So … the living room. In our previous house it was painted in red and turquoise, and I loved it. The room was long and narrow, with the entryway opening directly into the space, which made arranging furniture a challenge.
I didn’t want the TV mounted above the mantel, but I did want the mantel to remain a strong focal point visible from the couch. I settled on an arrangement that worked really well for that layout, and I loved how the room felt. Now, though, I’m planning a new approach for this living room—one that will simplify the palette and make the space more flexible for everyday life.
These photos were taken at Christmastime, which is why the mantel and surrounding accents look holiday-ready.
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| Realtor photo |
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I’m planning to remove most of the current furnishings. The red sofa—an IKEA Ektorp—has served us well, but it’s showing wear and the cushioning has become uneven. I’ll be selling it and replacing it with a more neutral, durable option. I’m leaning toward a slipcovered, classic-style sofa and matching loveseat from a higher-end collection that should hold up longer and be easier to clean. Slipcovers are especially practical for homes with small kids because they can be removed and washed when needed.
Along with the sofas, I want to swap the current rug for something more neutral. The present rug from a big-box store ties into the brown and red theme, which won’t suit the calmer palette I’m planning. A neutral area rug will anchor the seating and allow me to add color through pillows, throws, and accent pieces, giving the room flexibility to be updated without replacing major furnishings.
Right now the TV sits on a low Avington TV stand from Target. It’s a good piece, but its low profile makes the TV and electronics easy to reach for little hands. Our child can already access the DVD player and presses buttons, so I want a taller, sturdier TV unit—something more like a buffet or a media console with storage high enough to be out of reach. A taller piece will provide both safety and a cleaner look for the large wall where the TV will go.
My plan is to keep the larger pieces neutral and introduce color through smaller, changeable items like pillows and artwork. That makes seasonal refreshes or style updates simple and more budget-friendly. Tip: avoid committing to overly dominant or bright upholstery if you want long-term flexibility.
I still need to find two comfortable chairs to place near the fireplace and select curtains to soften the windows. Curtains will help define the space and add texture while coordinating with the neutral furnishings and colorful accents I plan to introduce.
Here’s the living room as shown in the listing photos when we bought the house, looking in from the front door:
The TV will go on the right wall, with the large sofa facing it. The loveseat will sit with its back toward the front door, while two chairs will be placed in front of the fireplace to create a cozy conversation area. I’m considering flanking the TV console with two tall bookcases or shelving units to fill that big wall and provide storage and display space.
This is what the room looks like at the moment, mid-transition:
There’s still a lot to do—furniture to source, textiles to choose, and layout tweaks to finalize. I’ve already updated the mantel and will share more about that soon. I’ll post updates as each piece arrives and as the space comes together into a more neutral, family-friendly living room with pops of color and plenty of function.
See the Living Room Reveal here!
And check out the navy living room reveal from my current home!