Awkward Living Room Problems Solved, Design Goals for 2023

[@SheHoldsDearly]

So good to be back with you and looking at my home with fresh eyes!! What are your thoughts about the little questions I still have? And more importantly, what are YOU working on this year??? I cannot wait to hear!

[@mariareyesrosado425]

Emotionally, it looks like you are going through a lot. You also appeared to be a person that knows what she like and doesn’t like. Pick what you love and your unique style both as a person and a interior designer ( which is why I subscribed to your channel) will shine through. God blessed you.

[@michellefletcher9192]

Some suggestions (I did these in my 1930s house and it worked well): 1. For the window seat area, convert that space to a small seating area with a round table. This is a great place for homework, games, puzzles, etc. and provides enough petite seating to make it cozy without being overwhelming. 2. For the window seat, make a number of slip covers in different fabric styles. A plaid, a toile, darker velvet, etc. That will allow for enough flexibility to change the feeling without having to do everything over. 3. I really like the breadboard wall inspo. If you combined that with wallpaper inspo, you could have one wall with the breadboard and hooks, etc. with the wallpaper in the upper portion of the wall and then continue the wallpaper through the rest of the room on the entire wall. 3. I have zero suggestion for getting your dog off the couch. Mine sleep on the bed, so I am weak. 😉 4. I like to make all of my textile choices, wood choices, paint, etc. without having an initial plan of how to use each design element. Sit with it for a while and picture each fabric used in different ways. I LOVE the look of plaid curtains, but not all the time. The more changeablility a room had, in the details, the more content with layout and static pieces you can be. Your home is beautiful. What I see is love and memories and pieces of you around the home. You have been through an awful lot, this last year. Give yourself some grace and focus on enjoying the process of making choices, rather than the process of completing the rooms. You've got this.

[@shaunaferguson6102]

Love these suggestions!

[@tinamcivor2996]

Great advise here, I will use it myself as I often get bogged down in the details. Enjoy the process of making choices!

[@johannahulin7847]

Yes, yes, yes, 👏🏻

[@Print229]

Wow! Can you come over to my house, next? ❤️

[@amandagauthier-parker1399]

Even wallpaper and a velvet couch could be called trendy right now... what's important is that you truly love it!

[@tep1962]

I love the idea of giving the doggo the window seat. Just incorporate a couple of slip covers, like you said, to wash as needed. I love your style.

[@lauriewolhart5743]

Love how you share your thinking "out-loud" when making decor decisions! What about a deep sage green color for your sofa? I was excited to see you had a new video. Glad you were able to take time off for the holidays. ❤

[@dwinn7109]

Sarah I live in an 80ish year old house. The living room and dining room were combined so it is a bowling alley room 12 x 26 with a fireplace in the middle of one wall of the room. It is a nightmare trying to arrange since I can't put my sofa opposite the fireplace because the wall cuts off in the middle of that long space. Oh the quirks of living in an old home. Loving everything you are doing with your lovely home.

[@cindydolezal2980]

Ive done the starch method. Its so easy. Just coat fabric with liquid startch and smooth onto the wall. it works perfectly and comes off very easily.

[@heatherannekennedy9368]

It's good to see you back - and I agree that looking at a problem from a fresh perspective is so helpful when you're just stuck with a space. Our 1940's home has a lot of awkward areas too - I find it hard to reimagine them - but just taking things out, moving things around and living with the changes for a bit is helpful. Looking at your pintrest board, I'm noticing a lot of rich hues and deep values - dark and moody. That might just be a reflection of the season of grieving and loss that you are walking through, but it is so cozy and elegant to me. Your room has so many large windows and lots of natural light - I think you could pull off some of those deep jewel tones on your walls in paint and wallpaper.

[@patriciacinea3097]

When I grew up in the 60s and 70s, my mother swapped many room curtains for warm and cold seasons. Heavier, darker for winter, and lighter/brighter for Spring/Summer. Changed things up. Start with a wall paper you love and build from there.

[@sunnygirl87]

GREAT idea. I realized I could rotate my heavy lined drapes out in spring and summer for shears! Let the light in. Oh wait, air conditioning? Hmmmmm

[@susanc31562]

Very sorry for your loss dear- losing a mother is so very hard. I had to laugh at our similar tastes and I know the struggle is real. I want to redo my living room and I’m struggling with furniture placement too because one wall is all windows with a lake view, but I still think the couch needs to move to that wall. I hope you try to work with your couch as is. It’s lovely and screams comfy cottage. The rug, not so much. Can’t wait to see your progress!

[@meganblasco2]

I love the velvet slipcover that is on your couch It’s a personal thing about color but to me having more color in the room looks very english to me💛

[@ellenloveeggleston3251]

I love that you are adding some color! I am tired of white everything. I have white shiplap walls in our home, as well as ceilings, and I love it. My trim is a lot like the color you have chosen. I also love your color block window treatments! As for wallpaper, I vote no. You are talking about plaid throws/pillows, and your window treatments...adding wallpaper will take the calm comfort away. Love the beautiful horse art! And the big gold frames! Like the rugs...however, I am such a fan of a good wool rug. That is so English as well as traditional. Oh! And the velvet sofa would be beautiful but will retain dog hair! I have Labs...no way! The leather Chesterfield wins! I almost got one and didn't. While I have leather, I wish I had bought the Chesterfield! Totally agree on the coffee table! It is going to be beautiful! Love your channel, and you are still in my prayers.

[@brenschilling3529]

The basic bones of the living room are awesome. Love the window seat. It is an amazing feature of the home and room. Maybe add a floor can uplight nearby to give it pizzaz at night. Can you float the table with the two slipcovered chairs in front of the window seat? Put a large glass vase with tall flowers in it, a lamp and the two chairs on either side of the table, not on the same side. Place a large live plant at the corner of the window seat on the floor. Place the planter in a big woven basket. - dark to anchor it like bamboo or a brownish dark wicker. I would add a cheerful vibrant linen textured floral for roman blinds or just inside toppers at each of the three windows of the window seat. Definitely a plaid on the seat cushion with a zipper so you can change it out and wash weekly. Various solid and plaid pillows in the window seat and echo them on the sofa. NO to the velvet sofa (if the room is the main family living room). Ok for a velvet slipcover for fall winter, early spring. Otherwise a soft neutral natural fiber on the sofa in late spring summer early fall. IF you are planning on wallpapering then you might only think about the far wall where the dark table and two slip covered chairs are located. You could make slipcovers for the two chairs in a strong blue white ikat print. Mixing up the fabrics with the English Country home vibe will make the room interesting and inviting. I like the brown leather tufted chairs. A needlepoint pillow would look lovely in one of them. I would add a blue and white ceramic china garden seat. I have two and love them. I use them as a small side table for a glass or reading book or flower vase. They are versatile and handy. I would add a touch of silver plated/shiny pewter items - vases or bowls or dishes for subdued sparkle. Maybe add a table beside the door with a lamp on it near where the piano is. I would probably move the chair by the door and put a large plant there with a couple of mid size containers with live plants using same color and texture of the three pots. No on the geometric rug, A nice warm toned classic oriental that wont show dirt. Its a high traffic area. If you must keep the white geometric rug then move it up to your bedroom. The big comfy chair by the door you could float next to the wood stove and put a reading lamp behind the chair and a heavy crocheted throw on the chair. Maybe move the piano to the long wall and put a larger book case with reading chairs in front of the bookcase with a table between them. What happened to the small marble top table you had? Hope you like this. I am working on window treatments and ceiling fans this winter / spring.Also I am printing photos and doing wall gallery with matching frames. Im only focused on those. Later this Spring I will have some outdoor painting and garden work done.

[@flowerpower3618]

The piano is a wonderful tribute to your mom. I love the paint color and a family photo is such a sweet idea.

[@cinder8290]

It's wonderful to see you back, that's a beautiful room now, and your vision will make it even more beautiful. You are blessed to have so much natural light in that room. My husband is painting the main rooms in our house, I'm going back to creamy white and beige. It's quite a pinky beige, and I love it. We live in a very cold area and the warm colour on the walls are much needed.

[@roxanevogel7203]

Maybe a long mirror, or hall tree with mirror where the tall grey bookshelf is. The mirror would double all the beauty in your room, and not take up much space.

[@sallymoffit3751]

I love your style. Mine is very similar. With that being said, let's cover the beloved dog first. I'm getting 2 labradoodles this month. Instead of a round coffee table how about a large upholstered round ottoman? Put an extra comfortable round dog bed on top. Remove it when you entertain more formally. But if the precious pup prefers the window seat...by all means she deserves it for all the love and joy given to your family. Add her fur throws. Very Ralph Lauren. Your room for me is a quiet gathering place for conversation and entertaining, reading, expressing your creative style. Round table in the window seat nook with 2 chairs. A spot for coffee, tea, making notes, comforting a friend or staring out the window. Give up the tall cabinet to another space. Add another very comfy chair with your bullion fringe. Definitely add a more English inspired rug if the budget allows. Keep the sofa but add throws handmade with love by you. I make mine with upholstery fabric. I use the full width whatever it is. Perhaps plaid on one side and floral or velvet on the other. I hand stitch bullion fringe on each end. Make the throws long enough for covering up for a nap. I also make them square for the foot of a twin guest bed. Very English. All the best to you and yours. Whatever you do will be fabulous.

[@cathybroome7586]

I like the direction you are headed in...plaids, dark colors here and there and dog pictures, etc. Wow!

[@homebodyheaven6114]

I’m like you, always replacing the couch. It’s like a joke. Recently got a smallish Pottery Barn dark green velvet updated Chesterfield at their outlet-love it.

[@susandupuis1282]

i would remove a section of the wood floor by the door and replace it with either flag stone or slate . i think this would create a sort of foyer look . i think you need some color especially with the piano being such a large piece and being such a light color . Good luck with what ever you choose ,i am sure it will be gorgeous when you are done .

[@HomeMadeVintage]

“I am determined to have beautiful AND have a dog.” My life summed up into one sentence. 😂

[@juliehall9167]

You are the very sweetest person I believe I've ever seen on KZbin! Before I would spend a cent, I would measure everything and rearrange furniture. It's so easy to get used to an arrangement and lock yourself in to it, becoming blind to the possiblities. I love all your pinterest ideas on your space! You seem to be leaning towards English country - I've always adored this. In that vein... read some great English classics or watch 18th/19th century movies (Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Howard's End...) 1. Have you thought of moving the piano to another space in the living room? 2. Use that beautiful trunk as your coffee table, instead of end table? 3. Corner shelf between 2 large windows? It's a lovely shelf and great storage! 4. Move the piano to another large wall, add built in floor to ceiling bookshelves and enclose enclose "cozy in" the window seat? 5. Move the beautiful desk and chairs to the pups corner? 6. Turn the couch in a different direction - either horizontally with the window seat (back facing window seat) or horizontally with back facing door with sofa table behind it (add lamps, candles, pictures...) 7. The 2 leather chairs could sit directly across from the couch on other side of trunk for a more family interactive seating? 8. If you added a small table in front of window seat, you could turn the chairs around, as needed, for games, looking at family photos, coffee and dessert......? I know you already have all your answers; you're so very talented! Sometimes it's just hard to see the forest for the trees when it's our spaces. Blessings to you! Julie

[@leisapullar3312]

So much work went into those old homes that's why I love them. There is nothing like music in a house especially from a special piano. Your house will tell you what to do. Thank you for the great video ❤❤ I'm working on clutter this year and I like the rug 😊

[@opiemae]

You're right about your current rug. It gives off modern, southwest, boho vibes.

[@brendafalk5162]

I love your browns in the furniture. Very rich look, and definitely is taking you into a warm cottage style.

[@jenniferkessener1111]

The plaid on the window seat would look so.good, and be very forgiving from any paw prints. We did teach our dog to not get up on the leather couches and chairs ,but she knew she could get on the futon in the office, and on my son's bed. We just had to be tough, and always say, no, and make her get off. Consistency is the thing. Love the wallpaper, painting the molding, velvet slip cover and or drapes. The rug you have is beautiful, but a bit boho rather than English in feel. Your antique pieces are so pretty! We used to have a velvet couch that was my grandmother's, and it was a deep gold velvet. Had a very rich look, so might be a color to consider. Looking forward to seeing what you do.

[@sunnygirl87]

Loving your channel! Thanks for the inspiration. I am going dark academia with my Barrister bookshelves and husband's quarter sawn oak physician's desk surrounded by my equestrian supplies! PERFECT solution for a small alcove/room (6'x8) with a window where my smaller wicker seat will comfort me as I sit and watch the neighborhood! BTW, love the piano and the frame. Kids need music at their fingertips. Dog heating pads are offered encased in plastic (think hunting dogs). They have thermostats. You could use a regular heating pad and only have it under the pad while you are home and supervising? I bet the dog would be drawn to it eventually? My dogs love the sun hitting them. Wish I had stuck to my no couch gins earlier. I went leather. Easy to clean even for the white couch. But still, dog scent ruins furniture. I support you! Thanks for the wonderful channel filled with useful perspective and musings.

[@superannieoakley4513]

How funny u mentioned "wallpaper" w fabric! I'm former (retired)military wife & I've done that several times. In fact, I just changed out the fabric on the back of my bookcases. There's a spray starch type adhesive or just liquid starch. I'd definitely go the liquid starch route. It's so much easier to work with & take down. Good luck if u try it!

[@LauraJBrown-xe1jm]

The lighting in this video is much better!! The highlights aren't blown out and I can see all of the lovely! :)

[@nclewis2195]

Good to see you back! I deal with 2 dogs, and I think the idea of plaid blankets on the window sill is a great idea. In regards to the tall shelf in the corner, try covering foam board *cheap at Dollar Tree* with fabric. You cut it to size, staple the fabric on the back, and just slide it into the back. Easy to change out if you want to, and it doesn't use much material. I like the rug, but my first thought was keeping it clean with kids and a dog could be difficult. I liked the one you showed from Ruggable. As for me, I plan on continuing to make my home more English Country cottage as I go along. In my part of east Tennessee, you see more country/farmhouse style antiques, so it proves difficult to find anything that says English Cottage. I'm perusing Pinterest, Instagram, etc. for ideas to makeover my main bathroom into English Country style.

[@robinmiller8728]

Hmmm..... corner cupboard..... :) If you need storage I think I would look into finding a true vintage corner cupboard.

[@herekittykittykitty475]

Oh! I'm torn on the rug! It looks like a large lace doily, and I like that! It would look really good if you were going in a shabby chic direction, but the other rug is more formal, and all of your inspiration photos were darker and moodier.

[@connieclay5527]

It was nice to see a video from you as you are my decorating kindred spirit! I always am amazed at the beautiful gifts you put together from thrifted finds also! My daughters and I love thrifting, so we thrifted our Christmas gifts. It was so much fun and even affordable! I absolutely love the textiles you choose, your creative ideas and design plans. My mind is swimming now as our next room in our farmhouse to renovate is the kitchen. I will be binge watching your videos through this, I'm sure. When I am not sure what direction to take, I just give it time. Eventually it works out. Sending God's blessings to you.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

It’s funny that wallpaper is finally coming in again. When we were redoing our 1910 home, fifteen years ago, I told the painter that wallpaper was going to come back in and he didn’t believe me. I had some put up then, but not as much as I wanted. Now it’s time to redo the powder room wallpaper. I think this room needs color on the walls, the blue damask wallpaper you showed would look nice. The rug definitely isn’t the vibe you’re going for, but maybe it would work somewhere else in the house, like a bedroom? There’s also a bit of awkwardness at the front door, it just abruptly leads into the room with no space for adjusting. Someone else suggested stone on the floor, that could work, as well as something like a half wall or divider of some sort. I’m not a dog person, but my cat loves my window seat as well. I put fuzzy throw blankets there to absorb her dirt and fur, then I can just throw it in the wash. I think plaid on the cushion would be pretty, along with a dark paint on the side walls. Have you read Sarah Susanka’s book, Not So Big House? It’s older, but you could probably borrow it through your local library. She has some wonderful ideas for making the spaces in a home feel wonderful. I wouldn’t worry if things seem trendy. Maybe the problem is that they used to be trendy and the trend has changed. I think you’re always going to be on trend, there’s no helping that, and it’s not a bad thing. You like design and you like changing things up when you’re tired of them. Celebrate it, you have great style!

[@chlexiel.1022]

I LOVE that antique dresser that the books are on.. and good decision on the piano, you would prob regret that later on if you let it go. The room is beautiful now, and I’m sure it will be beautiful after as well💕

[@lauradewoody8587]

Hello Sarah! I love watching your videos and gaining inspiration from your knowledge :) I feel this ENTIRE video to my core! We purchased our 1928 home about a year ago and I've been sitting with it trying to let it tell me what it wants. I have conversations all the time with myself that sound a lot like this video lol. I have a few thoughts for you- for the pup- we bought these plastic things on Amazon to keep on the couch when we're not home that have little plastic spikes all over them, then they fold up and slide behind the couch when we're home. And I think I would love the plaid window seat cushion with a washable fur dog throw on top to keep the plaid fabric clean. Also, I see what you're saying about the rug but to me, at least on video, it reminds me of an old candlewicking quilt my Granny made years ago and I love it. Our living room is also long and narrow and has 4 doorways on 2 walls and large windows on the other two walls, plus a fireplace. The former owner did a whole blue/white/gray decor motif and I am not loving it. I am slowly trying to transition to creams and beiges and greens, and I'd love to throw in mixing some patterns and colors but I'm SO not good at that. Even my wardrobe is all solids lol. Anyway, as I brainstorm I'll continue to look to you for ideas and wisdom. Thank you for all you do!

[@tammyjorrak1371]

We keep doggy wipes by the door and wipe our dogs paws every time she comes in from a potty walk. We have a white cloud couch and no stains. They get used to having their paws wiped off really quickly. She knows she’ll get a treat afterwards ❤ I love your home! Very beautiful!

[@bethshadoan419]

I too am a RR owner! I have two and they have to be with us, always. I gave up on keeping them on the floor and just have heavy blankets covering their end of the furniture. That way if company comes I pull off the blanket, but then the dogs look insulted (lol). I also love Revere Pewter, my entire downstairs has been that color for 7 years, I can't let go. Everything you do is always lovely. I love the rug, keep it!

[@heathermacleod7068]

I love how you think out loud with us!!! I look forward to what you Decide!! Whatever that is I k ow will be beautiful!!

[@brendafalk5162]

Often English Cottage style uses deep colors with florals. I am thinking a raspberry burgundy velvet would be a lovely color for a sofa,. The tufted back wouild also be something in a velvet that would be pretty. Raspberry is an easy color to embrace, as blues, greens, neutrals all go well with it. Just an idea to consider. Raspberry is soft and goes with so many colors very well.

[@linmurray436]

The easiest way to get fabric on the wall is buy liquid starch in gallon bottles, roll it on the wall with a paint roller and smooth dry fabric on the wall, worked the bubbles out and roll lightly once it's how you want it. When you want it gone you just grab a corner and pull it off and rinse the wall off with a mop.

[@daisymay317]

Nice to see you again! I am glad you got a break, though. I like the addition to the piano (the frame shape). I do agree that it would look neat with something else as well. I had initially thought a framed picture just leaning up against it - like one that would allow for the attached rectangle to stick out on the right and lefthand side, but one that would rise above it. I’m having a hard time verbalizing. Creating a plus-sign shape of sorts. But I like the idea of putting that picture inside too! In my former house I also had a window seat, and I just loved it. It was an old house, and drafty, but I just loved it! Love that blue larger - patterned wallpaper too. I recently was watching another person who was choosing between possibly that exact same one and another style, and I thought the blue was so gorgeous. Also, I have never heard of starched fabric being used as wallpaper-that sounds fascinating One idea for the shelf might be to cut out cardboard squares/rectangles (I forgot which shape the back is) and cover them with fabric. I did that to line the inside of an old trunk, and I do like the way it turned out. You always come up with good ideas, though. As for what I am working on, I still have Christmas up! And I am non-apologetic about that, although I am getting to the place of wanting to take it down😄

[@Liz-lw6ht]

Love your ideas and your honesty. Rooms are a process! I love the idea of adding plaids. Your home looks so cozy. Glad you kept the piano.

[@jenifergaston7226]

I also struggle with my living and family rooms...they are both pretty high traffic. The front door opens into the living room, which has a fireplace, a stair case, one large doorway that seperates it from the family room with an exact style column type seperation that I see in your house..and then yet another door way leading to the basement door/closet door/and dinninroom! It's crazy to decorate or place furniture. Both outside walls have large windows. The family room has two large doorways, and also two large windows. I feel like the seating all lines the walls in the family room, but the living room furniture has to be close to the fireplace to allow a walkway. Our house is at least 123 years old Craftsman style, with a wink and a nod to Victorian. I absolutely love your drapes..... keep them! I also love your piano.....it makes me wish I hadn't given ours away and painted it instead! Ha! although I'm not crazy about our Golden retriever on the sofa, we let him win on that when he was a puppy. He is 11 now. But at least he lets us wipe his feet. Ha! I'm looking forward to seeing what all you decide on for your re-do. So nice to see a new video, Happy New Year!

[@anitamurray5619]

I love your livingroom curtains, and they would be beautiful with just the right wallpaper. The pattern on the curtains are like a "neutral print".

[@vintagegirl2739]

I've always loved plaid. A blanket on your window seat would be ideal, easy to watch. Love your door color. I think a vintage floral wallpaper would be gorgeous in the corner shelf. Love the new rug you want, yours is pretty but too boho for your home. Love your piano, maybe some additional molded pieces on either side of the frame to blend it in like it was always there. Regardless of what you do it will be gorgeous, I so love your style. 🥰💕

[@vintagegirl2739]

Oops, easy to 'wash'. 😂🤦‍♀️

[@lose999]

I love your sofa and the drapes. I wouldn't change those. I want to extend my condolences for your loss. Take your time; major decisions don't have to be made all at once... Your doggie seems to love the window seat. Maybe make a couple plaid covers to change out but keep it simple. You piano is lovely. Your idea is clever but I like it just the way it is. The only thing that I would change is the coffee table; a round one might be good. The rug is geometric but a round table might soften the look. Please honor your feelings; it's okay to make little changes; sometimes moving out of grief takes time. Oh, and the corner shelf might look completely different with a fresh coat of paint. I'm happy your husband loves you 😘

[@susanm8957]

Definitely change out the rug, I love the one you chose online! We are working on fine tuning our decor & paint!

[@herekittykittykitty475]

On the corner shelf I would cut boards to fit the back of each shelf and wallpaper, paint or starch fabric over the removable board. A sturdy cardboard or foam core might be an easy way to make cutouts. Makes it so easy to change out seasonally or if get tired of the color etc.

[@robinbirdj743]

Mustard yellow is great seasonally! Love your picture frame molding on the piano. Who’s criticizing your choices? Yours are just what mine would be, if I was half as good at decorating!

[@terrizimmerman5297]

I’ve been checking your site daily for a new video and I’m glad to see you’re back. I missed your calming presence and beautiful home. Our guest bedroom is our current renovation. Upgrading to a queen size bed, fresh paint, and a grandchildren’s picture gallery. Welcome back. We missed you!

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you! It's nice to be back!

[@Living_Your_Best_For_Less]

Great ideas! Can't wait to see how it turns out!!

[@kajlove1]

I was never one to give into trends, but if I love one I go for it! Keep the piano no matter what and I love the moulding. You will regret it if you ever get rid of it (but of coarse I’m super sentimental The drapes are so beautiful (the pattern and the style)! I’m so impressed you made them! I could barely make that apron in Home Ec. class 40 yrs ago. I love the moodiness- that dark paint and leather sofa and the plaid is fantastic! Your room is gorgeous but the MOOD direction you’re going in will be stellar and refreshed! I’m just trying to get my business jumping in 2023!

[@roxannbowker6052]

Sarah I’m with you KEEP YOUR family’s piano Your room is beautiful Do what makes you happy

[@sryde7769]

Hi Sarah, I love your space and where you are headed with it. I hope it's okay but I have a few suggestions to help you make your decisions. Maybe try them if you think they will help. First nail down your room's purpose. Decide on each space's purpose. Then arrange the furniture in each of those spaces. Then add in the lighting for each space. Then pick the rug for each space. Then decide on the wall treatments - wallpaper etc. The rug is harder to find than the wall stuff. I personally love that ruggable rug you got! I would just make sure that the medallion lays centered, unless of center doesn't bother you. Then finally you can put up artwork and then all the accessories and vignettes. I find that when I do my rooms in this order it helps me make the decisions better. Hope this helps. Hugs and miss you! I am strongly considering coming back in the fall!!!

[@sherriblake6887]

Love all your plans for the living room. I think you are very clever to add the appliques to the piano. It's beautiful.

[@paulamcgarghanpeter4662]

Breathe. Be patient with your grief journey. YOU ARE APPRECIATED AND LOVED. Your Vermont sister living in rural South Australia

[@zhannakryukova8676]

+Huge rug!!! The existing one goes on top and separate small rug at the entrance door. The style and your taste are just superb!!!

[@susanvelez6534]

Oh honey I’m sorry to hear about your mom. I lost mine and it’s been very hard, my deepest condolences to you and your family. ❤🙋🏻‍♀️

[@bluesky7226]

So good to have you back Sarah! Love the ideas. I'm hoping to finalize a paint colour for my kitchen; add finishing touches to my powder room; get wood floors in my dining and tea rooms, and I'm seriously looking at turning one of the bedrooms into a guest room /office space/prayer room. So far I have a daybed that I can work with as my grandkids sleep in there when they come into town.

[@Olyatzaneros]

I love that last rug you showed. Suits your space!

[@gailacook5102]

Yeah for wallpaper and a velvet couch 🎉I don’t want to take wallpaper down, but it sure is amazing going up…so much bang for your buck when transforming your living room. All the plaid inspo gives me all the cozy feels ❤

[@terrychancellor4593]

Looks like you are struggling with the same issues I am with a long narrow living room/family room. I, too, have sentimental pieces in there as well as other furnishings I love BUT they really aren't working for what I want the space to be - a cozy spot where everyone can gather and enjoy the fire or a movie and just have a less cluttered feel. So, I'm going in a totally different direction than I would have chosen for my 25 yr old Victorian-inspired farmhouse and I feel good about it now that I've started making decisions. So that will start next month. I think as designers it is harder to do our own spaces because we are so open to so many ideas that one element will send us into a creative frenzy to go another route!! LOL!! I will say a word of caution to you, however (from my past experience), think long and hard about whether you really want to go with those darker colors and elements. Having grown up surrounded by equestrian influences and design, I totally designed the living room of my starter home in those colors and fabrics, brass touches, etc. I couldn't stand to spend long in it. I found myself feeling down or depressed when I was in there and couldn't understand why, after all I loved it all. I started finding that I needed more time in another room filled with lots of light, light walls, soft colors, beach tones really. Although I loved it, those colors did not feed my spirit. Think carefully where you like to spend most of your time, dark and cozy or full of light. We each have colors that affect our moods and personality, I started learning this as a teenager while babysitting and confirmed it in college studying design. Hope this helps a little. I do so love your ideas though, reminds me of where I grew up and the homes of friends on equestrian farms!! (I'm putting my treasured equestrian art in a guest room so I can still have a bit of home!)

[@delightindiscipling]

Hello Sweet Sarah - glad to see you back! Maybe this is a wild idea but what if you put the piano in the fireside room and put your round dining table in front of the window seat instead? I don’t know the dimensions of the rooms but it might work and bring different shapes into the “bowling alley” living room! Can’t wait to see what you do transform your spaces this year!

[@brendadalponte7845]

Luv that you kept the piano, you inspired me to have my fathers piano transported , we have a fairly large front office , I think it would be lovely in there, my husband plays and I kinda play 😉. I do luv the mustard color ... I would keep it it , goes with every season... and go crazy with the pillows every season 😊 Luv your passion for making a beautiful home, truly a gift, God Bless 🙏🏻💗

[@sharonparker7867]

Love your videos, you are so talented. The gorgeous piano you finished is amazing. I love everything and I’m thinking the William Morris wallpaper will bring the drama or mood your looking for in the LR. The curtains are beautiful and will probably look great with the wallpaper.

[@carolinetimmins9400]

I think the rug can totally work if you love it. I think it gives a vintage bohemian vibe

[@johannahulin7847]

I love the wall paper and plaid idea. I am glad you are keeping the piano. I think a home is not complete without one. ☺️ I would try a different rug. I love the style you are going for and can’t wait to see how everything turns out! 🙂

[@gardeningbyheart4912]

I like the picture idea for the piano. I love the rug at the end. Honestly, everything you do is lovely. I live in a mid-century home and tend toward a transitional style but I enjoy bringing modern farmhouse elements in here and there. Probably weird but hey, it's me. Per my name, I've done way more work in my garden than inside my house. I'm trying to change my ways. Have fun doing your living room. I can't wait to see it. Karen (one of the good ones - haha)

[@1234dvarela]

I love the rug! It does not feel too modern.

[@sylviamcraney1552]

I like the candlesticks for the piano. I also love the plaid pillow for the window seat!😍

[@whatlolawants2167]

I put down a blanket on the couch that I wash. It works great.

[@nancymusser9504]

I just love the whole room! Love the piano and the connection to family and how you change decor with it ! You teach me so much. I just need more practice. Looking forward to your next video. ❤ nancy

[@cheryl7198]

I love your decor style and ideas! You are so talented and creative! Your dog is just precious! Thank you for posting another great video!

[@sandymcallister4123]

So many decisions. When I was wanting to repaint the living room I really liked Revere Pewter but it has a bit more green undertone and chose Worldy Gray by Sherwin Williams. Lovely and very close to Revere Your room will be wonderful. Thanks for taking us along.

[@JShow78]

The rug and wallpaper is so yummy!! I’m a huge fan of stripes and plaid because as you said it’s semi masculine and always seems to balance out a space. I’ll be preparing board and batten in my dining room as well as a rug, antique pie safe (maybe but saving up cash) and a pineapple chandelier

[@scc6454]

I like the idea of your dog getting the window seat. My dog would absolutely love it, to be able to survey the property. It's doggy tv!

[@shaunaferguson6102]

I wonder if you could find the pup a "short" bench that you could incorporate. That way it looks decorative but she's elevated off the floor some, seems she likes to be elevated 🤣. I love the picture idea for the piano! The piano is a "picture" if you will into you past ❤️

[@cynthiaabsher9069]

I love your style. You said about the piano that you're going to do something, and you're not sure. One suggestion. The trim is beautiful. Pianos are often trimmed out right on the exact edge or in just 1-2 inches. And to leave room for music, there would be no trim on the bottom edge. That may be why the uncertainty. You've got a great idea going. I love the picture idea, and if you opened up the trim area, you could put 3 framed areas, or one larger frame and one smaller frame on each side. The outside trim can be chunky and decorative, but if you keep the star of the show piece the photos, then maybe keep the photo trim thinner and more plain. Or not. 😄 Or decorative, but still thinner than the outside. Outside edge will pop, and so will your pictures. Black and white ones would look stunning. Another idea, is just do chunky decorative corner pieces, with what you already have. Go with your gut. I love when I see a personal style in a home. You've got it. ❤️

[@beccar1605]

This is wonderful, thank you for the video. I appreciated your comment on how adding plaid would soften the femineity of the room. It would be helpful to do a mini series on how to balance masculine and feminine tones while decorating. I certainly lean towards a highly feminine look: dusty rose, heavy velvet curtains, vintage, French, etc. I don't want the household to feel as if no men live here though but not sure how to go about that without compromising my overall goals.

[@teresaortiz9902]

Always love watching your videos. I get so many ideas for decorating my home. Looking forward to your next video.

[@carinslayton3147]

try switching piano and brown dresser...love velvet couch idea!

[@irmayorke9075]

Thanks for sharing your inspiration pictures they gave me some ideas. Let your dog keep the window seat but do a plaid cover for it. Your home is already lovely I wouldn't change to much .

[@countrysister700]

My 1963 ranch's living areas are a 30x23 room. Great? No way. An open ended 9x11 galley kitchen was plopped like an island in the middle. Really my traffic flow is like 2 donuts 🍩🍩. Or 2 11x23 bowling alleys with cow paths everywhere. Round and round and round... 😂 I learn so much from your loving skilled analysis of how you balance family's needs against your own desires.

[@phyllisshand6183]

Looking forward to seeing what you will do with your living room - especially the wallpaper. I like your rug but I understand what you mean about the geometric shapes. I am not a fan of layering rugs - it just seems like someone is trying to hard. My goals are to paint and makeover our two bedrooms. They really need to be refreshed. Another goal is to organize our basement which is in desperate need.

[@norawotton5440]

You have a lovely sense of style and your room looks really good even before you start redecorating. My only issue is the nice chair in the dog’s area - is it used over there? It looks good, but would a smaller, less comfortable chair serve the purpose just as well, leaving that one in a conversation area.

[@lisalowe7679]

Both my living room couch a d the den couch are covered in velvet. They are totally different styles so it works. Velvet is beautiful and it wears well .

[@ginacrusco234]

Happy new year! I love the rug you have. It does look vintage-y, at least on camera.

[@lauramiller6026]

Love your direction. I’m excited to see how the design progresses.

[@leem200]

Love the picture of the dog behind you. Am enjoying your channel.

[@annettedean7465]

I love your channel; having said that, please just do your living room to your tastes. It will be gorgeous. Your piano is beautiful- who could possibly criticize it?

[@sara_razzle]

I love the piano and I think it's very sweet that you kept it.

[@jenl4538]

So happy to see you again!

[@sharonkershaw3091]

I agree dogs don’t need to be on the couch. Try leaving treats on the window seat. Dogs are smart and will soon realise good thing’s happen in this apace ❤

[@lauramitchell6725]

Absolutely,I’d sit there instead if there were daily treats involved!😂😅🤣👌

[@HomeHarmonySelfCare]

I think I needed to see the room and landscape video or scanning through such as a walk-through. I love what you’ve captured so far in moments that you were planning throughout the room but I’m not sure what the use of flow is in order to make any suggestions.

[@jillgaddis3889]

Have you thought of havering the window seat covered with fabric with a pattern? Maybe something with similar colors like the rugable you are looking at. The white rug is beautiful and have you thought of maybe putting it in a bedroom? Yes add color with candlesticks and candles to the piano. I am working on a way to create a mud room when there isn't one. The outdoor door just opens into the kitchen. Not a good thing. Where do you put recycling, dog stuff, shoes, etc.....?

[@anitabarker3125]

❤your living room design. God’s blessings in 2023

[@sharoncasey5668]

If you choose to go with velvet drapes you might want to consider Amazon. I know, that sounds crazy. But I had silk taffeta drapes in my living room and decided to change the color. I found velvet drapes on Amazon that are pinch pleated and have these buttons on the pinch pleats. I removed the lining and inner lining in my silk drapes and just attached them to the velvet curtains with drapery pins and then hung them right back up on the same rods and rings. They were amazingly inexpensive and came in the 109” length that I needed. I did four panels for less than $200 and they are very luxurious with the lining and inner lining attached to them.

[@SheHoldsDearly]

Thank you for this idea!

[@ginamaria2579]

I love the living room and all the beautiful touches it will be exciting to see what else you come up with ☺️💕