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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: Life’s A Beach

| By John Petersik | July 5, 2012 | 75 Comments

Reader Redesign: Life’s A Beach

It’s no secret that we’re suckers for a dark room turned light and bright. And during the summer months, we’re especially keen on the beach-y, coastal vibe that Jessica achieved with the help of our pal Rhoda. So check out her letter below:

We finally finished our family room makeover. I feel like I’ve been working on this room forever. The colors in the room before were traditional and on the darker side. The old furniture was a set we bought many years ago and was in a much smaller room (so it looked a bit lost). I decided to change the look from traditional to a cottage-y pottery barn style. This was a joint project with Rhoda, from Southern Hospitality.  I enlisted her expertise and boy was she helpful! Here’s the before shot for you:

Jessica Before

After the dark paint went away and I started to add planks to the walls, things looked like this:

Jessica During

In order to achieve the look I was going after, I got busy nailing planks to the wall. I used 1×8 tongue and groove knotty pine. It seemed like it took forever to complete that part of the project. My dad showed me how to use the nail gun and then disappeared for two months while I worked on the room. It was winter time and he likes to hibernate in front of the television. He wanted NO part of this project.

Jessica After

The planks on the wall are painted Benjamin Moore White Diamond and the top of the wall is Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue. I also added a two inch shelf on top of the planks to define the separation between the planks and the wall. It turned out great for leaning pictures.

Jessica After Vertical

The drapes are burlap. I loved the deep pocket pottery barn burlap drapes but for $75 a panel, it would have been very expensive. I bought 55 yards of burlap at $1.99 a yard on sale and with my 40% coupon, I was able to make ten “no sew” burlap panels for under $130. That’s pretty good in my book considering there are five large windows!

Jessia After 2

Yes, we invested in a new sectional sofa. I found it on sale at a local furniture shop and it was a deal let me tell ya! I also ordered all the fabric for the pillows and window seat / now bench from fabric.com. My favorite is the Thomas Paul fabric (gray) Dalia print.

Jessica After Detail

There you have it!  A gigantic hug to Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for helping me throughout this entire process. We love hanging out in this room watching TV as a family or just surfing the net. – Jessica

You can read the full version of Jessica’s reveal (with more photos!) right here on her blog. Be prepared to drool even more over the awesome plank-work detail that she added to her previously dull room. That’s definitely my favorite part – and Sherry is loving the geometric rug and those homemade burlap curtains. We’d love to hear your favorite part. Maybe it’s the lighter furnishings, that soft blue wall color, or those ceramic birds flying over the TV…

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Filed Under: Reader Redesigns

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Comments

  1. Avatar for Michelle W.Michelle W. says

    July 5, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    It’s so bright and cheery, very nice!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Katy @ The Non-Consumer AdvocateKaty @ The Non-Consumer Advocate says

    July 5, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    *Major* improvement. So bright and sunny, great job!

    Katy

    Reply
  3. Avatar for BradyBrady says

    July 5, 2012 at 2:58 pm

    Amazing colors! The rug. The walls. Touches of yellow. So peaceful.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for LindseyLindsey says

    July 5, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    WoW! There isnt much else to say! just WOW!!!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for NancyNancy says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    I actually thought the before looked pretty good. But the after? FANTASTIC! I love everything about it!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for MaureenMaureen says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    This room belongs in a magazine. Seriously.Gorgeous.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for EmmaEmma says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:03 pm

    Wow! Love this transformation. I love that she did all of the curtains and pillows herself. Way to save on those burlap curtains. Way to go Jessica!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for ColleenColleen says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:04 pm

    Wow, that is quite the transformation, love it!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for KirstinKirstin says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:09 pm

    Love the striped yellow pillows! So cheery!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for KatharineKatharine says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    Night and day! The plank walls are so unique, and the added ledge is so cute. The room looks awesome!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for tinaehb3tinaehb3 says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:15 pm

    That’s amazing!!!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for RitaRita says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:16 pm

    I Love the room. The most favorite thing for me are the pillows and I would like to know whre you gor the You Are My sunshine pillow. Thank you.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Jen MJen M says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    This doesn’t look anything like the same room! Very well done. I have that rug. I got mine from overstock this Christmas on the CHEAP! I highly recommend

    Reply
    • Avatar for BetsyBetsy says

      July 6, 2012 at 3:23 pm

      Hey, I’m considering that rug. When you say on the cheap, how much did you pay for it?

  14. Avatar for Marissa@ohhhsolovely[email protected] says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:23 pm

    those burlap drapes are dreamy! love them! actually, the entire room is beautiful. job well done!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Melissa LyonsMelissa Lyons says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:28 pm

    wow! this is so beautiful! I love all the tones and textures!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for SammySammy says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:29 pm

    Amazing transformation! I LOVE the colour of the walls, it gives the room a really calm feeling.

    Reply
  17. Avatar for BarbBarb says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:30 pm

    One word…
    F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S.

    B.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for ShirleyShirley says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:34 pm

    Love the transformation! Esp jealous over the curtains!!! I’m trying to do curtains for the office and having a hard time finding inexpensive fabric (need lots of yards) that will look good :( tear

    Reply
  19. Avatar for BethanyBethany says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:41 pm

    Love, love, love it!!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for MamawMamaw says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:43 pm

    Mamaw Like!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:47 pm

    Wow! I liked the before picture (cozy den-ish, good to curl up in wintertime!) But the after pics are AMAZING! So light and cheery and summery! Very nice!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for Gabriella @ Our Life In ActionGabriella @ Our Life In Action says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    Wow – I love everything about this room. Just absolutely beautiful!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Shelley @ Green Eggs and HamletShelley @ Green Eggs and Hamlet says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:49 pm

    Wow, great job, Jessica! My favorite part is definitely the plank walls.

    Reply
  24. Avatar for NupurNupur says

    July 5, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    What a cheerful room! The burlap drapes are my favorite.

    Reply
  25. Avatar for KateKate says

    July 5, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    I love all of it, BUT what specifically tugs at my heart is the use of the rug over the wall-to-wall carpet. I keep wanting to do that, but so far I’ve chickened out!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 5, 2012 at 4:18 pm

      Oh yeah- doesn’t that look awesome?!

      xo,
      s

  26. Avatar for how2homehow2home says

    July 5, 2012 at 4:37 pm

    What a beautiful makeover! A new coat of paint made a huge difference…the room looks very fresh and welcoming! Great post guys :) Hope you had a nice 4th of July.

    Reply
  27. Avatar for Maria @ All Things LuxuriousMaria @ All Things Luxurious says

    July 5, 2012 at 4:45 pm

    Wow — an amazing re-do! I love how bright and fresh the room is now. Just beautiful. :-)

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Rhoda @ Southern HospitalityRhoda @ Southern Hospitality says

    July 5, 2012 at 4:47 pm

    Fun to see Jessica’s room over here! It was so exciting to watch it come to life as we went back and forth on emails and pics. She worked it and really got everything happening, based on our emails and ideas back and forth. I love to see a great before & after and this one hits all the high notes for sure. Yay!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 5, 2012 at 5:18 pm

      You did an awesome job helping her gussy things up Rhoda! I love the yellow fabrics and that awesome wood wall detail!

      xo,
      s

  29. Avatar for jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof[email protected] says

    July 5, 2012 at 4:56 pm

    OH My word you guys seriously just made my day! I just got home to an inbox full of sweet messages! Thank you thank you thank you so much much for featuring our family room and your kind words:) You guys rock! Hope you have a great rest of the holiday week :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 5, 2012 at 5:16 pm

      But of course! Your room is an inspiration and I love a chick who can work a nail gun!!

      xo,
      s

  30. Avatar for braelinbraelin says

    July 5, 2012 at 5:03 pm

    LOVE this– one of my favorites yet!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for Krystle @ Color Transformed FamilyKrystle @ Color Transformed Family says

    July 5, 2012 at 5:43 pm

    Wow! This room has a major jaw-dropping factor. It’s hard to believe it’s even the same room. Who wouldn’t love hanging out in that living room. She did an amazing job. I love everything about it.

    Reply
  32. Avatar for JulianeJuliane says

    July 5, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    LOVE the pine planks. They add such a great texture. :) All the little extras you added really pull it all together–especially those great yellow cushions and sitting nooks. I’m always looking for the right additions for my own spaces, whether it’s wall art, the piece of furniture, or some project I can build myself. Now I have all these ideas for my giant, five-sided bay window in my living room!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Christine Witt (Brush Dance)Christine Witt (Brush Dance) says

    July 5, 2012 at 6:50 pm

    Terrific improvement.
    I really dig the bright pops of yellow.

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Keri BethKeri Beth says

    July 5, 2012 at 7:09 pm

    Beautiful! Also, I just bought that rug for my bedroom–it’s so nice and plush!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for heatherheather says

    July 5, 2012 at 8:18 pm

    Best reader redesign to date. There isn’t one part of this room I don’t think is so cute.

    Reply
  36. Avatar for ChrissieChrissie says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    I love the use of panelling and all the bright, happy colours that bounce off the white. It’s such an amazing transformation!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for KateKate says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:05 pm

    I love everything about this room! The colors are so great!

    Reply
  38. Avatar for NoraNora says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:21 pm

    This makeover really exemplifies the phrase “from drab to fab!”

    Reply
  39. Avatar for Meaningful NestMeaningful Nest says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:27 pm

    I love the whole room! Beautiful job!

    Reply
  40. Avatar for Qaseh GiftsQaseh Gifts says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:46 pm

    what a teriffic job!

    Reply
  41. Avatar for Jenn @therebelchickJenn @therebelchick says

    July 5, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    WOW What a transformation! This really gives me hope as we begin remodeling our family room!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for JJ'Ann says

    July 5, 2012 at 10:32 pm

    Wow this is just gorgeous!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for KariKari says

    July 5, 2012 at 11:53 pm

    Why didn’t any of those Design Stars go for open shelving and some awesome acessorizing this week? Sheesh, talk about a missed opportunity!!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for carol janecarol jane says

    July 6, 2012 at 8:04 am

    Love the beachy room!! I want it! Love the burlap panels. Do you have a post on how to make them? Would love to know. Thanks.

    Reply
  45. Avatar for Koby RennieKoby Rennie says

    July 6, 2012 at 9:30 am

    Wowwwwwwweeeeeee
    Fantastic work ….
    Loved the title “Life’s A Beach”

    Reply
  46. Avatar for JJ says

    July 6, 2012 at 10:17 am

    I’m normally not a lover of the beach look but this room looks so cozy. I love it. Now if only I could get my living room to look like it’s out of a magazine.

    Reply
  47. Avatar for Lynn @ Our Useful HandsLynn @ Our Useful Hands says

    July 6, 2012 at 10:17 am

    I really like the table behind the couch and the lanterns. Nice touches all the way around.

    My best, Lynn

    Reply
  48. Avatar for Paige @ Little NostalgiaPaige @ Little Nostalgia says

    July 6, 2012 at 10:27 am

    Holy cow, the room looks SO much bigger. And this is one of the more versatile beach-y styles I’ve seen. You can tell what it is, but it’s not too theme-y, which I appreciate. :-)

    Reply
  49. Avatar for NatalieNatalie says

    July 6, 2012 at 10:32 am

    They did a REALLY nice job!

    Those plank walls are genius, and that rug is to-die-for! :)

    Reply
  50. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    July 6, 2012 at 10:39 am

    Love the hanging lamps and the bench pillows!

    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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