Oh happy day! Abbey sent us her lovely mood board after pictures and we couldn’t wait to share them. Her space is a great reminder that you don’t have to paint the walls a dramatically different color or spend big bucks replacing everything to get a majorly upgraded look. Sometimes just a few new pieces, a slightly more saturated wall tone, and some simple accessory switcheroos can make all the difference. Here’s her letter:
I’m finally submitting my after pics of the family room makeover you helped me with this summer. I want to thank you sooo much for your design ideas. By adding in the chocolate furnishings and the rug it really helped provide contrast to the room and define the space. The new glass end tables paired with the round coffee table really give it that classic and contemporary look I was going for. And the new floor length curtains, matching table lamps, and geometric pillows definitely pull things together. Everyone who comes over loves the decor. And you may notice that I went with three prints from Crate & Barrel’s Classical Symmetry Set (when you posted them on another mood board I knew I had to have them!). You’ll also notice that we added crown molding along the ceiling and updated the baseboards which really helps enhance the look of the room. Thank you again for helping to make our family room a more comfortable place to hang out. You will definitely hear from me again! The dining room needs help too. And congratulations on the baby! -Abbey
Just to refresh your memory, here’s Abbey’s family room before:
And here’s the custom mood board we whipped up to help bring in some classic-meets-modern polish (check out more details on Abbey’s mood board right here):
And now for the lovely after photos. Of course some big items like the red sectional and the armoire didn’t change. And the wall color just went a bit deeper and wheatier (we suggested Benjamin Moore’s Westminster Gold 200 for the luxe and “crisp” finish we knew it would add). But we think the smaller furnishing and accessory updates (like the rug, coffee table, media cabinet, side tables, lamps, pillows, curtains, and desk that we dug up) really chic-ed up the room. Plus there’s added function too now that Abbey has gained a workstation along with some serious style.
Hooray for mood board after pics! Didn’t Abbey do a fantastic job? It’s amazing how the red sectional truly shines in the after photos. It suddenly looks like it was meant to be and really pops thanks to the richer wall color and the red stripes in the rug (instead of just blending in with the lighter walls and the rugless floor in the before shots). And the crown molding really is the icing on the cake. Thanks so much for the pics Abbey! We just love when people send us after photos… and we especially love to hear that a room is more comfortable and inviting for those living there. That’s what it’s all about!
But enough chit-chat. Let’s play the what’s-your-favorite-part game. We’re torn between the wheaty walls, that striped rug and those sculptural lamps on either side of the sofa. Decisions, decisions! And that art is delicious too…
Update: We sadly can no longer find the time to take on client commissioned mood boards (we now whip up general inspiration boards instead) but if we ever reinstate them we’ll make a big announcement!
This Thrifted Life says
Wow, what a great transformation! The sectional really does look like it was picked out for the room; it looks so much chicer paired with the updated accessories. Love it!
Amelia says
wow – great before and after pics. That couch looks practicaly new! My favs would have to be the richer paint colour, the addition of crown moulding and upgraded baseboard (adds a sharpness to the room), and the black rods for the curtains (much better against that paint colour then bruchsed nickel or white – are the curtains the same?). Oh yes, and that rug really helps tie everything in together.
Great job Abbey :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amelia,
The curtains, although they appear the same, were actually upgraded from previously shorter versions to the floor length variety that we dug up instead (we just love the height and polish that they add to a room). And you’re totally right about the curtain rods- they really make a world of difference!
xo,
s
Chelsea says
Great job Abbey! You did a fantastic job…love the wall color.
Kate says
I really like the art above the sectional, great pick even though they came from a different mood board :) They did a great job adding the crown moulding too.
CarMaj says
LOVE IT!! Beautiful job!!
Jill Stigs says
Fabulous job!! Looks so much better………..thanks to Abbey for sending in the after pics! EVERYONE loves a good b&a.
Jenifer says
I love how the couch, pillows, wall art, and couch really compliment each other. Great job, and amazing transformation.
tara says
This makeover is great! Nice job! It looks like Abbey went with something a little different than the PB Nesting Tables for the side tables…Abbey, I’m wondering what tables you went with instead? I’m looking for something exactly like that for our family room!
Melissa says
Love it! I like it all! The table, paint color, lamps, art, pillows! Good job everybody! =)
emily says
love the whole thing! can someone please help me find where the art print came from. Not the Symmetry Set, but the one with what looks like 3 mannequins with the red, blue, and yellow dresses. i would love to have one for myself.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Emily, Tara, and Amy,
Good questions! Here’s hoping Abbey stops by soon so she can share those details!
xo,
s
Amy says
Ohh, beautiful room! Any idea how they spruced up the baseboards? It looks like they added a toe-kick and maybe some additional molding on the top? I want to do the same thing in my house.
Melissa says
Oh, one question! Where did the art come from?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Melissa,
The three prints above the sofa came from this mood board we whipped up a while back: https://www.younghouselove.com/2009/09/ashleys-design-dilemma/
As for the other solo print, we’re not sure where that’s from, but here’s hoping Abbey stops in to answer that question soon!
xo,
s
Katrina says
i’m loving the after! The wall color looks so much more inviting and really makes the sofa pop…those two lamps are perfect!
I also like the artwork!
Chloe & Company says
A big huge WOW. You guys are good! It’s hard to pick my favorite part, but changing out the artwork and the curtain rods and curtains made a big impact, and then the new end tables and lamps, and the new coffee table, oh, and the rug…
Courtney says
LOVE! Great, great job! It looks fantastic!
Katie says
This is great! LOVE the paint color and the new side tables, especially. I like the C&B prints, too- I think they add a lot of interest. Beautiful job!
jessica says
oh the crown molding makes the place look a trillion times better!
Lori H says
Wow! Love those after photos. My favorite thing is the striped rug. And well, all of it just sings!
Renae says
The crown and base molding in my opinion add so much dimension!! That’s a “can’t miss” paint color too. Bravo to all of you!
Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog says
Amazing! I especially love the new art and lamps!!
Rachel says
I love the art Abbey went with! It looks fantastic with the sofa and the wall color. Great job! And the crown molding and heftier baseboards really add some wow to the space.
Miki says
The room looks amazing Abbey! You did a fantastic job. My favorite part is the new art whipped up off the other mood board!
Betsy says
From pretty nice, to FABULOUS!
Tiffany S. says
I thought the Before WAS the After – it looked pretty nice, but the real After is FABULOUS!
JennyD says
A huge rug & floor length curtains make everything better always, but I love the lamps the most! They look really unique and add style & personality.
Abbey says
Hi Everyone – it’s Abbey! Wow, I didn’t even think other people would like the after pictures since the room didn’t change drastically from the before. I absolutely love the way the room turned out. To answer some of the questions – (Tara) We actually got the tables from Crate and Barrel and we got them on clearance! (Amy) The baseboard is actually pieces -the main board with some detailing at the top and the addition of a toe kick. (Emily) That picture of the 3 ladies was a gift a friend gave me 5 years ago. Thanks again for the compliments!!!!! Sherry and John are really the best!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for dropping by with those answers for everyone Abbey! And again, we’re soooo excited that you sent the after pics our way. Your room looks amazing and we’re so glad you’re enjoying it!
xo,
s
Laura says
WOW! It looks great. The couch looks like it’s new – I had to scroll back and forth to make sure. I love the rug – actually it is all fantastic!
chacha says
Love the wall color and the prints against it. The color makes the crown molding totally pop.
lauren says
This looks great! I think for me the crown molding and cleaning up the baseboards really, really improved the room. For me, crown molding makes a room and gives it character…exactly what Abbey has done! Great Job!
caitlin says
ah!! the rug is perfect! also the light streaming in in those after shots helps a lot :)
When you choose striped rugs for folks, do you think about what direction the stripes will face in relation to neighboring rooms, etc? Everything makes so much sense with the rug in these photos. Great room.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Caitlin,
Good question! We usually settle on a rug based on the colors and the pattern, but generally don’t believe that the direction of the stripes will make or break the design. Perhaps in some specific instances we’d love for a stripe to go a certain way (to make a room look wider for example, or to draw the eye to a specific focal point) but for the post part we care more about the colors and the scale of the pattern (ex: are the stripes too thin and busy? are they too thick and heavy? etc). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
julie says
WOW!! Amazing job! The crown molding looks fantastic and those lamps are to die for!!! Great job!!
Peggy says
GREAT job! I love this room.
I am struggling with a red couch (crimson) in my living room…this mood board really struck a chord with me! (The rug is already sold out…bummer).
MaryGene says
Aside from the fact that it was really hard to choose a favorite part, I must say I LOVE those lamps!! Very cool!
Tamara says
Everything looks great but the crown molding sold it to me. It’s such a polished look.
Amanda says
I love the crown molding against that gold paint. And I love the art. And the curtains! And the round coffee table is definitely an improvement. I never would’ve guessed that!
Claire says
Love the new room! What was the wall color before? Do you know?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Claire,
We’re not sure about the wall color from before but maybe Abbey can drop in with that info for ya. A similar look could be achieved with Glidden’s Water Chestnut. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Katherine says
Words cannot describe my love of that wall color!! I am so using it in my husbands man-room makeover!
Claire says
Thanks for the quick reply. Do you have a color that would be equal to that in the Bengamin Moore collection? I am trying to paint a room that will have light laminate wood flooring and white trim and I want it to be very neutral so that it will sell easily!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Claire,
I would just pick up the paint chip at Home Depot and get it color matched to Benj. Moore paint if you like that quality better. Benjamin Moore has a number of great neutrals but most are a bit cooler/grayer than the Water Chestnut so it’s the closest match to those walls that we can think of. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Robyn in Chicago says
WOW! What a great change!
anna see says
this looks great! i love the prints on the walls, the gorgeous wall color and those lamps. well done!
Donita says
WOW what a change. It is very pretty, bright and lush looking. I too LOVE the longer curtains and the rods. JOB WELL DONE Abbey!!! Thanks for the after pics, we love ’em. ;-)
Katie says
Seriously fantastic after photos!! The crown moulding is stunning and the symmetry prints fit in perfectly.
anne says
Wow, what a difference?! Great job!!
Lisa in Seattle says
Oh Abbey, *what* a handsome room! It’s warm and cozy and welcoming and so pulled-together. Love the rug and the art. I’m sure you’ll get tons of compliments from anybody who visits your home. Thanks for the extra effort to send in your afters! (We have a very similar wall color in our bedroom – it’s yummy.)
Autumn says
I think this is my favorite room by far–the changes are dramatic by themselves, but altogether the room just looks so much more pulled together and lovely! I love that couch and the wall color. So cozy and warm.
Kris says
To quote The Dude, ‘That rug really ties the room together.’
Martha says
Great transformation! Love the new wall color and the way it plays off the sofa. The C & B art is fantastic in the space!
Cecelia says
I have to go with the paint color.
The rug is gorgeous and is PERFECT with the sectional, but even without it the room would look 100% better because of the paint color.
Manda says
Fantastic! I love the new wall colour, rug and lamps. The crown molding really finishes off the room too. Love seeing the ‘After’ photos!
Sheryl J says
I love the ideas that YHL comes up with. Always practical, affordable and fabulous. I was wondering if you guys have ever thought of doing a book of your blog posts with all of your tips and experiences. I would definetly buy it since I don’t have too much free time to navigate your whole website. Please consider it, *Down on my knees w/ puppy dog eyes*
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sheryl,
Well, everyone knows that we love DIYing up a storm and sharing our adventures (and misadventures) with the world, so a book would definitely be fun someday. We’d just have to find the time to balance churning out so many daily blog posts along with actually doing the projects and finding time to whip up a book (there just aren’t enough hours in the day!). We definitely consider the blog to be our first love and our baby, so before we could take on anything else we’d have to be sure it wouldn’t cut into time that we’d need to be devoting to writing posts and whipping up more projects for our blog baby. We’re not saying no though, who knows what the future holds!
xo,
s