Traditional Living Room Makeover
Hi Friends! Recently I shared Part I of this Traditional-Meets-Modern Living Room makeover that I did for a wonderful client in Florida. And you all went BANANAS over it on Pinterest and Instagram! So many of you connected with this style and (like me) feel hard for these pieces. If you missed Part I you can see it all right here:
Traditional Living Room Makeover Part I
This whole Living Room makeover was a mix of classic traditional pieces, mixed in with some sleeker modern pieces that completed a room that looked fresh and clean but not trendy. Plus I’m completely smitten with the color Navy (much like my client)…and it seems like a lot of you are too! So without further ado I’m sharing Version #2 of this same Traditional Living Room Makeover!
Traditional Meets Modern Living Room: Version #2
For my Postbox Designs clients I always create two mix-and-match versions for them. After I design Version #1 I actually send them all of the drawings and Mood Boards to get their thoughts and feedback! Based on their input, I go back and design a second, different version. By the time I’m done they have two completely different designs, but they can pull in their favorite elements from both…creating a totally custom look. I put all of their Mood Boards, Floor Plans, Shopping Lists, 3D Perspectives, and material samples into a pretty little Postbox and mail it directly to them!
I never design two rooms the same. Instead I always take in my specific client’s tastes, budgets, and lifestyle. And after seeing Version #1 my client wanted to see a few more pops of turquoise instead of just navy. And since she lives in Florida we could play around with a slightly tropical look for her. But I kept in the classic, traditional elements and the pops of gold, but just changed up the over palette and items for her:
How to Incorporate Modern into a Traditional Living Room
I have to admit, I’m a traditional girl at heart. I am naturally drawn to more classic pieces and neutral items. However, the longer I’ve been a designer the more I’ve fallen in love with streamlined, modern pieces sprinkled in.
A lot of people are afraid “Modern” is going to look cold and sterile.
But you can layer in more modern pieces into a traditional room that still feels warm and comfortable. In fact, I have five ways you can incorporate modern into a Traditional Living Room and make it look g-o-o-d:
5 Tips for Adding in Modern Pieces into a Living Room Design
LIVING ROOM TIP ONE: Look for furniture with straight lines.
Instead of rolled arms or overstuffed cushions, look for furniture with straight arms, exposed legs, and a more elongated shape. The Pottery Barn sectional sofa (Item #1) still has a very traditional look to it, but by selecting a piece with straight arms and a tailored look, it has a more crisp style to it. Same with the navy velvet bench on the Mood Board below (Item #16): straight lines and simple exposed legs give it a minimal (but comfy look).
For a similar look, I love this modern navy velvet sofa from The Decorist:
LIVING ROOM TIP TWO: Use “Open” Pieces.
The TV console table (Item #9) is all traditional: it is heavy, dark, with ornate woodwork. So to balance this out, I chose more modern side tables, such as pieces #2 and #5. Both the modern coffee table and side table have open legs with thin gold legs. Mixing the modern and traditional together gives the room a more layered, interesting look.
LIVING ROOM TIP THREE: It’s all about the accessories.
If you aren’t sure if love the modern look, or just want to try it in small doses-go with the accessories. Places like CB2, West Elm, and even Target’s “Project 62” line are all great, affordable sources for modern accessories. Sprinkled through this whole Living Room design are these modern decor elements mixed in with the larger, more expensive traditional pieces.
LIVING ROOM TIP FOUR: Try “Modern” with Inexpensive Art
If you have hung with me for any time at all, you know I’m obsessed with Etsy for artwork. Artwork is by far the hardest thing to choose for another person since art is so personal. Etsy however is the perfect source for custom, beautiful prints you can pick up for as low as a few dollars. Now please hear me: I’m not discounting having beautiful, expensive art pieces that you keep forever. Art is a wonderful investment, especially when you find a piece that speaks to you!
However, changing out artwork can also be easy and inexpensive. I do this quite a bit in my own house.
For this Living Room Makeover I suggested doing two oversized prints over her sofa with this modern navy duo. You can actually buy these as Instant Downloads for less than $10 each. Seriously. Check out the Etsy shop LILAxLOLA and you will fall in love like I did!
LIVING ROOM TIP FIVE: Use Modern Pillow…Covers
My other favorite designer trick is pillow COVERS. You can easily take them off to wash or swap them out for the season. Invest in good pillow inserts (I purchase mine from Pottery Barn) and you can get a whole new look for around $20-30 dollars when you buy new covers. For this room we invested her money in a classic piece of furniture from Pottery Barn, but had some fun with some wild and fun prints in the form of her pillows. It is the perfect way to add in color and pattern without a lot of committment.
Just like in the above image by Sita Montomery, all of the main furniture is very neutral with pops of colors through her beautiful throw pillows.
If you want to add just a touch of Modern into your Living Room Design-go with some modern pillow covers to inject just a bit of this style. In her Living Room we also went a bit modern-meets-boho with her pillows using some global patterns as well.
Designing for a Traditional Modern Living Room
And here it is: Version #2 of this Traditional Living Room Makeover with little pops of Modern!
And one more time, you can check out Part I right here to see a whole different set of options:
Traditional Living Room Makeover Part I
Want FREE Living Room Designs?
Yep, you read right! I’m smack dab in the middle of my 5 Week Design Jumpstart Program, and last week I unveiled this Budget Friendly Modern Farmhouse Living Room. It is the same concept as the above Real Postbox Room Makeover I just revealed: It has a traditional style with edges of modern to it, and it keeps it looking fresh and airy. And if you love this look, you can grab everything you need to re-create it at home:
$1150 Farmhouse Living Room Mood Board + Shopping List
You can check out the whole blog post by clicking on the link above, plus get the FREE Mood Board and Shopping List with all of the sources for my Budget Friendly Modern Farmhouse Living Room. P.S. I used this beautiful Living Room from Joseph Parrell Architects as the inspiration!
If you are already a member of my FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY you can find both items already in there!
Come back next week for the last installment of the 5 Week Design Jumpstart Program and to see another unveiling of a Real Postbox Makeover…this time it is a beautiful little Playroom for a sweet set of sisters! In the meantime we can also hang out over on Facebook or Instagram!
Or finally, if you are ready to start your project, I’m ready for you! You can save $50 off your first project + Get access to my Free Resource Library right HERE!
Cheers,
Kristin
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