Change is Constant

It is never just one thing. Let that thought settle in for a moment, embrace it, because it’s true. You don’t have to say it out loud, you can tell your spouse all sorts of things to build agreement on a home project, but somewhere in the back of your mind, you know it’s never just one thing…… ever. One change always leads to another, and somehow those small steps end up making the whole house feel and look better. I find that flexibility in the making of plans is best and life gets a lot easier when we embrace the idea that everything is always subject to change. You may love your living room or dining room for years. For years it feels perfect, steady, exactly right. And then, somewhere out of the blue, inspiration taps you on the shoulder. A new idea pops into your head, an idea that takes root and must grow. Suddenly the room that served you so well begins to feel ready for its next chapter, and you can’t shake the thought until you do something about it. So, let’s take a peek into the living room of a Gardenia model whose moment for one more change had arrived, somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  Not quite a year
We looked at this house a not quite a year ago and I showed the progression. The living room has evolved over time and with each new idea I think it gets better. There was one thing left in the living room and the homeowners were able to get the project done quickly. I think it is worth seeing! Also, it is worth mentioning that things like this are becoming more popular. A fireplace wall! For two years there has been a noticeable uptick in requests for fireplaces and built-in shelving. There seems to be a desire to move away from flat walls with just paint to molding and texture in spaces. Also, in Florida, fireplaces make perfect sense. Electric models allow you to enjoy the glow and ambiance all year long without adding heat. They bring a sense of coziness to a room even in July. Then, on those handful of chilly days we get each year, they provide just enough warmth to take the edge off the cold. This will be the living rooms final flourish for a while, and it looks so good!

  •  First Change
The living room looked closed during the initial consultation. The furniture was arranged toward the windows, with the TV centered between them, and the two recliners were angled in a way that made the room feel unsettled. We moved the TV to the wall opposite the sliding glass door and placed the couch between the two windows. The recliners were grouped together across from the TV, and we added a small chair beside the TV and console to complete the seating plan. We angled a large rug to cover the floor outlet, which helped the room feel more open and welcoming. We also added artwork between the windows and introduced new lamps to bring warmth and balance to the space. Update on floor plug: We have been able to get rid of the floor plug altogether by having a licensed electrician disconnect the plug and with a few extra floorboards it can be covered as if it were never there. It is nice because there is no bump in the carpet where it covers the plate.

  •  Second change
Like many snowbirds, there came a point when Florida became their full-time home. After spending a few summers here, they realized that adding a pool would make daily life more enjoyable. Because of the way the house sits on the lot, the pool could be built along the side of the home, directly behind the two living room windows. At first, the only way to reach it was through the lanai. Once they began using the pool regularly, it became clear that having easier access from the living room would be much more convenient. They chose to remove the wall with the two windows and replace it with a triple sliding glass door. This change allowed them to see the pool from the living room and made it much simpler to step outside. The new door was trimmed with molding that matches the lanai door, which keeps the home feeling consistent. A motorized blind was added and tucked under a white wooden cornice. It provides privacy and helps control heat when needed, and when it is raised it blends into the room without drawing attention. The result is a living room that connects naturally to the pool and makes everyday use much easier. We adjusted the furniture to accommodate the new entrance to the pool. The room remains open and bright.

  •  Fireplace wall
The new fireplace and TV wall replaced the old console and immediately gave the room a stronger focal point. The white stone extends all the way to the ceiling, which helps the space feel taller and more polished. The side shelves offer a place for the homeowners to display pieces that matter to them, adding personality to the space. The fireplace brings a sense of comfort and makes the room feel like a place to settle in and enjoy a quiet evening with a favorite show. The large window adds a sense of openness during the day, and access to the pool is now simple and direct. With these changes, the room feels complete and elevated and ready to support daily life until the next idea arrives.
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Before and After Pics Below