One Room Challenge Living Room Reveal

Well, here it is folks, the final week of the One Room Challenge and my Living Room Reveal. For me, this ended up being more about the process rather than the end result. It was a long, complicated journey with several bumps in the road like being ill and isolated for a week. There were shipping delays and plans that fell through. But, ultimately, I’m proud for pushing through and improving this space in our home. Additionally, I’m honored to be a part of a larger design movement with other designers and stylists.

living room refresh with new rug, couch, painted piano, and neutral decor — Living Room Progress

Living Room Refresh Updates

bookshelf styling with neutral decor — Ladder Shelf to add some height and dimension to the space

While it was a struggle given supply issues and other challenges, I’m overall really proud of this space and what I accomplished!

Living Room Furniture

Simple Gray Couch – see all of my living room couch ideas
Added Bookcase (curious about decorating? Check out how to style a bookshelf)
Updated our old, piano with matte black paint, now a true focal point. Check out the full project: Black Painted Piano

Living Room Decor

Chose and framed artwork
Selected new living room rug – chose an extra large one for this space (Use my Rug Size Guide for a handy reference)
New pillows and pouf

Features & Fixtures

Installed Wall Sconces (without any hardwiring!)

neutral living room decor — My favorite view!

Living Room Update Still To Do

Fireplace Mantel

While this had already been updated with a fresh coat of paint during my Tile Fireplace Makeover, I had grand visions of replacing the mantle with a wood beam or adding a feature wall but after careful consideration, we decided against it at this time but might add it later!

Living Room Coffee Table

I was really hoping to find a proportional coffee table for this space. Maybe with some storage. Previously, we had a large trunk that stored our board games. While I loved it, the hinges made it difficult to use. I searched high and low for one I liked that was both functional and pretty but just couldn’t find one for this challenge.

Update: A few years later, since I couldn’t find one I liked, I made my own Modern Coffee Table DIY

Living Room Accent Chairs

Admittedly, I did not have much of a plan here. Because the chairs were dependent on the sofa and that took me weeks to decide on, the chairs became something to cross off the list…. for now.

I ended up pulling in two vintage chairs from our beach house that I love, though they aren’t super functional here. I’ve got my eye on some of these 9 Low Profile Accent Chairs I rounded up though!

Woven Window Shades

I hoped to incorporate the same woven blinds I use in our other rooms (bedroom, kitchen, bathroom) but did not plan for the shipping delay due to Covid. These beauties will arrive soon, just not in time for the big reveal. Read my guide on Woven Wood Shades for all the details.

fireplace styling with artwork, vases, and sconces — Art Prints from Juniper Print Shop

living room window corner styled with pillows and plants — Cozy Reading Nook

article alcott sofa and lumbar pillows — Black Grid Lumbar Pillow from Homies

Living Room Reveal Sources

Since I’ve done all the research, I wanted to share all my sources for this living room makeover.

Moroccan Tassle Rug – defines the space and offers a lot of texture
Ladder Bookcase – adds height, very necessary in this big boxy space
Jute Pouf – perfect for added seating options plus tons of warmth and texture
Wall Sconces – super easy install (no wiring) but adds design and depth to the large wall
Black & White Grid Lumbar Pillow from Homies, super high quality and contrast with all the light colors
Custom Photo Frames from Frame It Easy, made it easy to create artwork needed for the space
Art Prints from Juniper Print Shop – my favorite source for art prints
Alcott Sofa in Rain Cloud from Article, the tufted design adds dimension and formality to this living room

living room refresh with new rug, gray couch, and neutral decor — Article Alcott Sofa

Final Thoughts on Living Room Reveal

Thank you for cheering me on and joining me on this adventure! I hope the final living room reveal gives ideas and inspiration for your own space. I think this room is a good example of working through design challenges, supply delays, and making compromises.

Check out all the other One Room Challenge reveals by visiting the ORC blog! This space was a challenge – one of my first open layout designs. Check out my post on How to Decorate an Open Concept Home for more tricks and ideas, (I’ve learned a lot since this first living room!).