t even look like the same house.

    Reply
  50. Avatar for DanielleDanielle says

    September 18, 2009 at 3:21 pm

    I love it. This is exactly what I’ve been wanting to do but kept getting cold feet. Thank you for sharing!

    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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