Design Updates in the Living Room

Note: This post was originally published in 2014.  Click here for a current update on my living space and here for our current portfolio.  The original post as published follows:

Our living room has always been a work in progress, but I recently made some changes that I wanted to share with you.

 

 

For those of you not familiar with this space, you can see my prior living room makeover here.  It was pretty terrible to begin with, and the redesign was a big improvement. However, there were many things that still weren’t working for me.

A few weeks ago I decided to shake things up a bit–move the furniture around, borrow some pieces from other rooms, etc.  (my favorite way to redecorate).  What follows is a lot of pretty “after” photos.  I may have gotten carried away…but it’s only because it’s so much better. I’ve noticed since making the changes I spend a lot more time in here–as I type, I’m on the blue sofa.

There are still many things to change, including the bookshelf and the mis-matched chairs, but for now I’m enjoying the new look.

The rug is my favorite part — you can find it here.

Modern Living Room Makeover Blue Velvet Sofa Before And After 10
Modern Living Room Makeover Blue Velvet Sofa Before And After 6

Apologies for the barrage of photos! What do you think of the changes I made?

Related Posts

  • Annabode Interior Design Slow LivingWhat Does Slow Living Mean?
    An Interview with the Annabode Team Sometimes I wish I could return to my childhood—before the internet, cell phones, and endless channels and ...
  • Annabode Sustainable Interior Design ColoradoA Complete Guide to Sustainable Design in 2022
    Sustainable design aims to reduce waste, conserve resources, and encourage human and ecological health. In other words – it’s the way we ...
  • Annabode Interior Design KitchenShould I Hire An Interior Designer?
    One of the most frequently asked questions we get is “Should I hire an interior designer?” People often think that interior designers ...
Comments (87 )
  • Kathleen
    | 18 November 2014

    Wow looks fantastic!

    • annabode
      | 18 November 2014

      Thanks Kathleen!

      • erika
        | 24 April 2016

        where did you get the rug???? can you tell me the name of it?

        • annabode
          | 26 April 2016

          Hi Erika, the rug is from Wayfair and the link is in the post! 🙂

  • cassie
    | 18 November 2014

    i just love your living room! that rug!!!

  • Gail Ramsey
    | 18 November 2014

    Very stylish – love the added touch of the Mt.
    Washington framed photograph!

    • annabode
      | 18 November 2014

      Thanks Gail!

      • Liz
        | 6 February 2016

        Where did you buy that rug? beautiful decor!

        • annabode
          | 8 February 2016

          Hi Liz — the rug is from Wayfair, and the link is in the post above 🙂 Thank you!

  • caitlin
    | 18 November 2014

    What a nice room. I know that you don’t like the bookcase but I kind of do. I like that it is kind of the lone boy of the room. Love the rug and the color of the couch. p.s. Re-arranging furniture has always been and will always be one of my FAVORITE activities.

    • annabode
      | 25 November 2014

      Thanks so much Caitlin! I know, right? It’s so much fun, and even better it’s free!

  • Vanessa
    | 19 November 2014

    The room looks and I love the rug

    • annabode
      | 25 November 2014

      Thanks Vanessa!

  • funky Junk INteriors
    | 19 November 2014

    Such a cozy, pretty space! I love all your plants. I don’t have even ONE live one in the house any longer! Thank goodness for water and freshly cut flowers or branches… haha

    • annabode
      | 25 November 2014

      Thanks so much! Believe me, it’s been a struggle–my thumb is about as black as they come!

  • shavonda@ahomefullofcolor
    | 4 December 2014

    Holy gorgeousness! ! That rug! Where on earth is it from, if you dont mind my asking? Ive been looking for the perfect one and this is def it. I adore your blue sofa as well. Happy to have discovered you.

    • annabode
      | 5 December 2014

      Not at all, it’s the Abacasa Sonoma Jewels Rug from Wayfair. I love it, but you should know it’s very thin and flat, like a kilim (surprised me at first!). Thanks!

      • shavonda@ahomefullofcolor
        | 5 December 2014

        Thank you so much Anna! Thats actually perfect for me, as I plan to layer it atop my jute rug. I wanted a flatweave:)

        • annabode
          | 10 December 2014

          Oh great! Let me know if you get it–I’d love to see how it looks in your home!

      • Maggie Douma Beck
        | 12 May 2015

        Fantastic colors in that rug and perfect for the new living room furniture in my reno which wraps up after 11 long months. My sofa is white but my mid-century mod chairs will be recovered for the third time, this time with blue velvet. So glad I saw this on pinterest. Thank you. The rug is out of stock right now but I will wait.

        • annabode
          | 2 June 2015

          Thanks Maggie! I highly recommend the rug — all your furniture sounds amazing too 🙂

  • elnis
    | 8 December 2014

    Rug is amazing. Where did u find this?

    • annabode
      | 10 December 2014

      Thanks! It’s the Abacasa Sonoma Jewels rug from Wayfair.

      • Sandra
        | 9 February 2015

        I love the carpet too and I’m curious how you decided to make the leap to purchasing it. It looks bright in your photos, with strong hues, and only slightly “distressed,” but on the Wayfair website, it looks muted and very worn.

        • annabode
          | 19 February 2015

          Hey Sandra! So, this was actually the second rug I purchased from Wayfair. The first looked awesome on their website, but when I got it was a totally different color and I returned it. I don’t think their images are super accurate, but the photos I posted are also edited. It’s not as muted as the image on their site, but not as bright as it appears here, and it’s actually not distressed at all. It didn’t really feel like a leap at the time, I was just fed up with rug-searching and needed something inexpensive which basically resigned me to buying online. There’s always a risk in that–thank god for returns!

      • Jean Roehrenbeck
        | 26 January 2016

        Hi Anna,

        i love this rug too, and i’m about to buy it on wayfair – i’m a little concerned though, that in your pictures, the carpet appears much brighter (which i prefer) than in the wayfair site. is that true?

        thank you! totally inspiring living room!

        • annabode
          | 26 January 2016

          Hi Jean! The color on the wayfair site is very inaccurate, and I’d say the colors are also not as bright as in the photos in this post. For a really accurate idea of what it looks like, scroll through my Instagram feed. 🙂

  • Steph
    | 9 December 2014

    i LOVE that sofa – what a happy blue, and looks both stylish and cozy (rare!). Where did you get it?

    • annabode
      | 10 December 2014

      Thanks Steph! It’s the Dunham sofa from West Elm. The fabric is Performance Velvet and the color is Blue Lagoon. It’s one of my favorite pieces in my home–I highly recommend it!

      • Adrianne
        | 15 June 2015

        How comfortable is this couch?! I’ve wanted a blue velvet couch for 2 years now and I’m thinking that it’s finally time to make the leap!

        • annabode
          | 16 June 2015

          Hey Adrianne! It’s very comfortable — it has a foam cushion and the back two are down-filled. However, there are some drawbacks after living with it for a few years and I’m not sure I’d recommend it this particular one. If I had to choose again I’d go for one with a less boxier frame and separate seat cushions. Hope that helps!

  • Kyla @ HouseOfHipsters
    | 7 January 2015

    So, I’m just scrolling thru Pinterest and here is this AMAZING RUG! And I was like woah! And then I saw the blue sofa! Double woah and then I was like Annabode! I KNOW HER! Dude, it is an amazing space. I want everything.

    • annabode
      | 11 January 2015

      Haha, thanks Kyla! That is so cool that you found this post that way! You totally made my day 🙂

  • Meg
    | 13 January 2015

    This space is gorgeous! I pinned this on pinterest a few weeks ago bc it is so lovely. Today I’m getting ready to pull the trigger on ordering the velvet lagoon fabric from west elm for a reupholstery job, and just needed a little more confidence before I hit order. So I went straight to pinterest to see what I could find for images and this popped up. So excited to see that your sofa is the same fabric I’m about to order. And that rug is amazing!

    • annabode
      | 13 January 2015

      Thanks so much, Meg! You’re too sweet :). I’m so excited you’re going for this fabric– it. is. AWESOME. I’d love to see your reupholstered piece when it’s finished–I’m sure it’ll turn out fantastic!

  • Hannah
    | 2 February 2015

    I love the coffee table! Where did you find that?

    • annabode
      | 3 February 2015

      Thanks Hannah! I found it on Craigslist, actually. Etsy & Ebay would be great sources as well–just search “mid century slat bench”. 🙂

  • Jenn @ My Fabuless Life
    | 5 March 2015

    That rug is AMAZING!!!!

    • annabode
      | 6 March 2015

      Thanks Jenn! I do love it, mostly because it was so affordable :).

  • Sheila west
    | 8 March 2015

    i love everything about this! I’m addicted to that couch, but I NEED to know what color the walls are!! I’ve been looking for wall colors and that color is it!! I love it!!!

    • annabode
      | 8 March 2015

      Thanks Sheila! The color is Titanium by Benjamin Moore :).

      • Sheila west
        | 8 March 2015

        Thank you so much for the quick reply! I’m addicted to your decor!

        • annabode
          | 9 March 2015

          No problem Sheila, thank you! 🙂

      • Hilary
        | 12 June 2015

        I was just going to ask! We’re about to close on our first home, and the living/dining/kitchen are all on the north side of the house. I really want gray paint to work, but I know I need to keep it light and clean since the light is pretty low. We have a deep blue corduroy sofa, this is the look I love love love! 😀

        • annabode
          | 16 June 2015

          Congrats Hilary! This is definitely a very pale gray, but it is quite cool. I’m more of a warm-color gal, so I don’t think I’ll be using it again but if you like cool colors then this would probably be perfect!

  • Jennifer Cecil
    | 26 April 2015

    This is SUCH a gorgeous space!!! I love everything! Do you mind sharing where you found that mirror?? It’s so lovely and simple!

  • Blair
    | 2 May 2015

    I cannot get enough of that rug!! Where can I find it?

  • Laura
    | 9 May 2015

    I am madly in love with your little table by the sofa. Is it vintage? Do you have any idea what the style, brand etc is called? I hope you can help me 🙂 your whole living room looks great!
    Xoxo.

    • annabode
      | 2 June 2015

      Thanks so much Laura! It is vintage, it’s called a slat bench and I just found it on Craigslist (there are usually a bunch, as it’s a pretty common style). You could also definitely find one on Etsy or eBay. Mine is a little different because it’s expandable, meaning the top has a sliding function which is pretty cool. Just search “mid century slat bench” and I’m sure you’ll find one. Good luck!!

  • Breanna
    | 22 May 2015

    Wow I love this!! Where are those pillows from? I love the print and size, they look comfy too!

  • Carrie
    | 15 June 2015

    I found this rug through the Wayfair link you posted (thanks, by the way!) however the photos on the site look MUCH lighter. Is this a different color than what they have now?

    • annabode
      | 16 June 2015

      Nope it’s the same! The photos on Wayfair are just very edited — it’s not nearly that light, or that bright.

      • Abby
        | 4 August 2015

        Love your living room and the pretty colors against the white background! Follow-up question: are you saying the rug photos here on your site are more true to the real color? I love the rug in your photos but would never click on the rug as it looks on Wayfair! I just want to make sure the color in these photos is accurate rather than being edited (and I don’t mean that judgmentally–I know most photos on blogs/websites are edited to a degree!!).

        • annabode
          | 16 October 2015

          Totally warranted question — the colors on the website look craaaazy. Here is a photo I think is a very accurate representation of the true colors: http://bit.ly/1ZIGI0U They are lovely and muted, not bright like in the product photos.

      • Jennie
        | 16 August 2015

        I’m also thinking of getting this rug, but we have two boys running around the house who freak out when they trip on the rug…. Do you think it would be possible to sew it to a rug pad?Or is it too thick to do that?

        • annabode
          | 16 October 2015

          Hey Jennie! The rug is backed with plastic webbing so it doesn’t slide around. I’ve never tripped on it, but if you’re worried about that you could do a pad for sure. I recently put one underneath (which I highly recommend since it’s rather thin on its own), and I don’t think you would need to sew it as it stays put. Hope that helps!

  • Rachel
    | 17 July 2015

    I love this rug! Where did you find it?

    • annabode
      | 16 October 2015

      Hi Rachel! You can find it here on Wayfair.

  • Ilse
    | 5 August 2015

    I just stumbled upon your blog via Pinterest, instant follow!
    I love your living room, I can’t get over how insanely beautiful that rug is!
    Also, great coffee table and love that little hanging plant!
    I think a mirror with a nice brass frame would look awesome above your couch too!

    • annabode
      | 16 October 2015

      You are so sweet Ilse, thank you! I hope you’ll follow along with our new house, too!

  • Samantha
    | 28 September 2015

    I love that rug and that lamp and that and that! It looks super fresh but super comfy! Can I ask where you got the rug and the plant stands?

    Thanks!

    • annabode
      | 16 October 2015

      Hey Samantha — thank you so much! The white plant stand is this stool from Ikea. The woven stool is from Target but I don’t believe it’s sold anymore. Glad you found the rug! 🙂

  • Samantha
    | 28 September 2015

    jk! I read the comments I’m on wayfair now ! Haha! Thanks!

  • khadijah
    | 30 September 2015

    Can you tell me the name, manufacturer and where you sourced the rug?

  • Jen
    | 6 October 2015

    I am in love with this rug! You mentioned that the rug photo was edited, so I’m wondering if it will go with a navy and rust color scheme. I love the price too, so I’m hoping it will work:)

    • annabode
      | 7 October 2015

      Hey Jen! My guess is that it would go perfectly with navy and rust — let me know how it works out! 🙂

  • Corinna – A Designer At Home
    | 22 November 2015

    I love the changes! Not cluttered in the least but still really beautifully interesting.

    • annabode
      | 23 November 2015

      Thanks Corinna! I kind of miss this living room, but my style has changed so much in the past two years. I hope you like the new space in Denver!

  • Maryann Mousourakis
    | 3 April 2016

    Hi there – you’re space is gorgeous and I’m loving your rug!!! I just purchased a lighter navy couch. Do think the rug would work since it’s ounds like the colors aren’t so vibrant?

    • annabode
      | 5 April 2016

      Thanks Maryann! It sounds like this rug will work well with your sofa — for a really accurate idea of the colors of the rug, check out my Instagram. Happy decorating!

  • Gwendy
    | 2 August 2016

    Hello =)! I was wondering if you can tell me where your white curtains are from?-Thanks

  • Jenny
    | 1 September 2016

    Hi! i just found this on pinterest and im wondering what color the walls are (the brand name as well as wall color if you remember!) Thank you!

  • Sean L.
    | 18 September 2016

    Hi there Anna,

    I’ve been looking for a couch in this color for some time, but I’ve beens struggling to find one (I’m pretty new to any sort of home decorating, so I don’t even know the right places to look).

    I can’t seem to find this couch in the color on the West Elm site – does West Elm do custom upholstery?

    Thanks in advance!

  • LauraBeth allen
    | 10 February 2017

    Hi! Can you tell me what size the rug is you have in this picture? thanks so much!

  • Erin
    | 1 May 2017

    You did a great job. I just got a navy blue couch… would that rug look good with it? Also, can you vacuum your rug with a rotating brush vacuum, or do you use suction only?

  • Marcus Nielson
    | 21 April 2018

    Hi love the rug! One question i do have though is tHe one on wayfair doesnt have fringe. Do you know why that is? Is it just not shown In the pictures? Thanks!

  • Lisa
    | 10 August 2020

    You got some unique designs there. That rug I thought it was a Carpet. Still, It’s beautiful. thanks for sharing Anna.

  • Vicki
    | 18 November 2020

    I just moved into my first apartment and got a blue couch. I have been trying to find the perfect rug and it seems like you did it! When I went to click on the link for the rug it was broken so I was wondering if you could send me the info for it since I really want one of my own. Thank you so much!

    • Anna Smith
      | 18 November 2020

      Thank you for brining this to our attention Vicki – we have fixed the link, but you can also find it here. Hope that helps!

Leave a Reply to Carrie Cancel

BOOK YOUR DISCOVERY CALL

Interested in learning more about our services?
Book a complimentary 20-minute call with us. We look forward to hearing about your project.
close-link

Pin It on Pinterest