Family Room in Progress

Since we seem to spend the most time in the living room, (and especially on the couch), I thought it would be a good place to start- decor wise.  I was thinking it should be pretty easy since we already have the sofa, a nice built-in media/bookshelf cabinet and good bones like dark hardwood floors and nice windows.  So far, here’s what I’ve come up with: BEFORE June 2010 (House) 005 AFTER Living Room July 2010 023   Living Room July 2010 001  Living Room July 2010 012 Living Room July 2010 002 Living Room July 2010 018  Living Room July 2010 013 Living Room July 2010 020 Living Room July 2010 019  Living Room July 2010 007  Living Room July 2010 009  Living Room July 2010 003  Living Room July 2010 015 Living Room July 2010 004  Living Room July 2010 005 Living Room July 2010 011            Living Room July 2010 016        I wanted to keep the color palette very neutral and serene without being too boring.  See my inspiration living rooms here.  I hoped that the added texture in the rug, large vases and pillows would add some visual interest.  Accessorizing the bookshelves is a bit of a challenge for me.  I try to keep the scale in balance and changed the heights of the shelves.  It’s not done, I’m still working it out and also need something for the top of the media cabinet.  I’m probably going to remove that middle shelf so that I can put something larger there.  I’m also thinking of adding some large scale branches or bamboo sticks to the floor vases to draw the eye up.   And maybe some art or framed photos on the walls adjacent to the bookshelf?? I definitely want to add some curtains, but am kind of at a loss on where to start.  I was thinking it would be great to do a pattern since the room is pretty neutral and solid.  Janell at Isabella and Max Rooms did a great post recently on dramatic drapes– I’m inspired!  What do you suggest? Source List

  • Sectional, lamps and end tables- Pottery Barn
  • Rug- Crate & Barrel (Chevron- color Honey)
  • Pillows- West Elm and Pottery Barn (large sweater pillow)
  • Large rattan vases and throw blanket- Z Gallerie
  • Ottoman- Overstock
  • Decorative accessories in media cabinet- Michaels, West Elm, Hobby Lobby, Crate & Barrel

p.s. notice the laptop on the coffee table near the window?  That little corner of the couch is where I write most of my blog posts:) **Update** I recently added some decorative sticks to the floor vases (see it here) and painted the back of the media cabinet and changed the accessories (see it here).  

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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

30 Comments

  1. So pretty Megan. You've done great decorating. Some sticks in the vases would be cool. Maybe some mirrors on either side of the built in? If you put art or photos, then the sticks would cover them up? Or maybe put a cute little chair somewhere? Fun drapes would be awesome! Ahhh can't wait to come visit!! 🙂

  2. What a great room!!! I agree–drapes would add more depth and soften things up. Wish you could have linked this to my Show Me the Progress party–would have been perfect. 🙂 Maybe next time?

  3. What a beautiful room! You've done a great job creating a peaceful and relaxing room. I can't wait to see it when you add the drapes!

  4. Looking great, Megan!!! I think patterned curtains would look awesome. Love the built-in entertainment center… and the ottoman as a coffee table is a great idea… especially with a little one. When James starts pulling up and walking you'll be glad to have a soft surface. 🙂 Love your style. And in case you couldn't tell by my 5,000 comments, I am lovin' your blog. 🙂

  5. I just love this room! Simple and comfortable and beautiful all in one! I like that you went with the neutral for the wall; it compliments the dark hardwood floor.

    I just found your blog today and am already in love with it. And your beautiful house (:

  6. Oh you my dear…you are my style twin!!! I am a lover of neutrals & PB…I find myself very much at home in your lovely home. So beautiful….time to go sneak around your little blog.

    Cheers~
    e

  7. I just found your blog tonight! I absolutely LOVE the colors on your living room walls. They seem to be the perfect neutral. What color is it? We're moving into our new place next month and I want your paint color! 🙂 The blue is great too! What color is that?
    chelleulm@gmail.com

  8. I also love your paint color choices. Can you share them? We're going to be building and are starting to meet with our architect. I'm so glad I found your blog. Your house is a great source of inspiration to me!!

  9. Hi, I love your living room! We have been looking for a grey sectional. Can you tell me which color and couch this is from pottery barn? I didn't see this color when I looked there recently. My email is jessiecady@yahoo.com thank you in advance!

  10. Like several of the other ladies mentioned I too love the color of your walls…we have a sectional that is very similar in color to yours and we recently had our walls painted a neutral color that is just not right (it has too much pink in it)…could you tell me what color you went with? (my email is kdiblas330@aol.com)…Love your blog!

  11. Your home is stunning! I am always looking for inspiration and I am in love with your style.

    Where did you get your sectional in your living room? It looks perfect for snuggling with the family.

  12. I love your blog, long-time reader but never commented before. We are in process of building our new home and I love your family room.

    How do you like your hw floors?
    What is the name and material of your PB sectional?
    What color did you use on your walls?

    Thanks
    Bethany (bethanycaputa@yahoo.com)

  13. Just found your blog – love it! We, too, are in the process of building a home. My, oh my, the choices! I also love the dark hardwood floors – we're going to do them throughout the entire house. My question is – did you guys go with pre-finished hardwoods or the standard stain after install hardwoods? Yours looks great! We are so torn and have heard so many conflicting opinions. Thanks – any info would be apprecaited!

  14. Stumbled upon your blog this morning Megan and absolutely LOVE IT!! Needless to say I'm a new follower. Your home is beautiful…and I'm still drooling over the kitchen by the way!!

    Have a beautiful day! xoxo

    alifeofwhimsea.blogspot.com

  15. Hi! Will you please tell me your paint color in your living room? I love love love your living room! So inviting! I want try to build an entertainment center like yours as well. Did you build that yourself or buy? Thanks so much! Knickols@aol.com

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