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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: One Rockin’ Family Room

| By Sherry Petersik | June 26, 2009 | 48 Comments

Reader Redesign: One Rockin’ Family Room

When Erin and her husband Ben sent their before and after pictures our way we couldn’t wait to share the eye candy. Here’s their letter:

I read your blog every day and love your style, your thriftiness, and your wit! My husband and I have lived in a 1925 Arts & Crafts bungalow for almost two years, and have been making it our own one room at a time. After three and a half long months of our entire first floor in total disarray, we’ve finally finished our family room project, and I wanted to share some before and after photos. We are really proud of our handiwork, and are thrilled to finally relax in our new space – we’re taking a bit of a break before our next big project! It was long and hard but we managed to remove the old built-ins and build new ones, strip all of the original oak woodwork, and tile the entire fireplace with ledgestone veneer over the course of about 70-80 hours (we lost count after a while). Thanks so much for letting us show it off! Sincerely, Erin & Ben

Here’s the room before their makeover magic:

family-room-before

And here it is now in all its gorgeous after glory:

family-room-after-1

And for all you Curious Georges (or Georginas) out there, here’s a source list– fireplace ledgestone veneer: Dutch Quality Natural Blend Ledgestone from a local dealer, paint: Valspar Martha Stewart Signature Barn Door Red & Valspar Churchill Hotel Wheat, new blinds: Levolar Real Wood Blinds from Lowe’s, floral curtains: Pier 1, leaning media center: Crate & Barrel, overhead lighting: Two-Tier Round Chandelier from Restoration Hardware, bookshelf lighting: IKEA, sofa: Crate & Barrel, chairs: IKEA, coffee table: Crate & Barrel, red side table: Target, rug: carpet remnant from local warehouse sale, pillows: all from Crate & Barrel.

Is that not a seriously amazing transoformation? And the fact that they did most of it with their own two hands (especially that breathtaking stone fireplace) is seriously inspiring. Thanks so much for sending the unbelievable before and after pictures our way Erin and Ben! We hope you find some time to relax in that lovely new room… before you move on to making over the next one.

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Comments

  1. Avatar for richardrichard says

    June 26, 2009 at 9:36 am

    TERRIFIC job!! I especially dig the curtains–SO perfect in the arts and crafts room! I also am happy to see so much return to the room after the makeover. Way to make what you have work in your new design!!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for ErinErin says

    June 26, 2009 at 9:46 am

    Wow, what a difference! The fireplace looks amazing!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    June 26, 2009 at 9:52 am

    Wow!! This is so inspiring! I love the mix of natural colors and textures, with the bold graphic curtains. Please share more rooms when you have them finished!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Kim SKim S says

    June 26, 2009 at 10:04 am

    I love it! Great job Erin and Ben!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for MegganMeggan says

    June 26, 2009 at 10:10 am

    Oh man, I read “removed the old built-ins” and almost had a heart attack, until I scrolled down and saw the beautiful work they did with them! I especially love the stone fireplace – much more lovely than brick. The new light fixture makes a huge difference as well.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for KaraKara says

    June 26, 2009 at 10:11 am

    Agree with Richard in that I’m glad to see so much return after the really amazing make-over – and that they did this almost all themselves!

    And even happier to see carpet remnants mentioned… I’ve heard a lot about getting inexpensive rugs this way but have no idea how to go about it. Can anyone (Erin and Ben? the youngsters?) tell me more about where to find remnants and just explain the process?

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Christin MChristin M says

    June 26, 2009 at 10:18 am

    Wow! That room is fantastic! I absolutely love the fireplace, all the colors compliment eachother so well(way to go using a great red color like that in a room). I hope you share more before and after shots as you continue working on your house – very inspirational!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for SomerSomer says

    June 26, 2009 at 10:22 am

    That is seriously beautiful! Love all the textures!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for CHCH says

    June 26, 2009 at 10:22 am

    Beautiful transformation!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Jen Z.Jen Z. says

    June 26, 2009 at 10:23 am

    Beautiful room. The fireplace is really the focal point in the room now. What a great job. Love that you brough back most of the stuff you already had. Great way to be Green. and thos bookcases (built-ins) just goregous!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for TammyTammy says

    June 26, 2009 at 10:27 am

    Ok, this makeover is freaking me out a bit, because I’m almost positive this is the house I lived in in high school! I wish I could be certain – they did a beautiful job.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for AliciaAlicia says

    June 26, 2009 at 10:34 am

    WOW! Stunning. I love how the transformation is so warm and inviting. Nice work!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    June 26, 2009 at 10:35 am

    I totally love seeing pictures of houses with non-white woodwork. My house is 1914 and has all the original woodwork. I don’t want to paint it. Raised by an architect, all hear in my head is “Let the house tell you how to wants to look. Don’t fight it.” My house is old and warm and begs a darker pallet than the more modern white woodwork. Love the pics! Love them. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for EmmaEmma says

    June 26, 2009 at 10:44 am

    Those curtains are beautiful. What an awesome transformation!!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for MeredithMeredith says

    June 26, 2009 at 10:46 am

    This is a great makeover! My first instinct would have been to paint the trim, but this is a great example of how wooden accents CAN work in a room if they’re pulled together properly!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for BetsyBetsy says

    June 26, 2009 at 10:55 am

    Beautiful!!!! It looked good before but now it’s breathtaking. Do you know where the fern print is from? I’ve been looking for something like it!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for MeganMegan says

    June 26, 2009 at 10:56 am

    What an adorable room! I just love those little windows and built-in shelving that flank the fireplace. And have those exact same curtains and love love love them. Great job!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for RoeshelRoeshel says

    June 26, 2009 at 11:10 am

    What a warm and inviting space “now”! It’s lovely! Great job on the fireplace!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for NicholeNichole says

    June 26, 2009 at 11:12 am

    Love it! I’d like to hear the carpet remnant details as well.

    Reply
  20. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    June 26, 2009 at 11:13 am

    Wow! The room looks amazing! I really appreciate that they included a source list, especially of paint colors, etc. It makes it a lot easier to find the pieces that I like on my own.

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Delightful DwellingDelightful Dwelling says

    June 26, 2009 at 11:32 am

    Wow, I love how that fireplace came out. It really stand out now where before it looked a little lost. Amazing work.

    Reply
  22. Avatar for BeckyBecky says

    June 26, 2009 at 11:54 am

    The fireplace is gorgeous and I LOVE those curtains! Great remodel!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for LauraCLauraC says

    June 26, 2009 at 11:58 am

    Absolutely breathtaking!!! Favorite makeover ever, nothing else even comes close. Ok, so I admit that Craftsman houses are my favorite in the world, but the way they modernized it (lamp, curtains, etc) and kept the beautiful, warm woodwork, and added the stunning fieldstone is only a little shy of genius! I’m trying not to be jealous . . .

    Reply
  24. Avatar for NatalieNatalie says

    June 26, 2009 at 11:58 am

    Just beautiful! I LOVE the new two-tier round chandelier – if I could, I would decorate my entire house in Restoration Hardware lighting!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for emilyemily says

    June 26, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    Gorgeous!!! LOVE the Pier 1 curtains! This is going in my inspiration file!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for Kim @ Yellow Brick HomeKim @ Yellow Brick Home says

    June 26, 2009 at 12:07 pm

    The fireplace and built ins look incredible! Thank you for sharing this wonderful transformation.

    Reply
  27. Avatar for jbhatjbhat says

    June 26, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    Erin and Ben…wow. Your room looks indcredible. Thanks for sharing it with the Youngsters so that we could all admire it. Your choices were right ON.

    Reply
  28. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    June 26, 2009 at 12:12 pm

    WOW! That fireplace combined with the accent color on the right and bold curtains on the left certainly change up the space a LOT. How beautiful!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for NatalieNatalie says

    June 26, 2009 at 12:14 pm

    Ooooh I love the Pier 1 curtains!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for TracyTracy says

    June 26, 2009 at 12:41 pm

    I absolutely LOVE how they transformed the room without buying new furniture! I’m glad they took the time to strip and refinish the woodwork. It’s beautiful!!!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for ShannonShannon says

    June 26, 2009 at 12:58 pm

    oh my, WANT the light fixture…and the curtains are adorable and perfect too…Love it!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    June 26, 2009 at 1:01 pm

    So cozy! And I’m so ready to buy a Crate and Barrel sofa — they look so comfy!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for KyleKyle says

    June 26, 2009 at 1:05 pm

    Those are great curtains. And bravo on removing the ceiling fan.

    Reply
  34. Avatar for MarthaMartha says

    June 26, 2009 at 1:16 pm

    What a beautiful room! I especially love the blinds and curtains. Ben & Erin: can the stone veneer go right over the brick or is there more involved??

    Reply
  35. Avatar for hollyholly says

    June 26, 2009 at 1:45 pm

    Love the ferns flanking the fireplace! i have been dwelling over what to do with our stone fireplace and think i might have a solution! ;) where did you find those great pedastals? and what material are they???

    Reply
  36. Avatar for daily decoratordaily decorator says

    June 26, 2009 at 1:47 pm

    Huge difference! A pro couldn’t do it better!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for anneanne says

    June 26, 2009 at 1:55 pm

    Amazing! This is almost exactly what my living room looks like! (The before, not the after.) I love the new fireplace!

    Reply
  38. Avatar for KatherineKatherine says

    June 26, 2009 at 1:57 pm

    Wow, what a stunning transformation! I absolutely love the fireplace, and it looks gorgeous with the big ferns. The light fixture makes a big difference as well. Great job guys!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for JulieJulie says

    June 26, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    Wow! Like others, I read “removed the built-ins” and almost had a heart attack…it’s a Craftsman! But when I saw the end product I couldn’t believe what an amazing job they did. They completely kept with the “feel” of the house, but made it cozier and more modern at the same time. I wouldn’t change a single thing about this room – I think it’s perfect!

    Erin and Ben, thanks for sharing the pics so we can all admire your room (and use it as inspiration!). Would love to know the answers to some of the questions that have been asked here, especially about the stone veneer, so hopefully y’all will have time to respond.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      June 26, 2009 at 2:51 pm

      Hey guys,

      We just emailed Erin and Ben about their published pics so here’s hoping that they drop in soon to answer questions!

      xo,
      s

  40. Avatar for RutujaRutuja says

    June 26, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    I love the curtains and the chairs? Where are the chairs from?

    Reply
  41. Avatar for hollyholly says

    June 26, 2009 at 3:18 pm

    the source list says the chairs are from IKEA. great use of budget friendlty and splurg-y iteams! i adore the restoration hardware chandelier!!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for ErinErin says

    June 26, 2009 at 3:48 pm

    Hi Everyone!

    Sorry – we’ve literally just emerged from 7 days in the California wilderness! But of course the first thing I checked once the Crackberry found service – The Youngsters!

    To answer a few questions:
    – I know I know, tearing out the built-ins would have been a sin. Trust us – we’re preservationists! They weren’t original – probably added in the 50s, and they were beyond repair!
    – I painted the fern painting myself
    – The fern pots are from plantcontainers.com – they are plastic with inserts but they look like metal
    – The rug we bought at a warehouse sale and they did the binding in a half hour while we waited. I think most carpet sellers sell remnants and offer this service
    – The chairs are Maso from IKEA
    – The stone veneer went up over a layer of metal lath which was nailed directly to the brick, and scratch coat of mortar. You’d of course want to follow the manufactuer’s insructions. Fair Warning: Hardest thing we’ve ever done!

    Thanks so much for all of the kind comments!

    Let me know if you have further questions!

    Erin

    Reply
  43. Avatar for EricEric says

    June 26, 2009 at 9:28 pm

    I really like the change of the brick in the room. Looks amazing.

    Reply
  44. Avatar for VickiVicki says

    June 28, 2009 at 12:02 pm

    What a transformation! Especially the fireplace. I have a question – was the Ledgestone applied over the existing brick or did it have to be removed?

    Good Job!

    Reply
  45. Avatar for theLennoxxtheLennoxx says

    June 28, 2009 at 6:57 pm

    Wow, those ferns made all the difference! Love the new ‘natural’ fireplace too!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for bungalowblissbungalowbliss says

    June 29, 2009 at 2:46 pm

    As a bungalow-phile, I tend to get nervous about makeovers of these older homes. They sometimes turn into ‘remuddlings’ instead…but this one is really nice and tasteful and respectful of the period. LOVE those window treatments, too! Great job!!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for MomMom says

    June 29, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    I am so proud! Way to go Ben and Erin! You worked so hard on this project. It was a joy to tend to your home while you were gone…and D and Pid too!

    PS Readers, You should see the gardens too!

    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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