Before & After: Living Room Remix In A New Home

When you move into a new home, especially after relocating from state to state, or even across the country, turning a new house into a 'home' can be challenging. What once worked together needs to be pulled apart, and sometimes that in itself can become a little un-nerving, but also exciting at the same time. There is no rush - Live in the space! Last Summer, in our rental home in Phoenix (you can read here), I started collecting blue & white Chinese inspired vases and jars (also known as Chinoiserie). Rather than put them away all year until this Summer, I displayed the collection in my study / office and loved it. But the collection grew! Since I was looking to create more flow in our new home, I pulled a few of the pieces out of my office, and brought them into the living room, striking just the right balance & updated style for our new home...

When I packed to move back east last Fall, I did a pretty major purge - letting go of accessories I had for several years, keeping only the true favorites. And even after unpacking, and living in the space, I still have loaded up the car to take a load to consign and donate things no longer fitting my personal style or new lifestyle - and that happens (in both fashion and decor!) Mixing old and new accents is a good way to stay grounded -- it feels familiar, and familiarity = comfort). Adding of a few new pieces is a way to breathe new life or re-energizing a space...

 

 Old bowl from Goodwill, now filled with 

new shells collected from our trip to Vero Beach, FL this year...

 

 

Old vintage gilded bamboo frames renewed with a quick DIY project 

(DIY details coming up in my next post!)

 

The same sofa got refreshed not only with pillows, but a new patterned rug, a fresh focal point on the wall, and  tweaking of a furniture arrangement. And for summer, rather than just fresh cut palms (because there aren't any around here to cut) I picked up two palms at Lowes (back in May - only 2 for $14!)

 

Boxwood spheres give a hint of (fresh/faux) green, but still look crisp & architectural in form. the blue bench (once storage in our master bedroom) was relaocated out of my office into the living room for a pop of color...

 

When I unpacked my shells, I first placed them all together inside the bench, so when it was time to "decorate",  I'd pull them out to use, and after summer, most will return to their storage area.

 My blue & white office / study...

Whether you're seeking to create an update for a new space, or refresh an existing room, you can create a refreshed home with these six styling tips:  

1. Get inspired not only from magazines & Pinterest, but also visit your local store displays for seasonal style inspiration. 

 2. Look no further than what you already have: Rethink a simple shift of lamp shades, side tables or chairs from room to room. 

3. Shop your own closets, cabinets, and garage for your style story. 

4. If you 'feel' like something is missing, follow your instinct - but check your local secondhand shops & your favorite home stores for that special treasure to pull together your look -- without breaking the bank. 

5. Think out of the box: Even a pretty patterned table runner can be reinvented into new wall art!

6. Paint existing accessory pieces in a new color or finish (a lacquered accent can be the equivalent to patent pumps amping up your LBD!)

 

 

LIVING ROOM FIREPLACE BEFORE

The tv hole (previous owners filled with tchotchkes!) is still there, but I camouflaged it with an oversized blank leaning canvas - a Phoenix score, I'm still waiting to be inspired to paint :) Eventually, I'd like to convert this into a panel-hidden-hinged door, to keep it as hidden storage (especially for the next homeowner - storage value).

Pulling together your new home does take time -- it's not all about the weekend warrior makeovers tv shows feature - Those too are filmed over time, and with far more people than they sometimes lead you to believe. But just as you do with your wardrobe, enjoy your space living with the things you love, and that includes pets as well as people...

 

Sephora is VERY comfortable in her new surroundings.

This Fall, I'll be replacing this (seriously) old coffee table with a Ming coffee table I found at a local consignment shop. Since temps are to cool off this weekend, I just may have to work on refinishing it - and bring this table downstairs to the mancave! :)

IMO - the key to creating a collected space is to not buy everything all at once, and not from any one store plus also have a balance of splurge and save.

Below are a few Living Room Decor Details from this space

• Various Blue/White & White vases / jars: HomeGoods, At Home, Consignment, thrift (2014 & 2015)
• Boxwood spheres - HomeGoods + Michael's (2013 & 2015)
• Brass & Acrylic lamps & black shades - HomeGoods (2013 & 2014)
• Black & White Sofa Pillows (linen covers) $4 - Goodwill AZ (2012)
• Blue & White Stripe Pillows - prize/free - Zinc Door (2011)
• Blue Tufted Bench & Small Blue frames - HomeGoods (2013)
• Blue White Black sofa pillows - Target (2015)
• White Leather Barcelona Chairs (2) - free - old store display :) (2014)
• White sofa - (1999)
• White Alabaster pedestal bowl w/coral - Bowl: Goodwill AZ Coral: Florida Keys
• Blue & White Garden Stool - $35 - etc Consignment, Winston-Salem (2015)
• Brass Accent Table - Goodwill, AZ (2013)
• Wicker tray - Habitat ReStore, High Point (2015)
• Scented candles - HomeGoods (2014 & 2015)
• Small wood table - $10 - Red White Blue Thrift, Miami (2000)
• Orchids + Framed dock photo - HomeGoods (2014)
• Stripe Window Panels - HomeGoods (2015)
• Large blank brass framed canvas - $25 - Ultimate Consignment, AZ (2014)
• Round mirror - JCP (2007) 
• TV unit - Ikea (2009)
• Tall white vases - $10 clearance Target, AZ (2013)
• Greek Key Cement Planters (small) - $9 - the Red Collection, Greensboro (2015)
• Greek Key Cement Planters (large) - Liberty Antiques Festival (2015)
• Greek Fret area rug $149 - At Home, Greensboro (2015)

(previous owners)  LIVING ROOM BEFORE

LIVING ROOM AFTER

and the growing pains in between...

 Painting before moving in...

week of Thanksgiving... ugh...

December (after Christmas)...

March...

Summertime, May thru August...

I really didn't get to enjoy Fall decorating last year because of the move -- Super excited to live back east, and experience the true change of seasons, especially with all the glorious trees that are already starting to change color - right in our own back yard! 

There's no place like home...

Thanks for stopping by!

With Gratitude and Many Thanks!

Although life doesn't always turn out the way you had planned, you can't let those disappointments get the best of you. You also can't let the disappointments blind you from the good that does happen in, let's say, your career life. Case in point, recently I've hit a few milestones in building my social media presence (such as acquired 2000 likes on my Facebook page and 5000 followers on Twitter!) along with being featured by a few other bloggers - from home styling to Pinterest features - plus being invited to be a blog ambassador for up and coming new Design Network and hired to create graphics for two website redesigns! I never would have guessed when I left the brick-and-mortar world of visual merchandising in retail (almost four years ago now!), that those experiences plus my design style eye would lead to a whole different world of opportunities ... and for that, I am humbled, honored and grateful...

Many Thank You's to...

 I am grateful to be selected and listed on Designer Carla Aston's Directory of "Must Follow Interior Design Pinners On Pinterest" !!! Check it out! There may be some NEW to YOU pinners to follow as well. Thank you Carla! I'm truly honored!

 FLOORED! Thank you FlooringHunt.com for featuring me as one of your Top 12 Decorators and Designers to follow on Pinterest! In some great company along with Emily Henderson, Holly Becker, and Paloma Contreras to name a few! -- See ALL here: 12 Decorators and Designers to follow on Pinterest! 

-- and Join me on Pinterest here: Lynda | Focal Point Styling

 Ralph Lauren Home - Joined Pinterest this June and is following me! Thank you! I'm honored!

  5000+ Followers on Twitter! Woot!! Thank you!

2000+ Likes on Facebook!

 

I was happy to be invited to participate in a Focus Group panel, and thrilled that it lead to being invited to become a Brand Ambassador for the Design Network! Look for my post coming up in July! You can start to watch + join + share by clicking: the Design Network.

 

 Thanks for featuring one of my coffee table styles in your post how to Style A Coffee Table at Beneath My Heart - during the "How to Decorate 5 Day Series" hosted by Beth Crabtree Hunter of Home Stories A to Z - You can read at How to Style A Coffee Table

Grateful to have been invited to be one of three Happy By Design pinners for HomeGoods to Host a Pinterest Party - coming up in August!

Thank you Lucky magazine for featuring my Jewelry Organizing With Teacups as part of your 75 Creative Ways To Organize Your Jewelry 

Thank you Mitzi & Leslie! Here is one of seven new graphics I created for the redesigned website of MitziBeach.com. Read and see more on her site!

Happy to be part of the Hadley Court Blog Team as a Content Contributor - Noted as Top 25 Home Design Blogs To Follow For 2014!

 

Especially thrilled to be attending the upcoming Design camp as a Guest of Lori & Kelli's - during Summer Market in Las Vegas, happening at the end of this month!

 Also grateful for a few other invites in the works -

Blog for HomeGoods and Fall HPMKT, as well as local invites to write for local magazine, East Valley Magazine plus may be doing a little special merchandise presentation locally at Sweet Salvage! So stay tuned and THANK YOU for keeping up with me and Focal Point Styling!

Always look at the bright side!

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekend Closet Organizing Part II: For Him

Guys wardrobes aren't usually as complex or complicated as us gals. They don't have skirts or dresses of various lengths. They also do not have strapless tops, asymmetrical tops, blouses or tunics to be concerned with. Men's pants are either long or short. The same holds true for their shirts - short sleeve or long sleeve. And a few may have jackets or suits. If the reality of your closet world is you need to share a closet space with your partner, help them stay organized with some of these easy tips:

1.Organize by colors

2. Organize shirts by sleeve length 

3. Sort space by casual and dressy or work to weekend.

4. Folded tees and jeans work best on shelves, but hang modern tees within color-blocked polos (think KNITS by color). After clearing out the clutter for donations, you're ready to: refresh a small empty space with a fresh coat of white paint (or pale-neutral shade like ecru or grey) plus change those light bulbs to energy efficient CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs. Sort and use what you have on hand first - take an inventory of what you need afterwards (like hangers) to help avoid overspending on closet storage pieces.

 

Either way you keep your ties, it always helps to  c o l o r i z e  . . .

Dress shirts are best keep hanging & colorized. By keeping dress shirts colorized, the easier it will be to put away dry cleaning and laundry. You may hang your scarves, but for guys, hanging ties will make it easy for him (or you) to pair the right shade blue or pair that perfect print in the morning. If he has ties, but doesn't wear them everyday, rolling ties to fit into a tray on a shelf or cubbies in a dresser drawer can also work - however, hanging helps to prevent wrinkles. Special wooden suit hangers help keep the shape and longevity of suits, while shoe shelves can also be a place to hold a lint roller and shoe brush. In a walk-in with wooden floors, placing a small rug can add comfort while dressing + keep feet warm on cold mornings. 

MEET TWO REAL ROOM AFTERNOON CLUTTER BLUSTERERS:

 

Courtney's closet chaos and summer clean-up.

Meet Courtney at Courtney Out Loud from his seasonal weekend update.

 

Rashon LOVES color (especially pink) and shows it off in his closet!

Meet Rashon, aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting

If your space is tall, don't forget to add a small fold-a-way step stool you can easily tuck to the side, but grab when you need. Keeping a small trash-can in the closet will help prevent tiny pins, clips, or dry cleaning tags off the floor. Utilizing one canvas tote of three for dry cleaning now will help with laundry sorting later. (BEING GREEN: TIP: Slide dry-cleaning hangers off to one side in tote to be recycled when dropping-off your load.)

WHEN MOVING: RE-IMAGINE SPACE PLANNING IN VACANT SPACE:

Empty closets we viewed when home searching for our move to AZ.

Our closet in FL was a comfortable walk in, just off our Master Bathroom...

Keep in mind the linear space (length of hang space)

when moving from one closet to another.

When you move, your closet strategy and space planning may change. If you have a guest room closet or office closet, those are great areas for storage of seasonal coats or suits if not used everyday. Baskets, canvas totes or plastic storage bins are a wonderful means of seasonal folded sweater storage + a place for him to keep winter skullies or scarves. Narrow walk-in closets can feel more open by installing a mirror at the end of the closet.  If he's an outdoors-man: create outdoor shoe storage in the garage to prevent tracking in fishy flip-flops or sandy sneakers. Installing wall mounted hooks are especially helpful to hang easy access to heavy coats for fall and winter months.

 

Comparison of FL closet  (L&R) to AZ (C): Utilized office closet for suits before: 

 Now Jeff needs suits more regularly, so they were planned for our joined (mini) walk-in.

The dresser in the bedroom we share, but it's mostly Jeff's. In FL, he had his white tees in the closet with his dress-shirts - Now they are in the dresser along with socks, underwear, and 3 wide drawers of shorts (folded in half lengthwise).

AZ left - FL right.

Polos & modern tees are now hung above the laundry bin section.

The laundry totes have been a HUGE help with sorting to bring laundry downstairs.

Painting the closet a fresh coat of semigloss white

helped to brighten this small space.

Personally, do I implement all of these organizing strategies? You betcha! And thankfully, hubs not only appreciates it, he too can easily help maintain it (it probably has to do with both of us having retail in our DNA!!) Although I usually donate to Goodwill, I have also come across some "Pinteresting Projects" to try to upcycle men's clothing from jeans to ties to shirts...

Denim Pouff

I've seen DIY denim rugs, but this pouff is it a great idea! For those old tees, they are great to use as rags to dry the car with... And if you happen to have a guy who gets sentimental over some of those college tees, try framing some faves for his mancave :) Here are a few other projects I pinned...

 

Ties upcycled to eye glass covers or ipod holders...

Men's shirts torn into strips cover spheres for a tree or wreath (by Eddie Ross) or personalized pillow covers... See "That's Clever"

 

 Now from some DIY to Closets to DIE for...

OK... back to reality...

No matter the closet size, just keep it simple, sort by style and by color.

See more closet organizing ideas on my pinboard:

ORGANIZED: CLOSETS

Hope these tips helped give focus to Closet Organization for the Guys (Part II).

Next up - Focus on Closet Organization for the Gals Part III. And be sure to also refer back to Focus On Closet Organization Part I.

Thanks for stopping by!

LINKING POST TO:

Between Naps on the Porch - Metamorphosis Monday 

Under The Table and Dreaming - Sunday Showcase

Project Parade - The DIY SHowoff