It’s time for the next installment of the so-far house. This is where I show you how the house looks today. Certainly not close to being finished or settled, but as a place to begin. (Check out the master bedroom, exterior, bathroom and dining room, if you are interested.)
Now we are looking at the living room. This room is far from finished, but I love it. It’s more than twice the size of our old living room, which means tons more space for us and for entertaining. I also adore the details. The crown moulding, the picture rail, the ceiling…
I’ve been playing around since the last time I showed this room, and I think this furniture arrangement opens up the room best and is most practical. We don’t really watch tons of television, but for the football game or Sing Off, it’s nice to sit straight across on the sofa.
And look – a sneak peak at another “room” I’m working on. The entry. Love that piece. More about that later.
Did I tell you I sold our Ektorp sofa? *Collective gasp.*
We did. On Craigslist to a very nice gal who was thrilled to get a year-old sofa for a steal. (We definitely didn’t make money on that deal.) She picked it up the day we moved.
The backstory: Ryan hated that sofa from the start. He said it was uncomfortable. And since that was where he normally sat at night, it wasn’t fair that he had to be uncomfortable. I really liked the look of it, but I love this new red version, too. When my in-laws (bless them) gave us new furniture, it was the answer to Ryan’s prayers. And Ryan approves of our new sofa and I do, too. (As an aside, I hate the green pillows, but they are staying until I find the right replacements.)
Here’s a little reading nook, which happens to be Lola’s favorite place to snuggle.
And the fireplace mantel is holding everything that doesn’t fit elsewhere. But, I still like the look for now. Because I’m too lazy to change it. I really love the window there. As for the interior of the fireplace, that’s holding the tile for around it. That will probably be finished this winter.
This is the top of the radio that Ryan’s grandpa made. Ryan adores this piece of furniture. I brought the succulents inside for the season and they look rather sweet on top.
Some of them have gotten really big since their humble beginnings.
Here’s the television cabinet – eventual bookshelves (sans-shelves) in all her glory. Since we don’t have cable, we usually use rabbit ears (so hip) and they work TERRIBLY in this house. Ryan just ordered some fancier version that’s flat. Then, we’ll get shelves in the unit at some point.
And one of my favorite details – the board and batten ceiling. It’s hard to capture in an image, but it’s truly perfect. It looks like it could have been original.
And that’s the living room – so far. Let’s take a walk down memory lane.
August 2010
(August 2010)
This room’s changes included: new lighting, new ceiling, new built-in shelves, smoothed walls with plaster (a horribly dirty job) and paint. And lots of cleaning.
(September 2011)
(August 2011)
It’s feeling more and more like home.
What do you think?
I love what you’ve done!! I am so jealous of all your space! It is amazing!!
Everything looks beautiful, so put together and perfect…. XO
looking good! your living room looks so snuggly right now. 🙂 i love all that you are doing to your house!!!!!!
Kim, everything looks so pretty. I like your new sofa its got curves 🙂 The wood roam shades also look good and I like your wall color perfect shade!!
This room looks so cozy! I just want to snuggle up with a book (and Lola too, apparently 😉 in that little reading corner!
Um.. I would like in-laws that give away fabulous furniture….
LB
The room looks great! I especially love the ceiling and built in shelves!
I really really love your ceiling. It’s awesome. I also really like your new sofa, especially the placement.
I love your space.
It’s so cozy and homey! I love it, Kim. 🙂
Give me a second to pick my jaw up off the floor! Are u kidding me?
It looks phenomenal!!!
Care to share how you made the window with your surname in it? Tutorial, please?
I love the board and batten ceiling. It might be just what I need to hide an attic ladder!
I love this room. It is my favourite after your bathroom’s pretty tile floors!!! That ceiling is sooo gorgeous!! And I love how warm and comfy it it feels! (sorry for the British spelling of favourite, Rob’s iPad won’t let me be American) haha.
We recently got the Hemnes shoe holder too! I won’t ruin your future post but we like it too. Katrina wanted it for over a year and I finally broke down and agreed to get it.
I’m totally smitten with your ceiling and your mantle. Especially your “Woodwards” sign – it’s so awesome! I hope if you made it that there’s a tutorial on here =)
Looking great Kim! Glad Ryan is comfortable now. LOL Couch buying is tough. You’ve got that right. It’s right up there with choosing paint colors. Ugh. Love your trim detail and ceiling, too! Good job!
It looks great and the color on the walls is beautiful. I am impressed how moved in it looks and you haven’t been there long.
Love the window over the fireplace!! And your reading nook looks so cozy!! I do like where you put the couch- I’m not 100% sold on the red chair facing away from the TV, but like you said, you don’t watch TV that often so the chair/couch placement makes sense in that way. I could see some pretty yellow (mustard) and charcoal grey pillows making their way onto your couch… 🙂 Things are looking so nice!!