Great Room Makeover Reveal | ORC Week 6
Hello Friends,
After five weeks of planning, shopping, and DIY projects, the full-room reveal for the great room is finally here.
That’s right. In this post, I share how 1/2 gallon of furniture paint, a few new accessories, and 10 yards of fabric come together to create a completely new look.
But before we peek at the results, a word of thanks. It’s been a pleasure to share this journey with you and I truly appreciate each and every visit.
Now, are you ready to see how the room turned out?
Great Room Makeover Reveal |
Eclectic Traditional | ORC Week 6
Before
I’d be lying if I didn’t start by admitting that, in the beginning, it was more than a bit overwhelming to stand on the second story catwalk and look down into such a huge, empty space. Seriously, the room was oddly shaped and would require mixing and matching whatever I could lay my hands on. There was a moment —well—more than one— when I was filled with serious doubt –and near panic.
Be Still
And then, it happened. That moment when it seemed like everything would be ok.
Now, in some parts of the decorating universe, what I’m about to tell you might seem strange. Bizzaro. Perhaps even sacrilege. But just hear me out.
On this particular morning, as I stood peering over the banister of the second floor, I realized that I had to make peace with what could be changed and what was here to stay. And this peace absolutely had to replace the panic before so much as one. more. thing. could happen in this room.
And, at the time, my heart was still struggling with the desire to strip the room from ceiling to floor. But as my head and my pocketbook quietly objected, I was reminded of this simple prayer.
“God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
and Wisdom to know the difference.”
Niebuhr
And just like that, a sweet and gentle peace washed over me and the vision for the space fell miraculously into place.
Be Brave
For this refresh, the chandy, the floor, and the two pieces of furniture in the above photo are the things “that I could not change.” But once the artwork on the mantel was located, I had also found the “courage for the things I can” change in the rest of the room. With this piece in hand, yes –it is contemporary and yes –it is pink, the colors and fabrics were easily coordinated. Sounds crazy, I know! But trust me. It. was. soooo. easy.
The mirror is a refresh from a 1990s gold frame and the extra frames leaning on the mantel were thrifted and refinished. An entire post is dedicated to the mirror refresh in Week 4. If you happened to have missed it, the link is at the bottom of this post.
Sources: The architectural piece (far left), the artwork, and the candles were purchased at TJMaxx. All other items were upcycled from my on-hand inventory.
Be Bold
An upholstered ottoman that is a bit dark, but the perfect size and shape, is brightened with a DIY centerpiece, a refinished tray, and a throw made from upholstery fabric and fringe.
And in the corner, a tufted leather chair is softened with a cuddly throw and a couple of pillows jazzed up with DIY pillow covers.
Now I ask you, can you even tell that the ottoman is dark and the fabric a bit outdated? And what about the flat color in the taupe leather chair? Notice anything besides pink, black, and white?
You don’t?
Me, either. 🙂
Sources: The centerpiece containers, throw, and tray came from TJMaxx, the silks and stems are from on-hand inventory, and the upholstery fabrics were purchased at a local discount fabric store.
Be Unique
And speaking of bold, have you ever looked at Pinterest and felt that all of the rooms look basically the same? I mean seriously, what’s up with that? In my world, it is time for the unique. And although the design here is about 70% old-school traditional, I tried really hard to toss in a bit of the unexpected.
Like, for example, a collection of outdated luggage refinished to work together on top of the armoire.
OK. Not a great example —since I’ve seen this done about a gazallion times. 🙁
Be Masculine
But when the luggage is combined with the armoire, which hides a flat screen TV and the media equipment, and some flanked canvases, the look takes on a life of its own. Wouldn’t you agree?
The photo below is the view from the kitchen side of the great room.
Sources: The luggage, canvases, and the armoire were upcycled from on-hand inventory.
Be Feminine
In contrast, here is the view from the foyer. Is it just me or does this look like a completely different room?
Sources: Everything is upcycled from my personal stash with the exception of the gold side table. It came from TJMaxx.
Be Clear-Eyed
And just to the left of the entrance from the foyer is the staircase. In fact, the staircase does a good job in its service as a strange, but effective open-style wall.
Be Wise
The sofa is another piece that I had to make peace with at the current moment. After many hours of shopping and doing the math, I elected to use a sofa I already had and refresh the cushions with DIY pillow covers.
I would like to find a sofa with a slimmer frame and more of a greige fabric, but it looks like I’ll have to custom order. This will take 6-10 weeks once the order is placed. So I am chosing to put a new sofa on my project list and be thankful for the comfy little number in the photo that is overflowing with colorful pillows.
Be Content
And here we are. Totally happy with our simple room refresh and totally stoked for the next ORC.
Be Back Soon
In fact, the dining room is already getting cleared out so that planning and shopping can commence. NEXT time, I don’t want to get caught by that pesky 6-10 week delivery date on a piece of furniture. And, of course, we hope to see you there.
Be Complete
Click here for Week 1 – Eclectic Traditional Great Room Makeover Plans
Link here for Week 2 – How to Make a Discount Rug Work Like A Boss
You are here -Week 6 – Great Room Makeover Reveal
Before You Go
Please
Hosts
As always, many thanks to Linda from Calling It Home for hosting this event on her blog. Please stop by to see all of the finished rooms. At last count, there are 250+ bloggers sharing ideas for every room in the house. #orc #oneroomchallenge
Thanks also to the ORC media partner, House Beautiful and to all of the wonderful sponsors. We are thrilled to have shared this journey with you! #housebeautiful
Eclectic Traditional Great Room Makeover | ORC Week 1
How to Make A Discount Rug Work Like A Boss | ORC Week 2
4 Easy Ways to Make Elegant Wall Art | ORC Week 3
Mirror Makeover in 3 Easy Steps | ORC Week 4
How to Make Custom-Sized Pillow Covers | ORC Week 5
Why Fusion’s Bayberry Paint plus Espresso Wax is the Perfect Combination
126 Comments
Your room is gorgeous Susie! The armoire and flanking artwork are breathtaking. You did a great job taking a massive room and making it feel cozy and complete.
Hi Jessica and thanks! You’ve just made my day! XOXO
This all looks so fresh and classy. I love the art scene on your mantel. Great job lady!
Hey Ariel! Thanks so much for stopping by! Your kind words warm my heart!
Beautiful Susie! What an amazing transformation! I love everything you choose – from the pillows to the decor! I can’t wait to see what makeover you cook up next! What a lovely space to entertain, relax, and enjoy your newly remodeled home! xo
My dearest Carolann! You are so very thoughtful. Bless you for being such an endearing friend. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Congratulation, Susie! Your great room came out gorgeous! All the textures you’ve added really warmed up this space. I love your fireplace mantel and that amazing mirror. Enjoy this lovely space!
Awww thanks Tee! What a blessing you are to me!
This is one of the most gorgeous spaces I’ve ever seen! Well done Susie. I love the little pops of pink. Such a perfect balance of feminine and masculine.
Hi Sue and thanks! You get me….and I’m so happy that you do! Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging words.
Susie…my heart both filled with excitement and SANK with anxiety when I realized the scale of the challenge that you faced with this room. On the one hand, the space is SO rife with possibility…on the other, so many elements are not only immovable – but intense!
I needn’t have worried! It was inevitable that you would find a way to write a symphony filled with grace notes! Leave it to you to establish a fantastically eclectic and exciting leitmotif….
From the brilliant use of textiles to the bold color choices, I am utterly convinced that you have hit your stride, my talented friend. Thank you for sharing your process, and the elegant way that you allowed peace to emerge before beginning the task.
Heather, what a wonderful blessing you are! Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement. Next room, I need to have you on the sponsor list. Deal?
what a difference! it looks amazing and i love all of the touches of pink! love that rug in your entry, too!
Hi CAssie! I have to admit that when that rug rolled onto the floor, I thought of you. Would you believe it’s about 35 years old? Can’t call it vintage quite yet, but I’m hanging on to it and hope to take it over the finish line. Thanks for the swweet words! They mean so much!
Stunning! I loved your space the minute I saw the soaring windows in the beginning but you have made it spectacular! You have seamlessly blended those things you couldn’t change with things that you could and have created a beautiful space that anyone would love to stop awhile and relax while enjoying the views from those windows!
Hi Maureen and thanks! So…..when can I expect you? I’ll put on fresh coffee and we can let an afternoon roll by….nothing but view. XO
Wow what an amazing job you did. Everything just pulls together perfectly. The pink accents are my favourite, they really invite your eye to travel around the room. Great job, Susie.
Hi Mary and thanks! You know I studied the use of pink from the best. You! Your kind words mean so much. Thank you!
Oh my, what beauty. I’m not sure I would have been up to that challenge but you nailed it. I love all the link pops of color, and that pink rug is awesome, it just works so well. Great job, I can’t wait to see what you do next ❤
Hi Toni! I wondered who would spy that pink rug. It’s an oldie, but a goodie! Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging words. They always mean so much.
I love how the Serenity Prayer was key to helping alleviate anxiety and finding peace with what you had. You did an amazing job pulling it all together, Susie. Just love the hits of pink that draw the eye in paired with the bold mix of patterns and textures. Your eye for balance and scale are impeccable. It’s a room that draws the eye upwards and all around the entire room. So glad to hear it motivated you to do another ORC – can’t wait for that one too!
Hi Marie and thanks! I can’t tell you how much it means to have you leave such a sweet comment. My heart was pounding when I hit publish this morning, but I think it’s going to be ok. My crazy leopard print mixed with buffalo check. LOL… who knew? Makes me giggle just to think about it. XOXO
This really turned out fantastic!! The pops of pink and the fun black and white fabrics are perfect!!
Hi Michelle and thanks so much! Whatever would we do without pink? I have decided that all the world should have a good dose of pink. You’ll never know how much I apperciate you and your kind support. You are simply the best.
You are so right – all I notice is the pops of pink and I LOVE it! So pretty and a fantastic use of this space and things that you already had!
Thanks a million! I can’t wait to pop over and see your space!
Such a pretty room! The scale of your furniture is so good in the room. I love how the armoire fills up the wall! You did a great job!
Hi Emy and thanks! Well, I worried about the scale of the furniture every. single. day. I am relieved to hear you say it’s working out ok. Appreciate so much, sweet friend.
Susie! It looks stunning! The armoire stole my heart…so beautiful and the luggage on top? Perfect. I love the pops of pink and the bold animal print mixed in. I also really love how you wrote about the process and keeping it “real”. We all are real people and have real budgets. I know this is such a great space for you to enjoy with your family. Superb!
Nancy @ Slightly Coastal
Nancy —-thanks so much. So very, very much. Well, we made it. There were times when it looked like we were down for the count, but glory be! Here we are. Thanks for your kind and encouraging words. They are a sweet blessing every single day. So now, only one thing remains. You ready for October? XOXOXO
I so love you honesty and your heart. Thank you for sharing your thoughts throughout the post. The room is beautiful and welcoming. Job well done.
Thanks so much! So very, very much!
You did a fabulous job with this, and yes, it does look like an entirely new room. You’ve given me a bit of peace because there are some things about my new house that I’m not 100% thrilled with. “Change what you can and accept what you can’t” I love it!
Beautiful marriage of traditional with a pop of “wow”
Hi Pam and thanks! I think I will make that prayer my motto for every makeover. The room was fun to do because there was peace instead of panic. This is a meassage I’d like to share with all DIYers. Appreciate the visit and comment!
Great tips, and I really like luggage on top of the armoire 🙂
Thanks so much! Appreciate the visit!
Wow what a big change -love the white walls and the hits of pink!
Thanks so much! I never ever thought I’d have white walls and pink in the great room….but there it is! LOL..
I love it!! The color scheme is on point! Isnt it amazing how restrictions can sometimes make things even more special
Hi Diane and thanks! I know! I need to look at restrictions as opportunities. 🙂
WOWZERS!!! IT”S AMAZING Great job girly!
Awww Deb. You make me blush. Thanks for stopping by! XOXO
I love it! I love it all! It all works together. You really got it with the style, texture and colors. It is a beautiful room now.
Hi Debra and thanks! You’re so sweet. Thanks so very much!
Wow – what a transformation! I totally didn’t see any imperfections in your ottoman + chair fabric, just the black white and pink 🙂
Hi Nicole and thanks! Well, I tried to fool the eye. I had amazing fabrics on the pieces that were in perfect condition, just outdated colors. I’m so happy I could salvage them for a new life. Appreciate your comment!
It looks amazing!! I absolutely love the color palette! Muted but so pretty and bold!!
Awww thanks so much! You just made my night!
Looks wonderful! Balancing and decorating a room that height is tricky, well done!
Hi Jillian and thanks! Boy, you are right about that. I found this an extraordinary challenge. Thanks for stopping by!
It looks amazing, such a cozy and welcoming space!
Hi Jessica and thanks! It really is cozy. We use it all the time now. Appreciate the visit!!
This is such a bold and dramatic makeover Susie! It all looks great, I love all the textures and deep colors you added. Nicely done!
Hi Kristen and thanks! I am shocked to have pink in the great room, but it is so vibrant and fresh. I’m so glad I went with it.
The change to this space is incredible! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I agree that sometimes we have to work with what we have and make peace with the things we just cannot change. With that said, I think you did an amazing job at transforming your older pieces using pillows, fabrics, and blankets. I love what you did!
Hi Erin and thanks! Your kind words mean so much.
Looks beautiful! I love the colors, and you made such a dramatic transformation to the space!
Hi Kate and thanks so much!
This turned out NICE! I love the hutch and your color palette. That yellow rug and all those pinkish purple hues are gorgeous. Good job Chelsea! If this does not make sense, it is because I am half asleep.
LOL. Thanks Jess. So sweet of you to stop by. Get some sleep, girl.
Be unique! Love that. You nailed it. My favorite part has to be the styling around the fireplace.
Hi Ashley and thanks! I agree. I love the way the mantel came together.
Susie I am so, so impressed! You took a few bits and pieces and turned them into a stunner. Lady, that in my book is called decorating genius! I love your one of a kind vision. There is nothing like it in blogland! I applaud you for following your vision and using pink and black and white. Strategically placed with your great eye for detail they make the room!
Hi Mary and thanks! You are such a blessing to me! It’s hard to step out in that deep-decorating-water. Being unique can be a tough sell. Thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement.
You did it! It all looks wonderful! This is such a majestic and -at the same time intimidating- room to decorate, and you made it look like it’s so easy! Love the soft pink touches you added, the art, the pillows… beautiful!
Hi Cristina and thanks! You’ve just made my day —my week—my year! LOL… Appreciate so much.
This is just gorgeous!
Hi Amanda and thanks! So lovely to have you stop by!!!
Susie, What a gorgeous room and I absolutely love your color scheme and fabric design choices! Job well done!
Awww thanks Carol! Appreciate so much!
This is so pretty! I love the color scheme and the way you displayed all those fabrics and textures with the blankets and pillows. It makes me want to snuggle up. I can’t believe this challenge is over – what an awesome 6 weeks. You should be really proud of the way this all came together. It’s fabulous! Hugs, CoCo
Hi Coco and thanks! I didn’t do much of this challenge in real time so I didn’t have quite the stress that some of you gals endured, but I will tell you that I pushed super hard through February and March to get it done. I remember sewing late into the night and painting ALL day. Let’s get going way before October. LOL. For sanity’s sake.
What a beautiful room! Love the lighter color on the walls. And yes, from different angles, it does look like a different room – which is wonderful because it always feels like there is something new to look at!
Hi Eliesa and thanks! I love having one look from the kitchen and a totally different look from the foyer. It can only be described as a “lovely accident.” LOL… Appreciate the visit!
This turned out so pretty, Susie. The transformation is really stunning you must be so happy. I love how bright the room feels and your colour scheme. Definitely outside of the box, in a very good way!
Hi Lindsay and thanks! So lovely to have you stop by!
Looks amazing, I look the new bright look of the walls and your overall color scheme and fabric!
Hi Julie and thanks so much!
Such a gorgeous room! Love that pink rug peeking out in front of the stairs! Awesome job!
Hi Bre and thanks so much! That is my beloved vintage Karastan. When pink made a comeback, I was stoked to drag it out of storage. LOL.
Girlfriend you totally blew this out of the water. I would have never known it was the same room and to think it all started with that great artwork on the mantel and you ran with it. I adore the splashes of pink and how it “girlifies” a room that could have been very masculine. I know you have worked your behind off on this room and I am so, so proud of you. xxoo
Awww Barb! Thanks so much!!! You surely do know how many hours it took and I thank you for cheering me towards the finish line. And I agree about the pink. It really is an important color in here. I’m so glad I followed my instinct, but must admit —it was a real nail biter. Thanks again for stopping by!
Susie, you did an amazing job! The white background and new color palette really refreshes the whole space, and I love the masculine/feminine contrast! AND I especially love how this room has personality, and is uniquely yours – so much character and interest!!! Congrats on a great before and after and finishing the ORC!! Woohoo!!
Hi Lisa and thanks! I am so thrilled with the colors. When I was at the fabric store with that 4-inch buffalo check wrapped around one of the sofa pillows, I was like—Girl, don’t turn the great room into the inside of a Pepto Bismol bottle… LOL.. But Yay…it all came together. And I appreciate your encouragement through the weeks of hard work. You’re just the best!
This turned out amazing, I love it all!. The large artwork is stunning! Beautiful!
Hi Roxanne and thanks! You’re so sweet to stop by!!
What a great space! And it turned out so beautiful! Well done!
Hi Colette and thanks! Appreicate your kind words!!
Susie! This is so amazing! So fun and unique and different. I love it!
Hi April and thanks! I finally figured out that I don’t want my home to look like anybody else’s. I’m so thrilled that you appreciate it. Thanks so much for stopping by!
WOW! What a transformation! The pops of pink are just perfect.
Hi Jenny and thanks! I love the pops, too!! 🙂
I really love that this space feels so grand and chic, and yet like a room I want to curl up and read a magazine in! It’s just stunning, Susie!
Hi Thalita and thanks so much! I can’t think of a kinder comment! If I’m managed to marry pretty and practical, then I feel so happy with the room. Appreciate the visit!!
Wow! You must be a designer. This is fantastic! Those touches of pink are magnificent. I am studying every picture and trying to learn. Did you make the art that flanks the media armoire?
🙂 gwingal
Hi Nikki and thanks. No, I didn’t make the artwork, but I did remake it. If you’d like to see the process, here’s the link from an earlier post. Thanks for stopping by! http://thechelseaproject.com/4-easy-ways-to-make-elegant-wall-art-orc-week-3/
Susie! It was so nice finally meeting you the other day! I love your transparency and you are such a funny writer. I love how you used pieces you already owned but still managed to make the room look so much bigger, brighter and beautiful. Great job, sweet friend!
Hi Yuni and thanks! LOL…well, life is short….we should laugh our way through. It was great meeting you, too! I look forward to next next fun event! Thanks for stopping by!
Wow wow wow! Chelsea this is a fantastic makeover! The new paint made the whole room so fresh and bright. The decor is the perfect, especially that amazing mirror. Enjoy your new beautiful space!
Aww you’ll make me blush. Thanks so much. I am very pleased with the paint. Even the Hubs –who notices nothing—has remarked several times that the room seems so much fresher and brighter. And thanks for noticing my beloved mirror. Gotta love a good makeover. Thanks again for stopping by.
Your room turned out so pretty!
Hi Joan and thanks so much.
I love how it turned out! It was such a blank slate to begin with I wasn’t sure what to expect but it’s so pretty! I love the big cabinet and the wall art but the whole room is amazing!
Thanks so much. And I couldn’t agree more. That big, blank slate was scary. Appreciate the visit!
It looks amazing! I love how much brighter the room is with the while paint 🙂
Thanks so much, Casey!!
Wow is all I can say, Susie! Your room is stunning! I love the unexpected touches and you can feel the heart and soul you put into the room. It is such a comforting and beautiful space. Great job!
Hi Rachel and thanks! You’ve just made my Mother’s Day! Appeciate your visit and sweet comment.
The room looks so fab! I love the pops of pink with the black and white! I would love to have a room like that!
Hi Nicki and thanks! We are surely loving the refreshed look and function. Wonderful to have you stop by!
[…] first is my friend Susie’s room from The Chelsea Project. I adore the mix of texture and interest she created in this room while staying true to her […]
There are so many elements of this room make-over that I love Susi…. especially those pops of pink and the artwork! Thank you for sharing at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I’m delighted to be featuring your great room at tonight’s party and pinning too!
Hi Kerryanne and thanks so much! I’m so honored! XOXO
[…] Link here for Week 6 – Great Room Reveal […]
[…] Click here for Week 6 – Great Room Makeover Reveal […]
Beautiful room!!! I love that it’s not the same look I am seeing EVERYWHERE! I love the colors! Gorgeous furniture and mirror. I will have to check out that mirror makeover now! I am pinning to my Home-dec LOVE board.hehe
Thanks so much! Appreciate the kind comment and pin!!
I was looking at the pictures first, before reading the article and thought “I’ve rarely seen such a balance between masculine and feminine energies”. Your home should inspire your, and that can only happen if things are in balance, if you are willing to be brave enough to give yourself and your project the space it needs to breathe!
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