Modern traditional living room decor.
It’s so easy to create a fresh look with traditional furnishings by adding a few modern or contemporary pieces. This post explains how.
Modern Traditional Living Room
Affiliate links included for your convenience. See Full Disclosure here
Well Friends, here we are at Week 6 of the Spring One Room Challenge and I’m scrambling to the finish line. And by scrambling, I mean I’m approaching unfinished critical mass. Gaaaaah! But you know my motto, the higher the stress level, the more we need humor. So here ya go…
My roses aren’t red,
my violets not blue.
My room isn’t finished,
so what should I do? 🙁
LOL…
Then, it occurred to me to just be honest…and to fill these pages with a humorous work-in-progess.
So here goes.
We know that under the best of circumstances, doing a full room renovation live in six weeks is not for the faint of heart. Right? I mean, I usually work several weeks ahead because I’m waaaay too Type A and waaaaay too slow to work live. But this time, life had been upended since January and, in Week 2 of this challenge, my dear, sweet mom was sent to hospice care. I was able to keep going because, for the most part, posts had been written and saved ahead.
Then, miracle of miracles, mom defied all the odds and was actually released from hospice! Can you believe it? So over the last three weeks, she was prepared for and then transferred to a nursing home.
When I got back home on Tuesday (she lives 8 hours away), I looked at the living room and realized how badly it had gone off the rails. Honestly, it had more personalities than Sybil. Remember that movie? It was a 1970’s film about a woman with something like 17 personalities.
Well, let me tall ya, Miss Sybil and my living room were definitely living parallel lives.
To get my arms around this mess project, I spent the next day clearing out and cleaning the space. That’s right. I’m less than seven days from the big reveal and my room is almost empty. Now ordinarily, I’d be sounding the alarm, wailing on all the panic buttons, and have the guys running for cover.
But not this time.
Funny how facing life and death puts things in perspective.
What I did instead was calmly reorganize the pile of junk furnishings that had been moved to the dining room. And then, I switched things around…and around…..AND around until the living room began to make sense. At the very least, I hoped it would find its one true identity.
At the end of the day, only one of the three walls (the window wall) was complete.
But, oh hey, three cheers because the piano wall is about 85% complete. It just needs light fixtures over the artwork and an electrician to install them.
But wall three. That’s another story. It’s about as blank as an author with writer’s block. We’re talking white, whiter, whitest paint. And that is all.
But like I said, no need to panic. Instead, let’s just say I hit the jackpot by getting to whip up a super-duper second reveal post. #keeponthesunnyside
Now, how about a peek at the complete and nearly complete sections of the room?
~~ LIVING ROOM TOUR ~~
In case you’re wondering, my vision for this space is a mix of vintage traditional with modern/contemporary furnishings. Out in the decorating world, this combination is called Modern Traditional. Sound possible? Well maybe, but at this point, all I know is that –early on— the room went all Sybil on me.
Nevertheless, I didn’t abandon the plan. And as I rebuilt the room for a second time, everything seemed to fall into place. The prints, which form a gallery on the piano wall, are all vintage. And, I again remind you that they are in desperate need of picture lights at the top. Oh, sweet lighting sponsors, can you hear me? #kidding/notkidding
The new wing chair in the corner is flanked by a serpentine chest that I refinished in a sage green neutral (link at the bottom) and a unique side chair refinished in Fusion Mineral Paint’s color ~ Algonquin.
The token color pop begins with an array of hot corals in blue and white chinoiserie vases. Yes, as wild as this sounds, chinoiserie is considered a staple element in modern traditional decor. Who knew???
To the left of the color sprays is a traditional chair that I slipcovered in greige linen (how-to link at the bottom). The coral stripe in this fabric was actually the inspiration for the hot coral pops of color.
Total aside, but this vintage trumpet hasn’t been played since 1978. #notlyin #truthteller
And bonus points if you get the irony of a trumpet nestled on a piece of music for clavier.
But I digress.
Anyway, the point I am trying to make, in my own distracted way, is that to the right of the color sprays is a little ottoman that I recovered in hot coral houndstooth fabric (link not live yet). Yea. Hot coral houndstooth. Do you know how hard it is to find hot coral houndstooth in this town? #shoppedtillIdropped
But the little pop of color dropped the coral to the floor and got it moving around the room. Love the movement created by the pattern, too.
I really like color pops dribbled throughout a space, but without the forever commitment. Case in point, during Thanksgiving or Christmas, I can pull the coral items out of this space if they clash with the holiday decor. Or, I can do a quick sew slipcover in a neutral for the ottoman. It’s a super-easy one piece of fabric that fits over the houndstooth. Just sew the hem, cinch the fabric at the corners, and you’re good to go. I made one of these slipcovers for this ottoman a year or so ago. I’ll add the link at the bottom of this post.
And there you have the first reveal. I have a rather long list of items to locate and order. But as soon as the piano wall gets some lights, I’ll post an update since it’s almost finished now.
In the meantime, if you have any ideas for a coffee table, two pillows for the traditional chair, a side chair, a console table….or the lights for the piano wall, please leave a comment. I truly would love to hear your ideas and/or sources.
And that’s all there is to it. One room about 60% complete. LOL.. #chipup #staystrong
But seriously, as long as Mom stays stable, I’ll try to have the room done in the next few weeks. Hope you will stay tuned for Reveal Two.
In the meantime, here’s the current view from the corner of the dining room.
And across the foyer from the staircase.
I’m lovin’ the light and airy. How about you? Like the light and bright?
If you enjoyed this post, please……pin one or both of the photos below.
Shop Modern Traditional (affiliate links):
- Wing Chair (similar)
- Eyelash Shag Rug (similar)
- Gray and White Layered Rug (similar)
- Contemporary Table Lamps
- Contemporary Floor Lamps
- Contemporary Coffee Table Glass top/Wood bottom
- Contemporary Coffee Table Nesting All glass
- Contemporary Nesting Coffee or Side Nesting Acrylic
- Ottoman Ideas
Posts related to the Living Room Makeover:
- Week 1 – The Plan (click here)
- Week 2 – Design and Install Picture Frame Moulding for Walls (click here)
- Week 3 – How to Make Faux Flowers Look Real (click here)
- Week 4 – How to Save a Bundle Using Remnants (click here)
- Week 5 – DIY Slipcover Basics (click here)
- Week 6 – Final Week Reveal – You are here
- Serpentine Chest Makeover (click here)
- One Piece Ottoman Slipcover (click here)
ORC Hosts and Links
And don’t forget to say hello to our gracious hosts, Calling It Home and House Beautiful), and visit over 200 bloggers by clicking Designer Challenge and/or clicking Blogger Challenge. #oneroomchallenge #ORC #housebeautiful
Thanks so much for stopping by!
#moderntraditionallivingroom #moderntraditional #livingroom
82 Comments
My friend this room is gorgeous!! I am in love with that bright coral houndstooth fabric…that ottoman is absolutely wow!!! You just know how to put a room together perfectly!! I am so glad you mom is doing better. Family always comes first, love ya girl!!
THANKS SUSANNE!!!!!!! So happy to have you stop by! And thanks for the kind and encouraging words. XOXO
This is super gorgeous! I love how it feels traditional, yet fresh. Great job!
Thanks Monica! Your sweet words are so encouraging!
I grabbed a fresh coffee to enjoy during my visit. It’s beautiful, Susie, I love the pops of coral! The mirror above the piano anchors it so perfectly. Looking so forward to seeing the final reveal – You Can Do This! Sending hugs your way because I understand the stress of putting life on hold to be there for an aging parent. I can’t imagine the added stress of them being 8 hours away. xo
Thanks Marie. I thought of you often and knew you’d know why half-finished rooms happen. Thanks for your kindness and support. It means so much.
Friend, you’ve had a lot of challenges in recent months and I’ll keep praying for your sweet momma.
On the room front, I’d say your 60% is more like my 160% 😀 Your space is so lovely and I know you’ll find all the right pieces and bring it to completion soon. But life and our loves are way more important than any room makeover ❤
I love the coral pops which is the same color I brought into my office, with lots of other colors too #ilovecolor. Your blue vases and the flowers you chose to brighten the space balance well with the neutrals in the background. And I can’t tell you enough how much I love the walls and how you mixed up the sizes of the trimmed areas to highlight your artwork.
Gorgeous, as always!!!
My dearest Toni. You bless my soul. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
So glad to hear your mother was released from hospice! That trumps any room renovation, any day of the week! What you have accomplished is just beautiful and to be quite honest, if I didn’t know it wasn’t all finished, I never would have guessed. It looks so bright and fresh and the details like the books in the box are so pretty! I will look forward to the reveal “part two”!!
Hi Maureen and thanks a million! Since the good Lord chose to leave mom with us, I just pray she has all good days ahead. And thanks for you sweet comment about the room. I’m so pumped to get it over the real finish line.
It looks so good Susie! It is coming along nicely. To the average person, it would look finished…but we both know you aren’t average. 🙂
Nancy
Hi Nancy and thanks! LOL… I’m at about 60% finished. That’s definitely above average. LOL.. Appeciate the visit. XOXO
Love how your choice of fabrics create a fresh, modern perspective and an updated look to your traditional pieces. The accent color gives it just the spark needed to create a lovely restful room.
Thanks so much, Joy! Having friends stop by is so special. And YOU are special. XOXO
I’m so glad to hear your Mom rallied. I know that it is hard to be so very far away from her on a day to day basis. ✝️ Each touch you’ve done is special. The trumpet is so pretty. The painting of cabinet is lovely. My favorite is the coral accent. I’m glad you found the stool. I hope you’ll take time to relax in here too!!
Thanks so much, Gwen. So very much.
Congrats on another gorgeous makeover, Susie! Your living room came out so inviting and totally perfect for your house. I always love the textiles that you choose for your makeovers. That large uphostered wing chair is amazing! Enjoy this beautiful space, my friend!
Thanks so much, Tee! You’re the tops.
Susie you are rockin this living room. Everything is gorgeous, as usual with you and the pops of coral are beautiful. I love it so much. Another well done project…even if it is not quite done. I am so glad to hear your mom is doing better. Yay! Hang in there it will be done in no time!
Hi Michelle and thanks so much. It’s so good to have you visit!! Thanks for such a sweet and encouraging comment. XOXO
Susie, I love your decor style!! I think this room is beautiful and so are your photos. The pops of coral are my favorite. I am glad to hear that your mom was released and I know your mom is was your #1 priority. My parents have been healthy up until last year and I know it takes a toll. Prayers for your mom!
Thanks so much, Sherry! The last few months have surely been a long haul, but I’ve tried to find joy in all things. I’m super pumped to get this room finished because I’m ready to move on. XOXO ~~
Hi Susie! You knocked it out of the park! Wow it looks fantastic.
Hey Jessica and thanks so much! You’re a doll!
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom! The space looks wonderful though. Can’t wait to see the second reveal.
Thanks so much, Amanda. Appreciate your kind words so much.
Beautiful room! I love your pictures!! So pretty and so artsy!! I love that!!
Thanks Jessica! You just made my day.
My gosh Susie – even dealing with real life issues, you still managed to transform a gorgeous space. Your makeover is truly beautiful. We love the ottoman and your color palette. Wishing you comfort during this trying time with your mother’s health. In the meantime – hang out in this lovely room!
Hi Vicki and Jennifer and thanks so much for your kind and comforting words. My mom always LOVED to see photos of my work on the computer. So I was holding her spirit in my heart as I tried to push through. Thanks again. It means so much to me.
Susie – you have had a whirlwind of real life coming at you full steam and you still presented a stunning space. I love the prints next to that beautiful piano. And my music loving heart giggled at your trumpet/fugue combo! May you enjoy the days ahead with your mom and what a sweet blessing that she was released from hospice.
Hi Jen and thanks so much for stopping by! I love to add a bit of whimsy to every room and the trumpet/fugue/welltemperedclavier was a crack-up moment for me. Glad you got a chuckle from it, too. And thanks for your sweet comment.
Susie, you’ve had so much LIFE to contend with during this round of the ORC! And you still managed to pull off so much – your room looks beautiful already! Thinking of you and your mom. XO
Thanks Lisa. My sweet mom is still stable at her new level of stable, so God bless her. She is amazing. Thanks for your kind words.
The room is looking beautiful! So sorry to hear about your mom 🙁 You’ve accomplished so much in spite of your challenges. Feel proud my friend!
Thanks so much Lindi… But don’t look too closely….I still have three pieces in those photos to finish. LOL… #pinsaremyfriend
Well broavo to you to get all that done, and a gorgeous room, with your moms situation. Stunning room and photos to go with it. Plus, I loved your story telling. Great job all around my friend.
Thanks Deb! Love having you stop by. Your kind words are like chicken soup for my soul…. XO
Susie!! This turned out amazing. Love your attention to detail, the pops of blue, and beautiful photography. Magazine worthy. xox
Oh my gosh, Sarah! Thanks a million. #blushing
Your room looks amazing friend! You may have run into some roadblocks but it still didn’t keep you from pulling together a beautiful space. 🙂
Hi Jessica! Thanks a bushel and a peck. Yes, roadblocks galore, but I also had little peeps of progress here and there. So no worries.
Find some goodwill picture lights and give ‘me a pop of corally fuschia with Amy Howard lacquer (it’s a discontinued color so half price; if you can’t find it, I’ll grab a can for you at my local Ace)
Oh Sharon…if only I could find some vintage fixtures…I’d be thrilled. I do not have a good thrift source around here. Maybe I need to get to some out lying areas of the city. Thanks for the tip about the lacquer. I’ll check my local Ace. And thanks about the ottoman. The moment I saw that houndstooth, I knew it had to go in that room somewhere.
Susie, your room is LOVELY! So fresh and timeless at the same time. And love the pops of coral that can be removed as necessitates.
Well done my friend and so glad your mom is better. Put things in perspective, doesn’t it?
Hugs, Lynn
Hi Lynne and thanks so much for stopping by! Yes..oh yes. I’m happily starting to finish up in the living room. It will take a while, but that’s ok. #perspective
Sweet Susie, this is how I would measure your talent – your room not finished looks magazine worthy and more beautiful than many finished! Seriously! I’m in awe of your ability to pull this off with all you’ve had going on. I love the pops of coral – that houndstooth fabric – AMAZING. And, I especially love the idea of flexibility as the season (and your whim) changes. A girl after my own heart! Truly, a fabulous job. I’m so, so happy for you that you’ll get a little more time with your mom – you’ll cherish that always. Hugs.
My dearest Kim…how precious and kind you are. Thank you for being a great cheerleader and encourager. There’s a special place in heaven for those to lift others up…. XOXO
Susie, this is just gorgeous… really! Love the coral pops and the neutrals with the blues. So, so pretty! Great job, and glad to hear about your mom!
Thanks so much, Julie. I always kinda worry about going off the rails with some out-of-the-box color. So happy to hear you like it. XOXO
Love it Susie! It looks so beautiful! Great job!
Hi April!! Thanks girl….thanks for stopping by!
Lovely makeover, Susie! Your living room is so inviting and I love that upholstered wing and the blue and white pieces.
Thanks Linda. It is so kind of you to stop by and leave such a sweet comment.
It’s so good to hear you mom is doing better!! And I love your living room, all that trim, the wing chair, the art work… I would call it collected elegance.
Hi Cristina and thanks so much. Collected elegance….I like that.
Susie I love how y our music room turned out. It is so comfy and cozy the perfect place to write new ballads or just relax in to the old standards. You are did such a nice job creating such a lovely space this season, great job!
Hi Jen. Thanks so much. It’s so awesome in the morning with the sun pouring in. Come over and let’s have coffee.
Susie, it’s looking so good. I love that houndstooth fabric. It’s going to come together beautifully. So sorry to hear about your mom. <3
Thanks so much, Emy! I’m already working away on the rest of the room.
Amazing, Your room looks beautiful, Flowers and carpet make your living room look more attractive.
Hi Susie, I’m so sorry for your Mom’s illness. You made wonderful progress with everything you have going on and it looks beautiful!
Thanks so much, Dara. Sweet mom is my love so I’m good with a half-finished room. I’ll get it finished someday. The lights for the piano wall are coming this week and two chairs are getting recovered…..so progress…. Thanks again!!!
This is beautiful! I absolutely love seeing music rooms. 🙂
Oh Kathryn…thanks so much!!!
Wow! It looks pretty darn good to me for only being 60% done! I love that you kept your sense of humor, because if we didn’t laugh we would just cry right? Can’t wait to see how it all ends up!
Hi Heather and thanks so much! I already have my eye on the new finish line. LOL… Not sure I can make it by the end of May, but that’s the goal.
This room is stunning and I think you’ve nailed “modern traditional!” all the little details really make the space -great job !
Hi Diane and thanks a million. Appreciate your sweet comment.
Susie, I just love the space. Perfect place to stay awhile and your mom is in my prayers.
Hi Joy and thanks so much! I had coffee in this sunny, bright space Sunday morning. You are right. It’s a happy space to stay and pray for mom. XOXO
Your room turned out beautiful!! I love the moulding and the musical decor in the room!!! 🙂
Thanks Ruthie! Appreciate so much.
First of all life does happen – for the first time ever I did not finish my room but taking care of your mom is the most important and hooray for her progress!! Second, my first ORC room was “finished and revealed” but then I realized in the time crunch I really hadn’t finished the final layers that a room gets when it evolves so my first ORC became my 5th ORC and I really finished it!! It’s a bit crazy but all on the blog if you want to see my incompletes and revisits HAHA. So no worries – you’ll get it. And what you do have is gorgeous! I love that chest and all your details!
Hi Marcie and thanks for the words of encouragement. It’s good to hear that “it ain’t over til the fat lady sings”…..so to speak. I’m making progress towards completion, but it’s slow. But no complaints. It’s all ok…. Thanks again.
Even if you didn’t touch one more thing in this room – STUNNING! Your home is gorgeous Susie! I’m so happy to hear your Mum is doing better. We recently moved my Dad to a long term care home and I know how emotionally draining it can be. Just as you said, it really does put things in perspective. xo
Oh Denise, thank you so much! My heart breaks for parents and children during these times in our lives. Every time my mom comes to my mind, which is nearly every minute, I pray that her day be filled with joy and that it be pain free. Now I pray this for your dear dad, too. Thanks for stopping by! Always so good to have you visit. XO
Susie you have that rare ability to add things to a room which when we are thinking about them would make no sense. But when we see them in your home … well, it’s like a light bulb goes off and we have to say “yes” that makes perfect sense. Not only does it make sense but it works beautifully together.
Stay strong girl and take care of your mama and the room will be there waiting for you. I find that when I work on my projects it is very therapeutic for me. XO
LOL…Mary….thanks for making my day. I always worry that the room will look “mismatched” instead of “mixed-and-matched”…How kind you are to stop by and leave such encouraging words. I appreciate you so much. XOXO
Well you could have fooled me, because it sure looks done, and amazing, to me!! All of the vintage touches just make me happy and speak to my vintage loving heart. Have fun with the rest of the room – I know it will be gorgeous!
Hi Jenny! Thanks so much, sweet friend. I’m working hard to get this room done so planning can commence for the Fall ORC. LOL…
Your room turned out beautifully and I love all of the musical elements!