Creating Symmetry and Charm: Our Living Room Renovation Journey
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission from certain brands if you make purchases through these links, but they will be at no additional cost to you.
Our living room underwent one of the most dramatic transformations in our home renovation. Every design decision was made with both aesthetics and practicality in mind, resulting in a space that feels more cohesive and functional for our family’s everyday life.
A Timeless Focal Point: The Fireplace
We replaced the craftsman-style fireplace surround with a stunning cast stone mantel, creating an elegant focal point that exudes timeless charm. I chose the “Chantel” mantel in Beige, size medium, from Artisan Kraft because of its softly curved header block, tiered design from the mantel down to the base, and overall French country feel. You can read more about this particular mantel and why I chose it here!
To enhance both form and function, we closed in the wall to the left of the fireplace that before was a walk-through opening straight into the powder room and office. This seemingly simple adjustment brought much-needed symmetry to the space and offered an unexpected benefit—privacy for these adjacent rooms. Additionally, the new built-in storage in this area is a lifesaver, keeping our kids’ toys and craft supplies neatly organized and out of sight.
Adding Warmth with Architectural Details
To add architectural interest and warmth, we installed stained wood ceiling beams that draw the eye upward, lending a cozy yet sophisticated vibe to the room. We also made strategic updates to the layout by reshaping the room's flow. Two out of the three original rectangular openings along one edge of the family room were transformed into graceful elongated arches, one leading to the foyer and the other to the dining room, while the middle (third) opening was closed off entirely to create a more cohesive and intentional space. This new wall space is where I am now able to anchor a console table that keeps two small ottomans under its cover, and above, we will soon have a 48” x 36” commissioned painting from one of my favorite Colorado artists: Lauren Fuhr.
Enhancing the Existing Windows
We made the most of the room’s three tall, narrow windows, opting to hang curtains high and wide. This design trick instantly made the windows appear larger and the ceiling higher, enhancing the overall sense of openness. I chose the Liz linen-look curtains from TwoPages (discount code: CAITPAPPAS), and customized them to have a trained pinch pleat, a light-filtering liner, and a warm brown-gray color called Sepia Ebony. To come: Roman shades in each window. The tricky part here is that the windows are not very deep, but the decorative trim around them is wider than standard. I need to land on a decision of whether to order my Roman shades to be inside-mount or outside-mount, and I also need to select a material that flows effortlessly with our family/living room’s design. I’m currently deciding between linen or bamboo, and natural wood versus a warm white. TBD!
Layered Textures and Elegant Furnishings
For the furnishings, I chose pieces with warm, textural upholstery—a velvet chaise sectional in Fawn, perpendicular to a linen slipcovered sofa in “Bisque.” These are styled atop a hand-knotted rug with terra cotta and deep indigo tones to complement the earthy, warm color palette, and this is layered over a natural-toned jute and cotton rug. The centerpiece is a striking (and incredibly heavy!!) Turkish Dyna Marble coffee table, grounding the room with its organic beauty. All but the jute and cotton rug I used for layering were generously sponsored by the Partnerships Team at McGee & Co., and I am forever grateful! I love every piece and don’t see myself wanting to ever change what’s in this room :D If you’re shopping during an off season from big sales, use my code CAITLINPAPPAS at the McGee & Co. checkout for 10% off any order that’s $100+.
While in the past, I’ve avoided placing the TV over the fireplace as much as I could, with the Samsung Frame TV and a Deco TV Frame (I chose the Empire Gold), I was less resistant to it in this family room’s design. When it’s turned off, the TV looks convincingly like art, especially with the decorative gold-finish frame around it. It’s always a great party trick to turn it on when people ask, “Do you not have a TV?” Their shock and wonder is fun to see!
Balancing Old and New with Lighting
Lighting played a critical role in tying the space together. I painstakingly selected modern fixtures with warm finishes (such as the patina brass and soft sand Sacramento chandelier, as well as the parchment-wrapped Bond table lamp, size small—both from Troy Lighting) to juxtapose the traditional elements of the cast stone mantel and the furniture silhouettes. With patina brass metal finishes on the lighting I selected for the adjacent kitchen (there is no separation between these two rooms; view the full kitchen source guide), I wanted to ensure cohesion among the light fixtures from space to space. To mirror the flush mount antique brass fixtures I used over the range wall in the kitchen, I chose two of the same Fleming cutie-pie fixtures. The balance between old, new, soft, and structured, creates a living room that feels both inviting and elevated—a space that beautifully reflects the heart of our home.
Paint Colors and Wood Finishes
A forever-favorite of mine, I chose Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee for the walls, trim, and ceiling, providing a warm and subtle backdrop that complements the stained wood ceiling beams. The beams were finished in a rich, medium-toned stain that highlights the natural grain while adding depth to the space. I wanted their final color to fall somewhere between the deep walnut finish of the kitchen island and the more toasted-oak finish of the built-ins flanking the fireplace. Our painters nailed the final color! These finishes, paired with the cast stone mantel and the warm upholsteries I used throughout the space, create a cohesive palette that ties all the design elements together seamlessly.
I’m more than happy to answer any questions! If I left out a certain detail you’re looking for, please drop a Q in the comments below!