Transforming a Dark, Outdated Living Room Into a Light and Airy Space.
On a low budget, I transformed a 1980's living room into a modern and bright haven. With some paint, new light fixtures and furnishings, the space was brought into current times. While you should never underestimate the power of paint, we also removed the popcorn ceilings (which dramatically brightened the room). This room was actually our initial endeavor when transforming our very first fixer upper.
Within one day of moving into our outdated ranch home, we began removing popcorn ceilings. It was a huge mess, but well worth the work. Here is our living room after a fresh coat of paint, removing popcorn ceilings and some new light fixtures.
White furnishings from Ikea only added to the impact of the transformation. For the walls, we went with Sherwin Williams Passive. For the beam and trim, we went with an ultrawhite, oil-based paint.
Here is a before and after of our living room. Thankfully, the hardwood floors were in good shape. One day, I would like to refinish them with a different stain, but for now they will do.
I updated the brick fireplace with a DIY wood beam mantel and white paint applied with a whitewash technique.
I love how the wood beam mantel adds some much needed warmth and character to the otherwise bland fireplace. On my site, I have included a tutorial for how we went about whitewashing the brick and making our wood beam mantel.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Your post has inspired me to finally do something about our blankety blank popcorn ceilings. You achieved a wonderful transformation in what was a dark and drab room. Now, it's lovely.
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@Kathy Bettis Marez Thank you so much, Kathy!
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You have great taste--understated and casually elegant. This is a room you want to live in, but it is also beautiful.
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