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Can You Guess the Color Palette of My Living Room Makeover? Step Inside!
This article details a home renovation project focusing on the living room, undertaken during the pandemic by Camille Styles and her husband. The couple, who built their Austin home 11 years prior, sought to update their living space to better reflect their evolving aesthetic—described as lighter, earthier, and more expressive. The renovation was initially planned as an extensive overhaul but was scaled down significantly due to the challenges of the pandemic, such as minimizing contractors in the house and the family needing to remain in residence as it served as their office and school. The revised strategy focused on high-impact, budget-friendly changes that could be completed without relocating.
One significant change involved the walls, where the author opted for textural walls over traditional paint. After researching various options like plaster and lime wash, she chose American Clay, a natural earth plaster from New Mexico, in the shade Forté White. This material provides a matte, earthy, and organic texture, and was also appreciated for its sustainability and non-toxic properties. The application process was complex, requiring a base coat and two top coats over three weeks, and necessitated professional expertise. This wall treatment is highlighted as a key element in adding dimension and a "wow factor" without introducing color.
The flooring, consisting of travertine tiles throughout the house, presented another area for improvement. The original sealant had yellowed, and the tiles had a shiny finish. Instead of a costly and disruptive replacement, the author discovered honing, a process that grinds the top layer of the tile to achieve a smooth, matte finish. This two-day process transformed the floors, providing a new, neutral backdrop for the home at a fraction of the cost of new tiles, specifically under $5,000 compared to an estimated ten times that for replacement.
The article also covers the transformation of the living room's central seating. The existing couch, while the correct size and shape, was dirty, discolored, and too firm. Instead of purchasing a new, expensive sectional, the author chose to reupholster the original one. She selected a durable indoor-outdoor Perennials fabric in a two-tone tweed, "Whippersnapper / Sea Salt," which is practically indestructible and stain-resistant, addressing concerns about spills from children. Down padding was added to the cushions to enhance comfort while maintaining structure.
Further design updates included replacing a square, dark wood coffee table with an organic oval-shaped Aliso Natural Coffee Table made of white oak. This change aimed to soften the space and introduce beach-like vibes. The author also emphasizes the importance of mixing wood tones (white oak, medium warm, and dark espresso) to add interest and drama to a neutral palette. For rugs, an affordable and practical approach was taken due to young children. Inexpensive neutral rugs were layered: a NuLoom Ashli Solid Jute Area Rug, an indoor-outdoor rug from Target, and a Faux Sheepskin Rug. The layering technique, combining different pile heights, creates a high-end look while being resilient to wear and tear.
Finally, the article touches on furniture arrangement and open shelving. With the help of designer Claire Zinnecker, new layouts were explored, leading to the placement of two woven leather armchairs from Barnaby Lane in the corner, near the steel doors. These chairs, in a Rose Blush shade that functions as a neutral, complement the white oak coffee table. Open shelves are presented as an evolving space for expressing personal style, with the author highlighting how she mixes and rearranges items. The article concludes by inviting readers to share their own neutral living room ideas and promising a follow-up post with shoppable links and a kitchen reveal. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #LivingRoomMakeover #NeutralPalette #DIYHomeDecor #SustainableDesign #BudgetFriendly #TexturalWalls #FloorHoning
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