The Mood for Change

No matter how much you love your living room, there will likely come a day when you look around and say, “I am ready for a change.” Some homeowners crave a dramatic transformation, while others prefer a series of small updates that gradually refresh a room over time. The amount of change is not what matters most. What matters is recognizing that change is a natural part of life. By this point, we all know that change is one of life’s enduring constants. The seasons change, our interests evolve, and our homes should be allowed to evolve right along with us. A room that felt perfect ten years ago may no longer reflect who we are today, and that is perfectly fine.
In the world of decorating, I embrace change because it has the power to renew the way we experience our homes. More importantly, I enjoy helping others create spaces that better reflect the lives they are living today. Whether the transformation is subtle or sweeping, good design can completely reset the mood of a home and make it feel fresh again. Let’s peek into the living room of a Gardenia model and see how a redesign can transform both the space and the experience of living in it somewhere in the Heart of The Villages.

  •  Goal
When the homeowners first moved to Florida, they were ready to embrace color. Their home was filled with rich, vibrant hues, including energetic shades of reddish pink and warm browns that reflected their enthusiasm for a new chapter in life. After enjoying that colorful look for many years, they found themselves drawn to a different feeling. They were ready for a space that felt calmer and more relaxing, so they decided it was time to revise the room with new furnishings and a more soothing color palette.

  •  Focal Wall Treatment
The homeowners had been admiring the use of board and batten featured in previous columns and knew they wanted to incorporate the architectural detail into their own home. The question was not whether to use it, but where it would have the greatest impact. Because the room’s layout functioned well for their lifestyle, we decided to keep all of the furniture in its existing location. The board and batten treatment was installed on the large focal wall opposite the opening to the back room and continued onto the adjacent wall containing the window. Most Gardenia models feature two windows on the largest wall of the living room. This home had only one, so it was important that the window be integrated into the design. The board and batten was carefully wrapped around the window, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the overall composition. To create a fresh and cohesive look, the entire board and batten installation was painted white from floor to ceiling. The crisp white finish brightened the room, highlighted the architectural detail, and transformed the wall into a striking focal point.

  •  Re-paint
The original wall color was a warm golden hue that wrapped the room in a cozy glow. While the homeowners still loved warmth and color, they were ready for a softer, more calming atmosphere. To achieve that feeling, they chose to repaint the home in Sherwin-Williams Patience SW 7555. Patience is one of those rare neutrals that seems to work almost everywhere. It is a creamy color with subtle golden undertones that can appear slightly tan as the light shifts throughout the day. The result is a warm, welcoming backdrop that feels relaxed.

  •  New TV console and Bigger TV
The previous television console was a large credenza designed with a lift mechanism that allowed the television to raise and lower. Over time, that mechanism stopped working, and the homeowners decided it was the perfect opportunity to make a change. They wanted something smaller, lighter, and better suited to the updated look of the room.
By replacing the oversized credenza with a more streamlined console, we were able to mount the television directly on the wall. This simple change exposed much more of the beautiful board and batten detail, allowing the architectural feature wall to take center stage. The homeowners also took advantage of the update to purchase a larger television.

  •  New Sofa
The sofa is new, and it was selected to fit the homeowners. Manufactured by Temple, this sofa offers an impressive level of customization, allowing homeowners to create a piece that truly fits both their space and their body. They were able to choose the seat depth, foam density, arm style, leg style, and cushion configuration to create the perfect combination of comfort and support.

  •  New Recliners
The homeowners can relax on the sofa that fits their bodies or if they prefer, they can use their new recliners. Recliners offer personalized comfort and allow each person to relax in the way that suits them best. This space was designed for comfortable everyday living and that means all the seating pieces must be useable and comfortable.

  •  New Swivel Chair
We needed one additional chair to round out the seating arrangement, so the homeowners selected a new swivel barrel chair. Its curved silhouette adds softness to the room, while the swivel feature makes it easy to engage in conversation or turn toward the television with ease.

  •  New Rug
The homeowners also needed a new and larger area rug to better anchor the seating arrangement. We selected a rug made with SmartStrand fibers, which are known for their exceptional softness, and ease of cleaning. One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is choosing a rug that is too small for the space. A properly sized rug helps unify the furniture arrangement and can make a room look more expansive. If you are debating between two sizes, the larger option is often the better choice.

  •  New Artwork and Lamps
The room needed new artwork that reflected the new tones of the space. When you look at this picture above the sofa, taken from the shoreline of Sunset Key, you can feel the wind and hear the swish of the palm fronds. Finally, the old lamps found new life in the redesigned space. Surrounded by soft blues, teals, and calming neutrals, they suddenly looked fresh again, proving that sometimes a beautiful accessory simply needs a new setting to shine.
Call Ruth your full service decorator at: 352-804-2056
or Contact Us

Before and After Images Below