A Few Changes & A Small Budget = Big Impact for the In Laws

I shared that I had helped my in laws, via edesign, with their living room on Instagram and I had several people saying they wanted to see it.  Also did I mention their style is pretty much the opposite of mine?!  So I thought I would do a quick share of what a big difference a few changes and a small budget can make!

They had just purchased new furniture after 25 years of the same set and she messaged me asking for help deciding which chairs to stick with.  Of course I couldn’t help myself and had to offer up more than just chair selection haha.

Here are a few before’s.  This is the main thoroughfare, entertainment space and just regular every day use space.  With 5 kids and lots of grandkids they need seating.  It’s also the first thing you see as you walk into their home so a welcoming and cozy feel is a must.

My FIL just chillin

The other side looks like this, the entryway with a small partition wall.

They could use some storage here

A more pulled back angle, there is a big picture window spanning most of that far wall.

She was trying to decide between the patterned and the red chairs.

Any guesses which I suggested?

Love the sleek shape of the red, but the patterned is a fun break to all the solid color.

Another layout they tried with their new furniture.

Their style is much more traditional.  They like a classic feel but she wanted to use red and teal.  We also needed to keep to a tight budget as they just invested in the furniture and they are working on other spaces in their home.  So here’s what I suggested.

I created “zones” or broke up the space.  Even though the room isn’t huge, creating distinct areas within it will serve both their every day use purposes as well as big family and entertaining needs.

This is the board for the main seating space which is the window and opposite wall section.  By placing the sofas opposite each other it allows for a great conversation area and a balanced feel.  I eliminated a coffee table as it would be more of a hindrance in this highly trafficked room given the more narrow dimension.

The bird art was just a piece I popped in to show where the art would be placed, she already had some pieces she wanted to use.  The sofas and red side table they already own.  The only additions were the rug, 2 teal side tables, drapes and pillows.  All super budget friendly from RugsUSA, Ikea, Home Depot and TJ Maxx.

For the far wall (where the large sofa is in the photos above) I opted to place the 2 patterned wing back chairs for a nice seating area for coffee, reading the paper, etc.  This space is just off of the kitchen and is regularly used for those purposes.  It also creates a separate zone that is still cohesive with the sofas but holds it own.

They already had the art, chairs and red cabinet.  I just popped in a natural jute area rug, Ikea ottoman and red pillows.

For the entryway I suggested tearing out the half wall and doing something like this.

A long narrow piece from Amazon paired with storage baskets from Ikea give them much needed storage without interfering too much into the space.  I popped in an existing mirror and a few accessories. This gives them a defined entryway that is purposeful and pretty.

I also suggested painting everything white to brighten and open up the space, which they are currently in the process of, and the picture window is being replaced soon.   So no drapes yet either but here is where they are with it!

The sofas opposite each other with the suggested rug.  A really nice conversation area with warmth and a bit of pizazz.

You can see eliminating the idea of a coffee table gives them the flow needed to pass through quickly and easily without risking leg injuries.

The spaces flow together but also create a sense of openness and interest.

The far area serves nicely as it’s own space.  The patterned fabric jumps out and contrasts nicely with the red.

The jute area rug brings in warmth without being heavy and a fabulous texture.

This was a fun one that I put together in a few hours and I am thrilled with how much they like it.  Next up we’ll be tackling their bedroom and doing a fresh take on that.  And when your FIL calls asking about paint sheens and confirming color, it’s the greatest thing ever.

What do you think?  Big change is sometimes as easy as thinking about how to re-work what you have.   And in this room, with the addition of just a couple of inexpensive pieces, it became a brand new space.

It was really fun to push myself into a more traditional style that fit their aesthetic and help them to really enjoy their space.

What are some of the most big impact and low budget changes you have made?

I always love to hear from ya so hit me up in the comments!

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