Clean & Modern Living Room Makeover: A Curbly House Transformation
The carpet is installed, the furniture is arranged, and the original Curbly House is officially on the market! We’ve dedicated the past few weeks to meticulously preparing the living room (and the entire house) for potential buyers. Today, we’re thrilled to unveil the stunning transformation. Join us as we explore how we designed a welcoming living space, with the hope that it will captivate a new family and provide them with years of enjoyment.
This living room makeover focuses on creating a comfortable, stylish, and functional environment. We aimed to maximize the space’s potential, blending modern aesthetics with practical design elements to appeal to a wide range of tastes. From selecting the perfect flooring to choosing the ideal color palette, every detail was carefully considered to achieve a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
Our goal was to design a space that not only looks beautiful but also feels incredibly comfortable and livable. We wanted to create a room that would inspire relaxation, encourage social interaction, and seamlessly adapt to the daily lives of its future occupants. The transformation involved thoughtful planning, creative solutions, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship, resulting in a living room that truly stands out.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own home renovation or simply appreciate the art of interior design, we invite you to delve into the details of this project. From the initial concept to the final touches, we’ll guide you through every step of the process, sharing our insights, tips, and favorite design elements along the way. Prepare to be inspired as we reveal the remarkable transformation of the Curbly House living room.
Before diving into the specifics of the reveal, let’s take a look back at where we began. Here’s a glimpse of the room’s starting point:
As you can see, the room always benefited from fantastic natural light, thanks to those expansive picture windows. However, in its initial state, we opted for a pea-green paint that didn’t quite capture the room’s potential. Adding to the eclectic mix was a prominently displayed bass guitar. Looking back, this photo is a fascinating reminder of a different phase in our lives, when budgets were tight and instant noodles were a staple.
Several months later, we experimented with a bolder approach:
This iteration embraced a more unconventional aesthetic. Tiny mirrors were placed above the fireplace, and neon blue walls created a vibrant backdrop. This design reflected the spirit of being in college, working full-time, and attempting to create a space on a limited budget, drawing inspiration from shows like Trading Spaces and movies like The Royal Tenenbaums.
Next in the evolution of the living room, we transitioned to a more refined look:
This design was a noticeable improvement, despite the curtains being too short. This phase likely coincided with the arrival of a baby, although the room’s cleanliness suggests the baby was temporarily elsewhere!
The Vision for the Transformation
When the decision was made to sell the house, we envisioned creating a living room that was meticulously designed, inviting, and resilient. To achieve this, we replaced the old carpet with Shaw’s Life Happens line, which features a waterproof backing that prevents spills from penetrating the surface, making them easy to clean and remove. The carpet also incorporates Shaw’s R2X Stain & Soil Protection, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas that need to maintain their appearance. We selected the ‘No Worries’ pattern in the color ‘Opulence’, which offers a soft and luxurious texture perfect for bare feet.
In addition to the new carpet, we refreshed the walls with a new coat of paint. This not only complemented the carpet but also revitalized the room. We opted for Sherwin-Williams Emerald paint in the color Creamy (SW 7012). This color perfectly balances the gray tones in the carpet without introducing any unwanted green or yellow undertones.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of any room makeover is the shopping phase. We visited several vintage stores in Minneapolis and St. Paul, discovering unique pieces that added character to the room. Incorporating vintage items is essential to creating a lived-in and comfortable atmosphere, preventing the space from feeling too sterile or impersonal. Even a few carefully chosen vintage pieces can significantly enhance the room’s overall ambiance.
Vintage finds bring a sense of history and individuality to the space, adding layers of texture and visual interest that new items often lack. These pieces tell a story, creating a connection to the past and infusing the room with a unique charm. Whether it’s a retro lamp, a handcrafted vase, or an antique side table, these vintage touches add depth and personality to the design.
The integration of vintage elements also reflects a commitment to sustainability and mindful consumption. By repurposing and giving new life to older items, we reduce waste and contribute to a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. This approach not only enhances the room’s aesthetic but also aligns with a values-driven design philosophy, creating a space that is both beautiful and meaningful.
Ultimately, the incorporation of vintage finds allows us to create a living room that is truly one-of-a-kind, reflecting our personal style and values while adding a touch of nostalgia and warmth. It’s these unique elements that make the room feel like a home, inviting us to relax, unwind, and create lasting memories.
After incorporating new carpet, fresh paint, modern furniture, and cherished vintage finds, we have successfully transformed the living room into a complete and cohesive space. Take a look!
Product List: Shop the Look
- Carpet: Shaw Carpet Style: LifeHappens ‘No Worries’ in Color: Opulence
- Paint: Sherwin-Williams Creamy (SW 7012)
- Sectional Sofa: Engage Azure Tufted Loveseat+ Chaise from Lamps Plus
- Reading chair: INK + IVY Waldorf Alligator Chair from Lamps Plus
- Side chairs: Gray Butterfly Chair from Lamps Plus
- Coffee table: Dwell Studio Bennett Travertine Antique Gold Coffee Table from Lamps Plus
- Side table: Vintage, Similar here
- TV/coffee table: Porter Mid-Century Modern Table
- Pillows: Target Threshold Sweater, Diamond, Woven
- Throws: Threshold Woven Throw + Cozy Texture Throw
- Light fixture: Kichler Jasper Brass Chandelier from Lamps Plus
- Floor lamp: George Kovacs Dorian Bronze Arc Floor Lamp from Lamps Plus
- Artwork (above table): Cactus with Gold Frame
- Painting above chair: Vintage
- Art above fireplace: Vintage
- Curtains: Cotton Canvas Curtain
- Bar: Champagne flutes (Anthropologie past season); Penguin Cocktail Shaker; Lacquer Tray