Friday, March 14, 2014

198 Living Room Update: A Gallon of Paint Later

I have known this day was coming for awhile, and I have to say, I have never been one to over think paint.  I love to paint and I love the difference it instantly provides to a space, and I always know that if I don't love it right away, it is an easy enough fix.  But for some reason, this one I really had to think about.  Like really let it set in. 

The last time you gained a peek at our living room was during our sofa story and our faux marble coffee table post.  As a reminder, it was greeeeeeen!


Let me start out by saying, green is not for everybody.  In fact, I received a lot of comments regarding our green living room over the years, and not all were good.  But we hearted it oh so much.  It was the first color in our home that truly felt like us.  I loved that it was playful, different and springlike.  I didn't know anyone else with a green living room, and honestly, it made me feel good every time I walked into the space.  Even if it was a complete mess, it still felt happy and cozy.

But as we continue to make tweaks to the space and the adjoining spaces, it started to feel like it fit our home less and less.  The walls were becoming really choppy color wise; we had different greys and browns in the kitchen, on the kitchen cabinets and down the stair wall.  And then we painted our hutch in the dining area an awesomesauce tealy blue, and it was just one more color in our two small spaces.


SO much happening that I started having a similar feeling that I had about my studio.  Too much fun is no longer fun.

Gah, did I really have to say farewell to my color?

We had started using Glidden's Smooth Stone in our dining room, hallway, down the stairs and now on all the walls in the nearby kitchen.  And we have loved it.  It is one of those colors that can read grey or beige, depending on the time of the day and lighting, just a nice and warm neutral color.  It seemed to work with anything we paired with it, and gave us a feeling of expansion every time another wall was coated in it.  Knowing that we are nearing a kitchen reno {seriously crossing my fingers that this is the year}, it was time to really give the color a try in our living room.  So we did.


Above you can see an "in process" shot of the room taken apart and the new paint color on the wall. 

Part of the kitchen update may or may not include us removing a giant wall between the kitchen and living room.  We ultimately knew that we would have to use one color throughout as it could be all one big room.  I knew it wouldn't be the green, it just would have been far too much for the entire space to handle and for me to try and design a kitchen around, so Smooth Stone it was.

So why now?  Why jump the gun?

It may seem backwards to paint an entire space before pulling a wall down, but for me, it was a crucial step in the kitchen planning process.  The cost to us was a total of $25 for a gallon of paint plus another $20 for a gallon of primer.  That $45 will give me the option to really live with the color prior to designing and entire kitchen based on that color.  It will give me walls to hold up cabinet colors and counter finishes to.  To me, it just made sense.


Forgive me in advance, it suddenly feels like we are in a whole new house, so I went a little crazy with the camera.


I know the new color, or lack there of, will be just like the green; not for everyone.  In fact, at first I wasn't even sure if it was for me.  It felt like all of that playfulness was sucked out of the room.  But I have plans.... key the bahahaha evil laughter now.


What I do love most about the new color, is that our home feels like it grew ten times bigger.  It is lighter, brighter and colors really shine now!


You may have noticed that the rug was also swapped out.  It was actually one I picked out for the studio, but when I opened it in the living room, it didn't even make it down the stairs.  We actually really loved the previous rug that was in this room so much, that we are moving it to under the sofa in our lower level family room.  It makes so much more sense there as it is really thick and warm, and that floor gets cold.  The rug in that room now will move to the studio and hopefully serve that room well.

See how it just "flows" so much better with the nearby dining area?


And also into our entry?


As I mentioned, one of the huge benefits of the update, is that I don't have to lose my love of color.  In fact, I feel like it is now highlighted even more.



What about those plans I mentioned?  Well, I really don't want to invest much more into this space, and I think it is really close to being exactly what we want it to be.  But.... it needs some more warmth.  There is a lot of white on white on gray goin' on.  We are planning on tweaking the "built-in" bookcase at the front of the room with a beautiful wood top and some new doors to conceal clutter on both ends {we use one end to hold our games and the other will be a new craft cabinet for the kiddos}.   The top of the shelving needs to be tweaked as it is a little blah and symmetrical as it currently stands; just some minor styling updates using things we already have.  Aside from the bookcase, I am planning on some amazing curtains.  I loved a fabric sample I received {also initially for the studio, funny how that is working out for me}, and I ordered enough to sew up some new panels for both the living room and adjoining dining room.  They will be a total game changer, I can feel it.


And if I can talk the hubs into it, and figure out how to brave the vault over the stairs, I think it would be amazing to continue the dining room stripes down our stair wall.  Don't hold me to that one however, it won't be an easy update.

Here are a couple before and afters showing the power of a gallon of paint:



So, you either love it or are throwing things at the computer screen right now, and I totally get it.  I have always been fearless of color, so this is probably a little shocking.  Hopefully it will all make more sense over time and once the change settles.  I have been living with it since Sunday and I think I finally feel really good about it.


198 comments:

  1. wow!!! I love it!!! congrats on the amazing color choice!

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  2. It's so lovely Jen! I have always been a huge fan of the green! So much so that we painted the front room of our home that same color (it's a small office off to the side of our entry) and it DID NOT work for our space. I ended up painting over it after 1 month with a similar grey. The grey opens up your open and brings so much light to it! Looks twice as big, too! I think you can really layer in some great textures and colors now without it being "busy." Can't wait to see what you do! Beautiful!!

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    1. So sorry to hear that it didn't work out in your space. It was absolutely one of those color that had limited options I think. :) Glad to hear you found something that made more sense in your office.

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  3. I really loved the green. In fact, I'd love to know what color of green it is exactly, so I can use it in my house.

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    1. Hello!

      It is Behr's Grape Leaves. Enjoy it, we sure did! :)

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    2. I agree that is a bit too light for me! I loved the green.

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  4. I love it! You have so much color going on it there that the neutral walls really form a nice background.

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  5. My first thought upon seeing the new color was "Nooo!!"...lol! I love that green. (My bedroom used to be a soft green and I miss it :( )But I completely see what you mean about everything flowing better and seeming bigger.
    My second thought was, "Jen is her own woman, and this is her house, and she can do whatever she wants to it!" Don't let the naysayers make you doubt your choices :) Everyone has a different style. I love your clean, bright, modern house even though my own style is more rustic and cabiney...that's a new word. Lol!

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    1. Thanks so much Sarah! Differing opinions comes with the blogging territory, that is for sure. :) I am also a fan of rustic and "cabiney".

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  6. I LOVED your green walls, and feel exactly like you felt when you walked in to that room! However, seeing the view with the dining room beyond, this new color does make sense, and I foresee pops of fun colors in your future...lol! Thanks for sharing your space with us!

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  7. Jen, I don't believe you could do anything I didn't like! Yes, it's a drastic change, but you style and coordinate everything so well, so it works. Picture perfect! Beautiful job, as always! :)

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  8. I'm a sucker for colors so I wish you'd had something more fun than more greige :)- and if you want to see what your house would look like opened up, come down to IL and check mine out! We have an almost identical home, and although the openness is GREAT (we tore down a wall or 2) it can really make it hard to set up the rooms and ever feel like there is much separation, however- it felt SO SMALL before so it just had to be done! :) I can't lie though, I'm really not okay with this change yet. ;)

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    1. I agree, greige is everywhere and not the most exciting color, but color will be back in a different way, I promise! :D

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  9. Our family room used to be almost that same shade of green that you had! I loved it for a long time and also got many comments about it--some good, some not so much. A few years ago I toned it down with a more neutral shade of green and we like it. That was my happy medium to still have my pop of color on the walls. I love your room both ways!

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  10. It's stunning!!! Wow! The living room really does look so much bigger, and the colors really pop. The grey is such a clean look. LOVE IT!

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  11. Looks so much brighter in that right corner by your TV and the beautiful blue/green chair. Great choice!

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  12. I love these before and afters...! The studio, your lounge room and an upcoming kitchen! Wow! This space is gorgeous - can't wait to see more. Your style is definitely an inspiration for any upcoming makeovers we do {I can only dream at the moment!} x

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  13. I think the new paint color is great! And, like you mentioned I think all the colors you have in your room really shine now. I'm excited to see your curtains!

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  14. Loved the green, but love this more! Green can be very soothing and uplifting at the same time. Your particular green was fun, but lacked that soothing natural element that other shades of green can give. Your new color is definitely soothing, and I have a feeling this simple color change will do wonders for you and tour family. No worries about it not being a fun color. Your home is full of fun, as you are obviously just as fun as you are innovative.

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  15. I loved the green and it was a colour we were planning to use ourselves, but like you needed something that would flow through and make our small home seem bigger. We've chosen a colour that is slightly darker and a little more blue than yours, but I'm hoping to have the same amazing affect :) Looks fab Jen, can't wait to see the curtains and the cabinet revamp :)

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  16. I loved loved loved the green as we wanted so badly to do that in our living room since we did all black n white everything, we wanted a burst of color & l thought of painting the wall green BUT we bought a huge spring green area rug at IKEA instead. lol AND like you, it would NOT have matched with the adjoining dining room either. Now though, I LOVE the grey color too as we are getting ready to do the SAME thing. Our tastes are similar, can you tell WHY I follow you? Oh and the fact that you organize too & I need help there gives me reason to follow along! Great job - loved the update ;)

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    1. Love that you were able to bring the green in through the rug! It really is a happy, spring-like color!

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  17. I LOVE the new color! You're right, the whole space looks a lot lighter, brighter, and bigger. And all the accent colors in the accessories really shine now! Can't wait to see what you do with the kitchen :)

    xo, Hannah from sweetsandcelebrations.com

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  18. My bedroom is a similar green more of a yellow green. It made my room so calm and relaxing and I also had a dimmer installed to I could brighten or darken the room giving an illusion of different shades depending on my mood. I understand you needed the change but the green was so lovely :-)

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  19. Wow! Love the new wall colour. I had never really noticed your teal armchair before and now it really stands out. The whole room seems lighter and brighter, and really chilled out plus the flow between the rooms is even better now. Looking forward to seeing your kitchen renovations. V@Sprout's House xox

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  20. I love how the colors of the pillows and the blue chair come out now!

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  21. I really loved the green, but this new color makes your rooms flow together! That back wall with the bookcase needs some action, though ;). How about stenciling it with some nice pattern? You could you a similar paint color as in your hutch, maybe litlle lighter. But I´m sure you have some ideas of your own for that wall :)

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    1. It definitely needs more, however, it will have to wait until the kitchen is started, as it will potentially be the other half of our kitchen and both walls will need to flow together.... :) So anything done now will only be temporary... it is work in progress that is for sure.

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  22. Well done on yet another big project! I just don't know how you manage it all! Your living room looks much calmer. Personally I might have liked the green better, but now that you have a neutral colour the accent colours really pop, like you say, so it all looks great.
    Our living room is a pale green, from previous owners, but we have always colour-matched it rather than change it, tried antique white once and it felt too empty and cold in our big space. Your living room is more cozy so it all works. Our tastes change over time, and our belongings change as kids grow, and you have the courage to change big things too. Well done.

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  23. What a gorge new colour Jen! Just think how often you'll be able to change things up in that space now that you don't have to worry about everything 'matching' the green wall :-) Great job! xo

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  24. I didn't know how much I loved that green until it was gone. :)
    ~Megan

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  25. Can you tell me where your couch is from?! I love it!!!

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    1. Hi Lauren,

      We purchased it from Becker, you can snag all the details here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/01/our-sofa-story.html

      xo!

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  26. I loved the green and was excited when I first visited (the blog) and saw it. Now that you've changed it, the other colors pop and I love the room even more!

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  27. First I love color. Maybe not too bold but for the most part I like a good solid color on the walls. That being said this is a drastic change which turned out amazing. It does flow so well into the other spaces. Cannot see what else you end up doing.

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  28. Hi, Jen! I know exactly what you are going through!! I did the exact same thing last year--decided to paint my walls cream instead of using color. I felt discombobulated and boring for the longest time!!! But you are right--it definitely makes the other colors pop. Your room looks lovely--I I can't wait to see how you pull it all together with the kitchen and (most likely) more pops of color? :)

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  29. I like it! I think you will realize it's a good match for your decorating style, because you have a blank canvas & can add or take away color through furniture/accessories. It will allow you to change things up frequently.

    I painted my entire house flat finish white - all the color comes from my furniture & accessories. It's practical - I can change the entire look or color scheme of a room with inexpensive pillows, throws, art etc. I love color, so I hate being limited by colors on my walls!

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  30. I loved the green...And was never brave enough to do something like that. Although, I am a bigger fan of neutrals with pops of color. So this room makes me smile. You can add things and switch things up more easily. I would consider a rug to add some color.

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  31. I liked the green, but LOVE the new color! The room feels so much bigger and flows nicely with the adjoining rooms. I can't wait to see what fabric you decided on for your curtains :)

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  32. I liked the green, but I LOVE the new colour! you're right, so clean and fresh and everything pops!

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  33. I love the change! So fresh and bright.

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  34. Your colors to all of your decor really pops!!! :) Painting the stair wall won't be easy, but if you can pull it off, I think it will look really nice. I too love green and have pops of it throughout my house. I love it for the some of the same reasons you do. Brings the outdoors in, especially with our long winters.

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  35. I love it! I wish the hubby would let me do a green like that, but he's stuck in muted colors. Sigh. Looks great though!

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  36. You are right. It really does pull in what we can see of the dining room and it makes sense. The color pop of other decor is AMAZING. I fell into the category of being unsure of your green but I applauded you for going for it and I grew to adore it.

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  37. Hi Jen! Love the updated paint color. It does look much bigger! Could you share where the new rug is from? Thanks!

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    1. Hi Chele!

      It is this one from Target: http://www.target.com/p/threshold-diamond-area-rug-ivory/-/A-14215775

      I really love it, the color and texture, however, I just started noticed some pilling this weekend, which leaves me a little concerned and may be enough for me to return it. :(

      xo!

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  38. WHAT a difference! I just love it - you're right, feels like a whole new house!

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  39. Wow!! I've always loved your green because it seemed like a bold move to me - but your colors certainly do have way more 'pop' factor. Love it and can't wait to see the tweaks you mentioned!

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  40. Wow! Not going to lie, when I read that you had gotten rid of the green, I was a little cringe-y...I *love* using bright colors in spaces. But I feel like you're totally right, it actually plays into your love of color more than the original color did. Good job!

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  41. You have amazing taste! Love your house, love your blog!! Where did you get the lovely blue chair in your living room and the black and white rug by your front door? Beautiful house!!

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    1. Hi Katie!

      Here is the link to the chair: http://www.worldmarket.com/product/pacific+blue+elliott+wingback+chair.do?&from=fn {watch for their 20-25% off furniture sales}, and the rug was from HomeGoods last year.

      xo!

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  42. It looks bigger and makes the ceiling appear higher too. I love your blue chair!

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  43. I love it both ways, but it does look a lot bigger this way!! I've been loving warm grays on walls recently too!!

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  44. Love the neutral. Gives you the flexibility to play with bright bold colors in all of your accessories which is important for a person who finds change refreshing! Excited to see what you do!

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  45. Love it! I liked the green wall but you're right, the new color makes everything else pop. I didn't even realize the chair was teal until you painted. I may just have to paint my front two rooms this color as I want them to be the same color and this is pretty!

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  46. I love it! Before the green was what you notice. Now the eye bounces around to all the pretty thinks and pops of color. It appears more open, airy and the light seems so much brighter too. And those are the reasons I painted most of my house white :)

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    1. I felt the same way! The green was all I could ever focus on also... and there was a lot of other goodness goin' on, that will now get more visual attention. :)

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  47. Your style just becomes more & more sophisticated! I love it!

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  48. Oooh... I love it! It really opens the space and makes all of your cute and colorful accessories stand out. Good choice!! :)

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  49. While I love the green...it was so you (and agree, not for everyone), but I love the change as well. All of your accessories pop now and are more noticeable. I love how the rooms flow together as well.

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  50. Love this change! The green was fun and vibrant, but this really opens up the space and brings in the light. You created great flow and that is so important in a home. Great job!

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  51. We have painted our living room, dining area and kitchen green. The rooms are all open to each other. It works for us at this point.

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  52. Love it, Love it, Love it!!! Cannot love it more!!!

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  53. At first sight, I really thought the room had become too colorless, but now I love the brightness!! I wish you success in evolving your home style Jen!!

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  54. I love the new paint! It really opens up the space and makes the area looking into the dining room so cohesive.

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  55. I think the after looks lovely and pulled together.

    May I ask where you got the new rug for your living room. I'm trying to find a very light rug for our living room and yours looks like it would work perfectly. Thank you.

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    1. Hi Andrea!

      It is this one from Target: http://www.target.com/p/threshold-diamond-area-rug-ivory/-/A-14215775

      I really love it, the color and texture, however, I just started noticed some pilling this weekend, which leaves me a little concerned and may be enough for me to return it. :(

      xo!

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    2. Thank you! (Not only for the info but for replying - I love that you take the time to do so)

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  56. Jen, I sure would like to know how you handled painting the wall down the staircase...I'm about to start my staircase and don't want to spent a fortune on renting equipment. Any ideas?

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    1. Hi Paulette!

      We set up a system similar to this: http://www.greenwoodindianapolispainterpainting.com/how-to-paint-stairwell/

      Paired that with an extension roller and it worked pretty well.

      xo!

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  57. I actually love the room BOTH ways! Equally beautiful!

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  58. Beautiful! Please share where you bought your light living room rug. I'm looking for one right now. Thanks!

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    1. Hi Priscilla!

      It is this one from Target: http://www.target.com/p/threshold-diamond-area-rug-ivory/-/A-14215775

      I really love it, the color and texture, however, I just started noticed some pilling this weekend, which leaves me a little concerned and may be enough for me to return it. :(

      xo!

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  59. I like neutral walls myself so this grey tone, to me, looks better. It was a nice shade if green though.

    lovendlaughter.blogspot.com

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  60. You're right it does look completely different! I love having neutral walls and adding color in decorations or furniture that pops. By the way, i LOVE the mirror you have above your ikea shoe rack. Where did you get it?

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    1. Hi Raeanne!

      It is from Target: http://www.target.com/p/threshold-starburst-mirror/-/A-14137991#prodSlot=medium_1_3&term=threshold%20mirror

      xoxo!

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  61. Elegant yet simple, bright and open. Perfect choice. I love it.

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  62. I love it, it really brings out the colour of your accessories and beautiful chair!

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  63. Hi, Your new bright white living room is very elegant, but green was something that doesn't come a cross everyday. I loved that green!! Room actually looks more narrow in white tone. Love your blog, by the way. Greeting from Finland

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  64. I love the kelly green but this room looks much better with its "clean slate." Maybe try the kelly green in a smaller room - bathroom?

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  65. It looks so great! You continue to inspire me:)!

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  66. I love the new color, and you are right about it being a great back drop for the colors going on. I didn't even notice the gorgeous blue chair in the first photo, but with the new color, it just stands out so nicely. Looks great!

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  67. I loved the green, I know someone that painted there living room green and I think its a beautiful color, so much fun. Now it's a bit more sophisticated but still beautiful just different. Could you please tell me where you got the black in white frames? I been looking but only found much smaller, please help.

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    1. Hello!

      The frames are from IKEA, they were this line: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10156326/, but it doesn't seem as though they have the squares any longer. A similar option would be these: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30174777/

      xoxo!

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    2. Thank You for the reply, you should make a post on where you get your stuff since there are a lot of questions in the comments regarding where you buy them. I hope you do it in the future, love your blog.

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    3. I agree! A new home source list is in the works. :)

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  68. The flow is much better into the other room this way, but the green was so awesome. Hope you bring in more color soon!

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  69. ok now i LOVED your green wall and didn't think it could get any better than that but i love this!!! the pops of color in your florals AND THAT CHAIR! i die. love love love.

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  70. I like it, I do...although I am a big fan of more warmer colors...warmer grays...I do love the accented colors! Good job.

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  71. I love it!!!!! The rooms look light, bright, cohesive, organized, and beautiful. Good for you!

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  72. Looks beautiful and you just helped me pick out the color for my living room! Beautiful home!

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  73. When looking at the room alone, it is a little less "pitter-pat" but overall, when paired with the flow of your home and all of your accessories? L-O-V-E, much more calming and sophisticated, and something you can add too with some rich wood here and there. Nice job!

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  74. Wow! I really loved your green wall and thought it was perfect for the space. However, the Smooth Stone is fabulous, too. I hope you don't miss your green too too much! :)

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  75. It looks so refreshing! I have no doubts that you will continue to make it a beautiful space!

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  76. Oh i loved the Green and was so inspired by you, i wanted to paint my living area blue, but (sigh) you are right the neutral colour is better more grown up and sophisticated. and it does make the other colours pop

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  77. I have learned that as much as I love colour, I love change more... so better for me to stick to neutral walls and bring in colour with accessories and art. I actually loved your walls BOTH ways!! Just two different looks. The new colour feels more sophisticated and understated... I love where you are headed with this!!

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    1. I am with you! I love changing things around the home, and always have, so hopefully this will suite my evolving style much better. :)

      xo!

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  78. Aww lovved the green you had originally, but LOVE the new colour too!! Especially the way it makes the blue armchair and accessories on the entertainment unit now 'pop'! xx Amie in NZ

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  79. Beautiful room! The wall color looks great!

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  80. Can I ask about your cubby system? Is there a post about how you updated with the gold? It looks different what is sold at IKEA? Love it! Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions!!

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    1. Hi Katie!

      The system is IKEA, it is the Billy system. We added gold hardware from Home Depot {the pulls and corner embellishments}.

      You can see more here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/11/a-little-credenza-styling-challenge.html

      xo!

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  81. I like how airy it looks and the way the colors in the furniture and accessories shine now. I think it still says fun, but now it also says calm/relaxed. Can't wait to see the drapery panels and other little tweaks you come up with. I love your site and appreciate all of the work you put into it so much. -- Tina

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  82. Also. Just wanted to add that I love your idea of introducing some wood tones, too. Could you please tell where the gold heart pillow is from or is it something you made? --Tina

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    1. Hi Tina!

      I found it during a flash sale, it is from the Goods by Grinn Gold Collection: http://www.goodsbygrinn.com/collections/gold-collection

      xo!

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  83. I'm not a blogger, but I think blogging should be about sharing what you like. It may inspire some, not all. However, it does entitle readers to criticize. I figure the old rule still applies - if you don't have anything good to say.... Btw, I like your vision :)

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    1. Hi Tammy!

      You got it! That definitely comes with the blogging territory, when you put yourself out there, people are free to comment. I have always seen blogging as a forum to learn from one another, and if criticism is shared constructively, I am always open to it! I always remind myself that we are the ones ultimately living with the decisions we make and really do love sharing our stories along the way.

      xoxo!

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  84. I totally understand why you would repaint this room, and I don't blame you, but I will tell you I will miss the green! Looking forward to some of the other changes!

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  85. I love it!! So light and airy!

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  86. Thanks for being willing to share your home with us jen....even when you think people may not like it. Good for you!! :-) Our living room and kitchen is all one open space and it has proved very challenging to make it flow so i think you will be even happier with your choice when/if you take down that wall.

    Can't wait to see your curtains!! :-)

    xoxo

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  87. I like your green room better!!!! May be because its so fresh,cheerful and also my favorite color!!!

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  88. I LOVED your green living room, but not as much once you got the new gray couch (although I understood the decision of why it fit your family better). I'm not as much of a fan of the all gray though. I do like the gray striped wall in the dining room. What about a complimentary, muted "color" for the living room instead? (for instance, something like Sherwin Williams Sea Salt perhaps?). I'm sure whatever you end up with will be gorgeous, as is everything you do.

    I'm not sure what your envisioning for your new kitchen, but I can see perhaps bright white cabinets with gray & white granite countertops.

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    1. Hello!

      House Tweaking's Living Room/Kitchen is exactly what the layout of our home would look like should we remove the vaulted wall between our kitchen and our living room: http://www.housetweaking.com/2014/02/24/what-it-took-to-vault-the-ceiling/

      The two spaces would ultimately become one larger space, which is why we feel the need to keep all of the color the same in the two areas vs. darker in the living room.

      But yes, endless plans and ideas for the kitchen, nothing solid yet, but we have a pretty good vision that we both finally agree on, so it is getting exciting over here. :)

      xo!

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  89. The color is really nice. It does make the room look larger. I really like your bookcase (large t.v. console) very much. Did y'all build it yourselves or have it built, please? If you did it, is there a tutorial? I have just started reading your blog and really enjoy it. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Hi Debbie!

      Thank you! The bookcases are created from Billy bookcases from IKEA, you can find the tutorial here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/03/built-in-beauty.html

      xo!

      Delete
  90. Gorgeous! Makes the room look bigger, brighter, and your touches of teal here and there still give a personalized feel :)

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  91. Lovin' the new wall color. at first liked the green better and was so inspired with your living room green walls and thought the new wall color was blah but when i saw how it reads better with the adjacent dining space and foyer, i understood it better. not love at first sight but i clearly see the potential of the space now.

    keep it coming Jen, love every post.

    BTW, where do you get the energy and inspiration from? You never seem to run out of projects and post.

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    1. Thank you Aissa! I can understand that it has less "excitement" right now, hoping to fix that soon.

      And my energy? That would be coffee I think! That and I have always been a go-getter and get antsy sitting for too long at a single period of time. :) And inspiration is everywhere! TV, blogs, magazines, nature, store displays....

      xoxo!

      Delete
  92. I love it. It completely changes the feel of the room. I think it looks so much fresher and it definitely makes it feel larger. It has pushed the TV wall back and the side walls out!

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  93. I love color, but can't always commit to four walls of it. I think when you reaccessorize around the tv, it'll really be great. The chair already pops more against the neutral! Speaking of which, where did you get the peacock chair? It would be perfect for my entryway...

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    1. Hi Tiffany,

      Here is the link to the chair: http://www.worldmarket.com/product/pacific+blue+elliott+wingback+chair.do?&from=fn {watch for their 20-25% off furniture sales}.

      xo!

      Delete
  94. Wow, Jen! Now I have this urge of changing our paint colors all over the house. That is definitely so pretty. Love it!

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  95. I think you are right about all of the colours popping more now. :) I liked the green, but now seeing it painted is just beautiful.

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  96. Love it. It makes your upstairs living space so much bigger and flows together nicely. Can't wait to see what accents (in color) of course you add.

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  97. Not that my opinion as a random blog stalker matters, but WOW that looks amazing! Keep up the good work, Jen. =)

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  98. Looks great Jen! We used Smooth Stone in a few of our rooms too - it's a great neutral color! I agree that the bright colors in your room pop so much more now! Beautiful job, as always :)

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  99. Wow! I like it very much. You have great taste :)

    artsyshimmer.blogspot.com

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  100. Much preferred the green. As people say it is your home.

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  101. I have to say I'll miss the green, but this new color looks lovely. I painted our living room a nice green (Valspar's La Fonda Plaza) and still loooove it 5 + years later!but sometimes I kinda wish I had more neutral walls so I could change up my decor more. I'm scared to bring in too much color since the walls are so vibrant. Last summer I finally got new curtains that are navy and white, and it has been so nice to have some navy in here! Before we were completely tans and greens. Pink looks really great with my walls, but the husband will only let me have so much pink lol!

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  102. I love the change Jen! Looks so fresh and clean, and more current. Looking forward to the new curtain panels, I'm sure those will really put it all together.

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  103. Oh my! I love it! So much brighter and looks so much bigger! I think this color may be just perfect for my upstairs hallway which is a little on the dark side and needs to be brightened up!

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  104. I was never a huge fan of the green but you totally made it work! I'm digging this change, and I have to say, I'm super excited about 'warming' the room up with some wood elements (Check out Young House Love's Ikea Expedit update) and I'm crazy excited about the doors on the TV unit, I think that will calm down that end of the room, as there's a lot going on there with the wing chair. Keep up your lovely work!

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  105. I lovvvve it! We just went through the same exact thing with our main living room. We went from a bright coral to a soft country white. We did it for the opposite reason, the room is huge and the coral was so overwhelming. I love to use colorful pieces, and it just felt like elements were getting lost with the bright walls. I am VERY happy with the way it looks now, everything else 'pops' so much more!

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  106. Its beautiful! I loved the green but I love this too. the power of paint is amazing!

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  107. Ever since your dining room re-do with the stripes I've carried the Smooth Stone paint sample card in my purse. I love that it's neutral and how it makes your colors pop. The living room looks amazing! I liked the green but now it all flows together and makes the room look bigger. Amazing. I love it.
    xoxo
    Rachel

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  108. Hi Jen:) I love the transformation and also love that you tackle your inspiration without that overhanging "is this good for resale" question that seems to stop alot of people! I love to see you design and take risks. I also love that you share when they do and don't work out (like the studio). Thank you! Quick question on resale, do you guys ever think you'll sell someday or do you make all your bold decisions on the understanding that this is your forever home? Your insight is so appreciated! Thank you! :)

    Kasey

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    1. Hi Kasey!

      Such a great question, I feel like I could write a whole post on the subject!

      I believe first that you should feel amazing and LOVE the home you are in while you are in it. If you personally know you are selling in a few years, you can still love your space by making smaller changes and playing with paint {you can always reverse paint!}, but definitely would be more aware during bigger changes/upgrades while keeping resale in mind.

      We have been in our home for 12+ years now, and although we are head over heals in love with it, there are many things that we would love to change. Some of those things would mean we would either have to move our house or just move. :) {size of home, location, layout, etc...}

      So, although some days I think this will be our forever home, and others I wish I could just up and move or start over, there really is no telling what the future holds for us or this house. So we just keep on doing what we love and work to make it a place that makes us warm and fuzzy while living in it. Do we think about resale? Of course. But for the most part, walls can always be painted {so can cabinets}, and we hope that many of the projects we do take on, like adding built-in storage or upgrading a bath, will only help with selling our home some day, should that day ever come.

      xoxo!

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  109. I LOVE it!! I want to freshen up our living room from hunter green to something lighter (plus we have stained wood trim) but my husband is hesitant, probably because he thinks he'll have to help...:)
    MelanieL

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  110. I loved your green, but I REALLY love the gray! I kinda want to go buy a gallon of the same paint now. Beautiful! You have such an artistic eye. Where did you get your blue wingback chair? I love it.

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  111. If the lamps you have are similar to mine, you can take the base off and fill the inside. I have used Christmas balls, coffee beans, flowers, pearls, pretty stones, etc to change out the color. I don't fill the entire thing....just a couple of inches for a new pop of color

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  112. As much as I loved your green, this looks amazing as well! Simply beautiful!

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  113. I love that the color makes your living room/kitchen/hallway all flow and it definitely makes it seem more open and airy. It makes all of your colorful accessories really pop, and I'm sure curtains will make a huge impact too. Love it!

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  114. I love the colour change and I loved the green - have got a room in my son's room painted that colour.
    Don't you think colour preferences have a rhythm about them? Just as our families grow older and evolve, so do our requirements of a space and a colour.
    How exciting to be considering taking down a wall and completely changing how you use your living areas. It took us too many years procrastinating about how a roof line would look from the outside (me) and how the space would work without doors (him). In the end our architect gave us both a firm talking too, we found a builder we could work with and a playroom was built which flows into our dining room and kitchen. It has changed our lives. Of course our only regret was waiting so long to do it!

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  115. We have a lot of white/gray also. I love the change paint can make -- your striped wall in the other room shows off so much more now. (And green is my fav color! :) )

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  116. wow, what a difference! love how bright and airy it looks!

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  117. It feels cold to me. I love color so that might be why. But you live there not me.

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    1. I love color as well, and I agree, without some of the "warm things up" ideas I have mentioned within the post already included, it does feel a bit more stark and cold in the photos. In person, not as much as the space is not grand and there is a lot going on, plus add three boys to the mix and it instantly warms up any space. OK, the cheese stops there. :) xo!

      Delete
  118. I love the new color in your space - beautiful!

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  119. I really like it Jen! The other bits of color pop more now and it does blend so well with the rest of the house.

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  120. Will you be posting about your new fabric for curtains soon? I can't wait to see what you chose!

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    1. Hi Kristen!

      The fabric is set to arrive today, and then we have to actually sew the four curtain panels and hang them {two for the living room, two for the dining area}. I always post pretty real time, so I will be sure to share when they are up. Hopefully soon if there are no "snags" along the way. ;)

      xo!

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  121. I absolutley love green! I recently renovated my bedroom and since the walls were white, I painted the ceiling green and I still love it everytime I walk into the room! But, like you said, if it gets old later, I'll just paint over it.

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  122. I love the new color. I can't wait to see what you do with your kitchen! I wanted to know, is the trim in your home the same color throughout? What color do you use?

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    1. Hi Christine!

      I used Behr's Swiss Coffee on all of the trim in doors on our main level.

      xoxo!

      Delete
  123. I love both the green and the new color! in fact we are in the middle of redoing our finished basement and were debating grays for awhile. I showed my husband a swatch of your color and he loved it! We normally use Behr paint in our house. How does the Glidden compare?

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    1. We actually had it color matched to Behr paint. :)

      Delete
  124. No. I dont love the cold gray. Its boring and safe and boring. Loved the green. Actually the green room was a reason why i got stuck in your blog the first time and i have a green Livingroom thanks to yours. Still love your organizational stuff but will need to get My colour fix somewhere else. There is this gray thing going on with all american blogs right now and gray is just not My cup of tea. :(

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  125. I love it!! Will you share where you bought the new carpet? I'm looking for something just like that for my living room too!

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    1. Hi Kate!

      It is this one from Target: http://www.target.com/p/threshold-diamond-area-rug-ivory/-/A-14215775

      I really love it, the color and texture, however, I just started noticed some pilling this weekend, which leaves me a little concerned and may be enough for me to return it. :(

      xo!

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    2. Hi Jen -- I really love the look of your rug and was contemplating the same one for our family room. What is your verdict on it? Did you end up returning it to the pilling? Thank you!

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    3. Yes, boo :( Just couldn't keep a rug that wouldn't stand up to our traffic with kids, dogs and vacuuming. Loved it though, it was super pretty!

      xo!

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  126. Wow, it looks awesome! I loved how the green looked so at first I was a little deflated that you were getting rid of it (I'm a renter with white-white-white walls). But WOW, you're right about all the colors popping against the more neutral backdrop.

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  127. I love it! You always manage to make things look great. I can't wait to see your changes to the built-ins! I've loved them for a while and want to use the idea in our living room... but with doors and a wood top, so I couldn't believe it when you wrote you were making those exact changes!! I must have good taste, ha ha. Will you DIY your own doors or use the ones they sell? I hope you post an update soon!!

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    1. Great minds Kristen! ;) We are hoping to use the IKEA doors, but modifying them to make them unique to our built-in. I will be sure to share all the details when we get it all figured out and installed. xo!

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  128. Oh man Jen, I loved that green!! But I do love how your accent pieces now pop against the lighter walls. *thumbs up*

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  129. I LOVE it. I like it way better :)

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  130. Do you have a post or instructions on what your TV entertainment center-storage-thing is made of.. or did you buy it? Thank you :) Bethany

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    1. Hi Bethany!

      The bookcases are created from Billy bookcases from IKEA, you can find the tutorial here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/03/built-in-beauty.html

      xo!

      Delete
  131. Love it! I am looking for new lamps, would you mind sharing where you got the lamps by your TV, and the white one behind the couch? Thanks for sharing your home!

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    1. Hi Amy!

      The lamps near the TV were from Ballard Designs a few years ago, and the lamp on the console behind the couch is from Pottery Barn.

      As much as I looooove the quality of the lamps, I have since seen similar versions at HomeGoods for a fraction of the price.

      Best of luck!
      Jen

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    2. Thanks for responding! Also wondering where you got your pillows? Sorry for all the questions, i just love your style so much!

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    3. Thanks Amy! :)

      The blue pillows are from IKEA: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20236634/

      The grey stripe pillow is from H&M: http://www.hm.com/us/product/11983?article=11983-B

      The chevron pillow is from West Elm: http://www.westelm.com/products/chevron-crewel-pillow-cover-blue-lagoon-t708/?pkey=e|chevron%2Bpillow|17|best|0|1|24||6&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Pillows%20Shipping

      The grellow pillow in the corner is from HomeGoods.

      The blue ikat pillow is from Joss & Main: https://www.jossandmain.com/Indigo-%26-Ikat-Faustine-Pillow~PICO3789~E6016.html

      xoxo!

      Delete
  132. I LOVED that green, but I totally understand your change. At our last house every room was a different color. I enjoyed that, but took a different direction when we moved. I went much lighter and flowing together better. Then I wondered if I went too bland? It didn't quite feel like 'me'. I've been slowly adding in color with window treatments, lamp shades, pillows, etc. I'm starting to feel at home once again :)

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    1. You said it perfectly! We still have color splashed in every room, and I am OK with that, especially now that we have a blank slate in our main areas. And those areas will slowly receive more color layered back in as well.

      Happy you are finding the color balance! Seems to be tricky sometimes!

      Delete
  133. I LOVE the new color! It looks amazing. Did you get that gold heart pillow on etsy? If so I've had my eye on that for a while now! When I first moved into my home (5 years ago) I chose a lot of darker colors..I've been in the process of lightening things up and things just feel so much more open now! Love your blog so much.

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    1. Hi Stacy!

      I follow Goods By Grinn on Instagram and their pillows were on sale on a flash site, so I snagged one. But I have also seen similar ones on Etsy, sooo cute! :)

      xo!

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  134. Let me start by saying that green is one of my favorite color. I love the way you organize your living room, and although I love green so much, I must say the white paint look so much better on your wall. I love that it looks and feel so welcoming and warm, so inviting, I feel like I was sitting in your living room reading the post. The white paint make your living room look larger as well. I love you living room.

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  135. I love it!! So open and clean looking!! :)

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  136. I love the new color! I did think that your green was great, but I am also trying to make colors flow a little better in my house right now so I totally understand your change. It looks great with the surrounding areas! And we also use the Swiss Coffee on our trim :)
    -Emily

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  137. I loved the green! My husband and I are trying to come up with some sort of design ideas, but we can barely seem to agree on anything! I was actually thinking about having a green living room for sometime now. I have a beautiful, retro green leather chair. But, I do love the new white look! Its very open, and fresh. Do the white walls get dirty quickly? That's one of the concerns that my husband has about white walls.

    -Lara

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    1. We get occasional dirt on the walls {three boys and two dogs will do that}, but I find using a washable paint {a finish with a little sheen in it}, helps make cleaning up easy breezy. :)

      xo!

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  138. Jen - I love it! I liked the green too, but sometimes too much color can be overwhelming. It seems to me, the more subtle wall colors really make a house feel serene, plus you can change the colors of all the accessories so much easier now and make a whole new color scheme if you are in the mood to and you won't have to paint! You have inspired me to repaint a few of the more colorful rooms in my house this spring. And after all, like you said - Paint is cheap!

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  139. Hi! So sorry if someone has already asked, but where did you get your front door mat, and what size is it? I love it! thanks!

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  140. I love it! But I also loved the bold green. I have been looking for the perfect gray for my living room and entry way and I think you may have just found it! :)

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  141. I love this SO much! It makes the colorful accessories really pop as well.

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  142. I love it! If you look at both pictures, you can see how the new color makes the contents in your tv stand sort of blend or fade away. Looks fabulous!

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  143. This is so much better in white :) I looks like there is so much more space in your living room ! Nice job! Your interior is amazing !

    www.outofstandards.blogspot.fr

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  144. I really like your built in entrainment center is there any way you can give me the dimensions ( long, wide), I have a wall I want to put it against but don't know if the wall will be to small. thanks in advance!

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    1. Hello!

      We used three of these: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/63688310/

      And two of these: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80085707/

      Totaling 10 1/2 ft wide.

      You could always mix/match to come up with a size that would work best for your space.

      Here are all of the details for our project: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/03/built-in-beauty.html

      xoxo!

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    2. thank you!!! <3

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  145. The green was gorgeous, but the new colour makes the other colours really pop, especially the pinks and blues. I didn't notice the details in the room before, just the green. Now, I can pick out particular items that look beautiful.

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  146. Just catching up on posts and LOVE the change. This is so beautiful. Really makes your accessories pop and shine :) Great choice. Gray is my fave! Also makes adding color in decor super easy :)

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  147. I went thru the comments already to see where you purchased items from. But there's a few that I would like to know that I don't think anybody asked about yet...Where did you get your circle coffee table, white vase with the pink flowers on circle coffee table, the table next to your blue chair?! And I seen above where someone mention that you should write out a list of all your items in your rooms, I would so love that!!! I adore your style!!! <3

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    1. Thank you so much!

      The coffee table was from IKEA: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80213309/

      and I added on some decorative marble paper to the top: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/02/ooh-la-la-marble-top-coffee-table.html

      The white vase is from Target, I can't seem to find it online, but they always have a nice selection of white vases.

      The table next to the blue chair was from Joss & Main last year, but I see similar styles occasionally at HomeGoods.

      xoxo!

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    2. Thanks so much!!!

      Delete
  148. I am one of the ones who prefers the before colour - but that's just personal preference for the colour. And while I'm not personally a fan of pale walls, it does really look great in your home, and makes your splashes of colour pop, whereas before, the fun teal hutch and chair were overpowered by the bright green, I didn't notice them right away. The new colour turns them into features, and the dining room stripes as well. The palette is not what I'd choose for my home, but I love it in yours!

    Here's something I found amusing: My living room walls are bright green on 3 sides, barn red on the fourth, which leads into the red kitchen. Don't think Christmassy, think autumn-y, like apples :) Now, as soon as I saw your green, I thought, oooh, I love that green, maybe I should repaint my green walls with THAT green. So I reread your post looking for the name of your green. No luck, but found it in one of the comments. It sounded familiar - I thought perhaps it was one of the swatches I brought home for consideration, that hubby thought was too bright. So, I went to get the old swatches out, and no, it wasn't one of them. No, it was the one we went with - Behr Grape Leaves is the colour that is currently on our walls. So, yeah, love your "before" wall colour, lol :)

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