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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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April 2, 2014

Living Room Re-Reveal!

Don’t you just wish you had a ‘Do-over‘ button that you could push at any given moment? You know, like those ‘Easy‘ buttons in that Staples commercial?

I’m a talker. And being a talker means you feel this overwhelming compulsion to fill any silence or voids in conversation with words. Sometimes they make sense and are totally relevant to the topic and other times they leave the other person scratching their head and wondering why they ever started talking to you in the first place.

I can see it happening and my mind is saying “stop talking you big dummy” but my mouth is moving too quickly for my mind to catch up with it and so I end up saying things like, “hey, have you ever wondered why you drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?”

how to decorate a traditional living room




Hence my need to have a ‘do-over’ button with me at all times.

But, here’s the glorious thing about blogging. I get to have as close to a ‘do-over’ as possible when I share updates to rooms in my home!

So let’s pretend that this is the very first time you are seeing my living room, OK?

Because almost a year ago I revealed my living room here . But I just pushed the ‘do-over- button and this is the reveal! The REAL reveal. For now at least! 😉

tray display on glass coffee table

One of the biggest changes I made was to switch the placement of the sofa and chairs and I love it sooooooo much more! I mean, soooooooo much!

It just seems cozier and it really opened up the space between the living room and dining room.

traditional french country living room atthepicketfence.com

I searched high and low and wasted a ridiculous amount of time trying to find just the right pillows for my button tufted chairs.

But the solution ended up being tucked away in my bin of leftover fabric and trim where I found scraps of drop cloth and some burlap fringe I had intended for another project. A half an hour later and I had the perfect pillows.

Gotta love free!

button tufted chair with drop cloth pillow atthepicketfence.com

I also searched high and low for a garden stool that didn’t cost too much. Have you ever seen the prices on those? I need a ‘do-over’ button to get over the sticker shock! But I finally found the perfect one at Ross Dress for Less and I love the touch of metallic tones it adds to the space.

metal garden stool

You know, what’s interesting about the concept of a ‘do-over’? It doesn’t actually wipe the slate clean, does it?

No matter how much I wish I could take back all of those times I’ve filled the awkward pauses in conversations with random stories about totally ridiculous things…like how I need to remember to bring tweezers with me into the TJMAXX dressing room because the lighting in there, while horrible on the one hand, is actually perfect for seeing EVERY.SINGLE.HAIR on my face…I just can’t un-say them.

And, in my home, there are rarely going to be times where rooms are just wiped clean.

I will get new pieces here and there and will re-arrange and move furniture from one side of the room to the other.

mirrored dresser on sides of fireplace

But, I’m pretty sure my great-grandfather’s spectacles will always be sitting here on top of the mirrored chest.

antique glasses on top of wood box

And I can’t see this bench going anywhere else anytime soon. In fact, I know it won’t because I have a little girl who is particularly fond of lying down on it and playing with her stuffed animals right there in front of the fireplace.

wood bench with rush seat in front of fireplace

And this sofa? Well we have had that for 15 years and the pillows might get changed now and then but the sofa isn’t going anywhere anytime soon either.

pillows on off white damask sofa

I’m fairly certain that someday my kids will be fighting over who gets my grandmother’s china cabinet but, for now at least, it’s found it’s home on this wall.

antique china cabinet in living room

So, even though technically this isn’t a room makeover, I think a ‘do-over’ will…well…do.

traditional-french-country-living-room-atthepicketfence.com_

Don’t you? 🙂

Thanks so much for coming by and spending time with us At the Picket Fence today,

Vanessa signature

 

38 Comments Filed Under: Decorating Tagged With: decorating, living room

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janette @ The 2 Seasons says

    April 2, 2014 at 4:24 AM

    Love it!

    Reply
  2. Ann says

    April 2, 2014 at 4:31 AM

    This is one of my favorite rooms. Ever. It’s light-filled eye candy. I totally know how you feel about never having a clean slate. I won’t either and have tried to embrace it instead of wishing I could change everything! Hope you are well and enjoying some warm days ~ Ann

    Reply
  3. Ashley @ 3littlegreenwoods says

    April 2, 2014 at 4:35 AM

    Do overs are totally allowed! {Thank goodness!}

    I love the color of the room and your grandmother’s china cabinet is absolutely gorgeous. My grandmother has gifted me with several of her pieces and I cherish each one.

    Reply
  4. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    April 2, 2014 at 4:58 AM

    I love do-over’s. I do them all the time. Love your room, so pretty and so bright and cheery. Hugs, marty

    Reply
  5. laura@top this top that says

    April 2, 2014 at 5:26 AM

    pretty ‘do-over’ Vanessa!

    Reply
  6. june says

    April 2, 2014 at 5:45 AM

    LOVE THE DO-OVER! HOW FUN. I’M IN THE PROCESS OF ONE MYSELF WITH MY LIVING ROOM. LOVE FLOWERS BUT TIRED OF THE FLORAL SOFA AND MATCHING WINDOW TREATMENTS. DECIDED TO GO WITH A SOLID OR TONE ON TONE SOFA THIS TIME AND ACCENT WITH PILLOWS. IT WILL BE FUN BECAUSE SEASONALLY I CAN POP A FUN PILLOW ON THE SOFA.

    WHERE DID YOU FIND THOSE FLORAL PICTURES ON THE WALL? LOVE THE COLORS!

    june

    Reply
  7. Kim says

    April 2, 2014 at 6:01 AM

    Vanessa, that room looks so good and I love how bright it is. The furniture placement is perfect.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 2, 2014 at 7:13 AM

      Thank you so much Kim!

      Reply
  8. Doreen says

    April 2, 2014 at 6:27 AM

    Love your living room – especially those pale yellow walls! So bright and cheery!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 2, 2014 at 7:13 AM

      Thank you Doreen! 🙂

      Reply
  9. martina says

    April 2, 2014 at 6:27 AM

    BEAUTIFULLY done Vanessa!! My living room is the room in my house to that’s a do over’s do over lol!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 2, 2014 at 7:13 AM

      LOL Martina!! I think mine should be called a do over’s do over too! Thanks for coming by!

      Reply
  10. classic•casual•home says

    April 2, 2014 at 7:30 AM

    I loved this post!!! I always have a least one room ready for a “do Over”…even just mooing things around. Love the sofa and pillows and your grandpa’s spectacles.

    Reply
  11. ange says

    April 2, 2014 at 9:22 AM

    It looks fantastic Vanessa! I love how bright and airy it feels yet elegant and lovely too.

    Reply
  12. Sandy says

    April 2, 2014 at 9:26 AM

    Vanessa, your “do-over” living room is beautiful. I like the garden stool between your two chairs.I am planning a “make-over” for our 35 yr. old living room. I found on a blog, a wall of glass enclosed shelved cases and my husband agreed to call a carpenter after Easter. I have so many beautiful items stored and now they will be showcased.Wall color and carpet or wood floors still not solved. This room once completed will be it’s finale.

    Reply
  13. Victoria says

    April 2, 2014 at 9:51 AM

    Well I am that silly woman that changes up the furniture arrangements every couple of months. I have to put a sign on the door saying ‘BEWARE furniture is re-arranged’! I like the new set up but heck I liked the old one too. Your home is so light and bright. I love, LOVE the metal stool/table. The tones are so great.
    I don’t think my living room will ever be in its FINAL state…. which is good for me.
    Thanks for sharing it is beautiful.

    Reply
  14. Kassie says

    April 2, 2014 at 11:42 AM

    I love the room. Looks so fresh and spring-ish. Cute post, too….you made me laugh. 🙂

    Reply
  15. Judy says

    April 2, 2014 at 11:57 AM

    Vanessa I never get tired of looking at your home and I absolutely LOVE your living room. It’s such an inviting space. You truly have done a wonderful job. I don’t think our homes are ever completely finished. I am always feeling the need for a do-over too. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home.

    Reply
  16. Debbie refresh resytle says

    April 2, 2014 at 12:43 PM

    Beautiful and Refreshing 🙂 Love it!
    Debbie

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 2, 2014 at 1:21 PM

      Thanks so much Debbie!

      Reply
  17. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    April 2, 2014 at 3:28 PM

    I adore your living room Vanessa. I love love love the beautiful soft yellow walls. Yellow is such an easy and happy and beautiful color to live with! I laughed out loud about the do-over button for your living room reveal… I so relate! I have probably had 20 dining room reveals this year alone! And every glimpse of your living room is worth it… I’m just ooooohing and aaaahing!I am wild about your take on traditional… it’s fresh and elegant and so wonderfully put together! Perfection!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 3, 2014 at 4:31 PM

      Oh thank you so much Yvonne!!! I so love your home and your style that your compliments mean the world! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Suzy @ Worthing Court says

    April 2, 2014 at 3:52 PM

    I loved your living room before, Vanessa, but the do-over is so bright and pretty!

    Reply
  19. Shelia says

    April 2, 2014 at 4:19 PM

    Hi Vanessa! Your living room is just so lovely! Each piece is just so pretty and I adore your granny’s cabinet – gorgeous! Now I’m a talker too and know the feeling of silence – it ain’t right! I have to get the conversation going again. 🙂
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia;)

    Reply
  20. Anne says

    April 2, 2014 at 5:14 PM

    i have only commented on a couple blogs..even though i’ve read them for a couple years…can i ask where you got those cute tufted chairs with the buttons…and if you answer i hope i know how to find it again..lol

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 3, 2014 at 7:41 AM

      Hi Anne! I got the chairs at Cost Plus World Market and have truly loved them! 🙂

      Reply
  21. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    April 2, 2014 at 7:10 PM

    Well you “did over” a beautiful room previously and now your “do over” is wonderful..I so love your treasured family pieces from the spectacles to the gorgeous cabinet…and yes, sometimes we search and search for the perfect thing to find it right under our nose, or the fabric bin!…I love the garden stool…perfect piece for the room!

    Reply
  22. Becca says

    April 3, 2014 at 6:07 AM

    You are so witty, Vanessa … love your post! Your living room “do over” (while not necessary) is gorgeous! Your new arrangement is so inviting … love your pillows! And, your metallic garden seat is awesome! Now, will you come “do over” mine, please ?!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 3, 2014 at 4:29 PM

      Oh right! Like you need my help! LOL! Thanks so much though sweet friend! 🙂

      Reply
  23. debbiedoos says

    April 3, 2014 at 6:11 AM

    Looks gorgeous!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 3, 2014 at 4:28 PM

      Thanks so much Debbie!

      Reply
  24. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    April 3, 2014 at 7:21 AM

    Vanessa, This room is beautiful…just like the rest of your home!
    xx,
    Sherry

    Reply
  25. Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says

    April 3, 2014 at 8:07 AM

    The “do over” is beautiful! What a peaceful and inviting space!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  26. Anna says

    April 3, 2014 at 2:32 PM

    I love the do-over, I think it’s great. I redo makeovers all the time, I think it’s just part of being a blogger. 🙂

    Anna

    Reply
  27. Elena says

    April 3, 2014 at 6:46 PM

    I was wondering what brand and paint color that is? Very bright and cheery.

    Reply
  28. Sarah Jean says

    May 6, 2014 at 3:28 PM

    I paint most of my rooms yellow, but you nailed it with your creation! I’d love to curl up with a good book in that room.

    Reply
  29. password cracker for winrar says

    June 6, 2014 at 2:42 AM

    Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is fantastic, as well as the content!

    Reply

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