You may remember that I posted this room on May 29 and told you that this client was ready for a remix it online. These are photos of her family room before:
Prior to her signing up for remix it online, we had already worked with her to do an accessory remix. We gathered some items from around the house and used only what she already had to accessorize the mantel:
BEFORE
AFTER
Then we moved on to the bookshelves and created a little bit more of an updated look by removing some shelves, purchasing some large black and white pieces of art and mixing some new accessories with things she already had.
BEFORE
AFTER
She was very pleased with the result but really wants to keep moving ahead toward a lighter, even more updated look. That's why she decided to do a remix it online. She would like us to build the rest of the room around the accessorizing that we've already done, keeping in mind that in the future she plans to purchase all new accessories when she is able to redo the adjoining kitchen and decides on what new accent colors she really wants in both spaces.
Here is the interactive floor plan. When the client clicks on each item in the floor plan, it will show her a photo of what the item is and where she can purchase it. If the item is available online it will show her the URL, which she can click on, and it will take her directly to the item on the website.
The remix it design board...
Here is a little of the remix it rundown:
- The walls will get a fresh coat of paint but be kept pretty much the same color by painting them Sherwin Williams Tamarind. The client feels that the room feels dark and heavy and has hinted at painting the built-ins in the past, so I am suggesting that they paint the built-ins and fireplace surround white (something like Sherwin Williams Alabaster) to really lighten and update the room. I would suggest that they carry the Alabaster white cabinet color into the kitchen when they are ready for the redo there. Ideally, the base and windows in both the kitchen and family room would also be painted white. The oak floor in the kitchen would tie the rest of the oak trim on the first floor in.
- Because the TV needs to stay where it is and there really isn't a lot of space for a new TV stand, I suggest that the client mount the TV on the wall with a adjustable swivel bracket and build a custom corner shelf, painted Alabaster, which will sit on the wall just far enough underneath the TV to allow room for the DVD player. The homeowner has proven to be pretty handy in the past, so could probably do this himself. The cords can be hidden with a concealer painted the same color as the walls and, if needed, they can set a potted plant on the floor underneath the shelf to hide the outlet.
- I would also suggest that, if it's structurally possible, they remove the railing that separates the kitchen from the living room and just make the two existing openings into one.
- As you can see, I am giving them a much more updated look with the new furniture and lamps, while keeping the entire palette netural. Having a neutral palette, with the exception of the burgundy pillows to give them a pop of color and tie into the existing accessories and current adjoining kitchen color, will allow them to completely change their look when they decide to in the future by just swapping out pillows, art and accessories for something more colorful.
- I typically would have not put a sectional in this small room because it is blocking off the entrance to the room and isn't as welcoming as I would like, but the client was very specific that she wanted a sectional. They only use this room for watching TV and enjoying the fireplace and the view and wanted as much room to lounge as possible while enjoying all three. In this case, the sectional provides the function that they need. I also chose a sectional that is almost the same color as the walls because it helps it to blend in more.
- I am recommending three of these little round ottomans for their versatility. The top flips over to reveal a tray and they can be used either way. They can be moved around for extra seating, or for a foot rest, or a handy place to set a drink or popcorn. A lot of function for such a little ottoman!
- They feel that they don't really need or want window treatments in this room and especially don't want stationary side panels. There isn't really room with the TV and the function of the patio door to use stationary side panels, so they're off the hook there! If they do change their mind though, I would recommend something like the cordless bamboo roman shades hung above the windows (outside mount).
There you have it! That's the plan.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
This one was my husband's favorite. It was pretty cool looking. The owner found it totally trashed in a farm field and spent 18 years restoring it in his two car garage, so he was pretty proud of it. I don't think he'll be selling it any time soon. 
I suggested moving them down on the wall a bit and doing a variation of the "paint the square on the wall" idea to give it a more cohesive look. We had fun working out the details together over the phone and, since she has always been a thrifty shopper, this project didn't cost her much. She bought the paint at Walmart, found the trim pieces in a sale bin at the home improvement store, and bought the vinyl words for either $14.99 or $19.99 (I can't remember which, but either way it wasn't expensive). Love it! Excellent work little sister! :-)
