When it came to a finishing my living room, it was all about the mix and really waking up a lot of my existing things. I didn’t want anything about this room to feel too “safe”. Finding a nice balance with loads of unexpected was my state of mind.

So let’s start!

Living Room Bookshelves Before:

And After:

The dull white walls were painted with a platinum grey to really waken up the walls. I had quite a few existing pieces to mix on this bookshelf area but I felt as if the shelves needed a swift revamp with a new placement for most of these pretty little things. The few pieces that I did purchase to add were the convex mirror (found at one of my favorite antique shops-McMillan’s), a Ruben Ireland print from Society6.com and little tiny cacti from multiple nurseries around Omaha. (and one of them coming from Wal-Mart. You don’t have to tell me I know, I know…but it was the cute one in the polka dot pot! I’m sorry but even you would fall in love with that Wal-Mart cactus.)

Sofa Before:

And AFTER:

The new print in the frame is actually wallpaper from Urban Outfitters which I conveniently taped to the wall so that once I move it can come too. An addition of color from throw pillows and side tables really help bring my already fantastic sofa to life. The side table went from a natural cherry top to an off white paint to match the trim of the room. This will help me like that side table until my budget can get me a new one. The red table is an existing piece that the young man is partial to eating his breakfast at-so pairing that next to the brown ottoman-gifted by Jessica and Christopher of COOP-helps me feel as if a coffee table is achieved (again-another piece I intend to get once the budget allows). A new lamp was found via Etsy, but sadly the lamp shade took a beating through the delivery process so I am now on a hunt to find the next best shade. As you can see, Newton Neighbor really likes the new digs.

Seating area Before:

and now the AFTER:

I really love how this side of the room came together. It showcases some of the original art pieces that I have so well. (Jill Rizzo created the canvas wrapped piece, River City Social Club created the subway sign print, and the family photos were taken by Sara D Photography) Can we just talk about that LAMP?! I bought that lamp 6 years ago at Kaufmann’s Antique Mall in Kearney, where I attended college. (sadly it is closed now) It’s kind of been the love of my life so it’s not a surprise that this is my favorite part of the living room.

The Dining Room Before: (and this is the most embarrassing photo of them all. Complete chaos, nothing had meaning or very good placement. You could tell no thought had gone into this room)

and AFTER:

The dining room is used as an actual place to eat and my office. The new arrangement of furniture flows so much better and feels as if there is a separation of when it is time to eat and to when it is time to work. I also wanted to disguise an old ceiling fan, because that was not a piece I could replace being a renter. I feel as if the deep navy really achieved camouflaging that element as well as adding an unexpected feature to a room that didn’t have much in it’s architectural design. And not to forget, the framed original art by my young man, he is quite proud of this corner wall of fame.

So, that is the final look. I’m so happy that it’s complete and so happy that I did it! What a difference it can make because I love my little home now.

**Before photo credits-Steve Valish

**After photo credits-Christopher Van Buskirk of COOP