Mixing It Up - 1

We transformed the family room shown below by using only what the homeowner already had, with the exception of an area rug (purchased at Kohls for 1/2 price) and two inexpensive throw pillows.

Family Room BEFORE

The key to this transformation was proper furniture placement. It's a little hard to see in the before photo, but the sofa blocks entry into the space and the two leather chairs are "lined up" to the left of the sofa further blocking entry.

The new arrangement feels cohesive and inviting, and allows for easy movement in and out of the space. We did not move the desk, but after arranging the rest of the furniture it becomes a functional secondary space rather than a focal point.

Family Room AFTER

Because I couldn't stand to end the makeover without art behind the sofa if there were any possibilities in the house, I asked the homeowner one more time if there was any art that she hadn't mentioned. She told me that the only other thing that she had were these black and white prints that were sitting on the floor in the husband's office, where they had been since they moved in several years before. She wished they WOULD work in the family room because they really liked them. :-) As you can see, they work perfectly in the space! Both husband and wife were happy that these prints, that were favorites of theirs, were finally going to be on display and enjoyed by everyone.

If you're wondering where the TV went, it is in the lower right hand corner of the after photo(angled in the corner of the room).

I'm happy to say that they love their "new" family room. We were able to reuse what they already had, stay within their budget and do it all in one day. Now they have what feels like a new space to them that they will be content with for a while, while they are saving to get the new furniture that they really want. A very gratifying makeover...

Edit: 8/9/09 - I'm linking this post to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.