Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Then and Now: A New Aqua Aesthetic

Color decisions are behind me. What was - is no more. I did what I had previously only dared, taking something pleasant enough (albeit too dark for a sunny south Florida locale) and gave it a bright and colorful new outlook. I'd probably be freaking out right now if I hadn't already lived with these items in their previous state since the mid to late 90's. Yes, it's hard to let go of what I've enjoyed, but I was, after all, growing weary of the heavy hues. So I'm going to give myself permission to say goodbye to the old and embrace the new brighter aesthetic of my living room.

THEN - Traditional Table Trio


I cannot even believe how empty this room looked before the Pier 1 lamps! 

The room looks like we just moved in. We hadn't.


I know...it's a perfectly beautiful table. I really did love the end tables as is, except for the fact that they are large and between the three of them in the small space, they covered half the room in brown. Combined with the dark green couch and the previously brown wall, it was time for an overhaul or they would have to go. New furniture was out of budget, so I turned to my paint stash for a little help.

These two were mixed at about 2 parts green to 3 parts blue. The blue is really kind of dull and the green was just too green. Together, they became my new aqua accent.

As I said, what WAS, IS no more...except that under the new slipcover, the dark green couch remains. I'll need to take the cover off to enjoy it fully when it gets cool out again, only I just realized that when I do, the couch will clash with the newly painted tables. Figures! I didn't even think of that before! Oh well, one day and one design problem at a time.

NOW - Today's Triumph!

Here it is while I was in process of deciding about pillow placement and before testing out a bit of burlap as a table runner. This love seat still needs a raspberry, tangerine or coral pillow.

So with pillows in the center and a test piece of burlap on the table (The final product will be slightly longer and frayed and tied at the edges for a finished look.), it can go either way, but if we get to feeling there is too much aqua, then the burlap can tone it down. Added texture is always a good option.

If it was brighter I was after, I got it, no?

Color and light




By the time I put the burlap on the table, I had already taken a zillion pictures and didn't feel like taking many more, so here's the aqua in all its glory.


The burlap got tucked around the seat cushions for a minute to give an idea of how this chair would look with neutral cushions. The chair is really too big for this room with the ottoman; it may end up back in the Florida room if it starts to feel too crowded in here.




So there you have it. The brown has taken a dip into the aqua/blue/green design pool and I'm perfectly happy with the result. 

Next up, the fireplace needs a long awaited revamp and the chair needs the cushions recovered or replaced. The cushion color doesn't work in here or the family room, but that could be an easy fix.

Then again, I could show you how the dining room has taken on a lighter and brighter outlook or share with you the little tray table I discovered in a nearby trash pile. It has also recently been given a paint revamp.

Decisions, decisions. Oh, the never-ending decisions...

I'll be sharing this at:









Tuesday To Do Party




64 comments:

  1. The slipcover and painted occasional tables go much better with your white dining table and lighter accessories now. Love it!

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  2. Love the color in the living room! It makes everything look so bright and fresh :)

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  3. I love it. You have inspired me to add soome color. Yesterday I was trying to decide what color to paint something and people were asking me what "my colors" were in my room. I was like, "uh, brown?" I really need to add some color. Your room is very pretty.

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  4. Wow! What a transformation! With only a slipcover and some paint (perfect aqua by the way!) you performed miracles! Love the new look, so brighter and light!

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  5. Ta-da! Love the bright zip it gives to the room Very happy kinda colour! :)

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  6. I love what you've done with your living space. I like the lighter-- I used white hospital type cotton blankets to get the white slip covered look-- I have a couch and loveseat so about 7 blankets @ $1 ea. It works.
    Right now they're off-- they needed laundered and I haven't put them back.
    I was wondering about the paint on the coffee table... did I miss something? I thought you ran out of paint. If you matched that paint yourself-- YOU ARE GOOD!
    As to the wicker chair... I like the neutral seat cover-don't know what it looked like before, but how about something with that aqua color? You could even stencil big flowers on it... I saw that painting of the flower in the dining area--maybe you replicate that. Your talented enough!

    Love how your room has transformed- Pat

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  7. Lovely! Great job on the color and I think the room looks wonderful. I just painted a table a soft turquoise and then added some black features.

    Just found your blog and so glad I did! I'm a new follower and look forward to more of your creations.

    Stop by and say hi when you can!

    Pat
    P.S. I love, love your twinkle lights on the table!

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  8. An after thought...how about doing the wicker chair in a bright floral with coral being predominant? :-)

    Pat

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  9. An after thought...how about doing the wicker chair in a bright floral with coral being predominant? :-)

    Pat

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  10. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a kind comment. I love your living room transformation. The colors you used are great as well, it makes the room bright and cheery! I'm following you as well. Have a great week!

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  11. Isn't it great to cheer up a space. More light and color works great!
    Blessings,
    Susie

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  12. Now your space looks much happier!!! Great job!!!

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  13. Hi! I LOVE this color and the room! It's so fresh and inviting! I found you at Delightful Order, and am your newest follower-would love you to visit my new blog :)
    Susan

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  14. That a great color, Your tables look fabulous.I love how light and airy your room feels.

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  15. WOW! What a transformation!
    The tables look fantastic as does the entire room!

    Job well done!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  16. Hi Elizabeth - I love this. Wish I had the nerve to paint out my very dark coffee and side tables - don't think my husband would be too happy about that.

    I love the turquoise, love the slipcover on the couch and LOVE the pillows.

    Would love for you to share it at our All Star Block Party.

    http://newhousenewhomenewlife.blogspot.ca/2012/06/all-star-block-party-2.html

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  17. love how the aqua brings such a fresh, cool look to your room

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  18. Wow, I love the color! just looks stunning! Thank you for sharing!
    Leticia

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  19. What a fabulous makeover!! I would love to see you at My Dream Canvas. Have a lovely day. Anu

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  20. Ooh, I love your fresh new look. What a great way to come up with the perfect paint color. Those post card pillows are gorgeous!

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  21. Love the fresh new look with the blues and greens.. it's a completely new view... and I love it. Amazing what a few changes can do for a room..
    Thanks for linking up to the ALL STARS BLOCK PARTY!!!! Thanks for sharing you too =)

    Carri
    simplydonewright.blogspot.com

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  22. Wow, you're so brave! I tried to add a bunch of light blue accessories to my living room to add some color with all the neutrals--it didn't work! I've slowly been repainting them all boring colors and love the look of my living room again. Oh well! Glad it worked for you!

    ~Ellie @ beauty4ashes-ellie.blogspot.com

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  23. I'm so crushing on aqua right now! I've got to go paint something! Your tables look great, and I love the burlap runner. Looks very beachy, coastal, casual, inviting. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  24. I am a HUGE fan of blues and greens! LOVE THIS! I’d love it if you’d link up to TA-DA TUESDAY <3 from your newest follower I’d be delighted if you’d follow back!
    ~Misty
    413 Sparrow Lane

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  25. Wow! What a gorgeous transformation! I loved peeking in!Beautiful job on the table set... they steal the show!And I'm loving your slipcovered love seat with the two gorgeous post card pillows..love those! Beautiful vignette on the coffee table with the seagrass basket:)Thanks for sharing this beautiful room transformation with us and for your sweet comment on my succulent garden party. Loved the view of your living room through the dining room. Have a great weekend!Hugs,Poppy

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  26. I love, love, love the changes you made. That color is wonderful. I love how a little paint can really change the mood in a room. Thanks so much for linking up to the All Star Block Party!

    Holly

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  27. Liz - You have entered a brave, brave new world of Color with a definite capital "C"! Of course you knew I would love the turquoise, but to take that plunge on tables that were perfectly normal! I vote for raspberry and tangerine pillows! Came over from Feathered Nest.

    Distressed Donna Down Home

    P.S. I covet that ladder and window I see peeking from the other side of the room!

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  28. Very coastal and beachy! Even your little table-side bird is like he's from the seashore.

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  29. My room is also "brown" and it is so hard to take the plunge and go for it!
    I am glad you did! It looks great!

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  30. Hi ...this post reminds me of my ( living room brightens up post). I think yours turned out lovely! :)
    Your newest follower, Francine

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  31. Loving the pop of color and slip cover! Thanx for sharing the makeover at THT!

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  32. Loving the pop of color and slip cover! Thanx for sharing the makeover at THT!

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  33. You seriously got the color right! What a HUGE difference!!! I am so glad that you shared it on The "Sunday Stop". The whole room looks so bright and airy now. Great job :)
    Hugs,
    Bj

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  34. Everything looks great! I love the color, and I love the pillows, everything looks so bright and cheery!

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  35. OLA LIZ,NÃO SEI SE VAI ME COMPREENDER,MAS SUA MESAS FICARAM LINDAS.PARABÉNS.UM FORTE ABRAÇO.VALÉRIA (BRASIL).

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  36. Oh my goodness! Can't tell you how much I love this makeover! I'm a total sucker for that color! Nice work, girl!

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  37. Ooo-la-la! Love the bright new color transformation! It's such a bright, happy feel now.
    Mary Alice

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  38. Love the new look! It really lightened things up. The pillows on the couch are so cute also. It's a fresh new look. Thanks for sharing this with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  39. Light, bright and a perfect update! Love the whole room =) So pretty!!

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  40. I love this turquoisy-green color--so lovely! I just painted a makeup vanity in a slightly lighter shade, and it is sitting in our bedroom as I write--so happy with it! A new bright color in a room can really change the personality of the entire space, as you have demonstrated so well!

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  41. Oh, my! What an absolutely lovely transformation. What I noticed right away (among other things) was how beautiful your lamps look in the new color scheme! They weren't showing to their best advantage with the darker colors and now they're just stunning! Love the aqua, the graphic pillows...Great job!

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  42. Gorgeous! I absolutely love the aqua tables - great choice to lighten them up. Between the tables & the slipcover, it's a whole new space!

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  43. I love it! I just finished painting a large bookshelf unit and a cabinet this color in my craft room! Great job!

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  44. I, too, am in the midst of changing out my darker and deeper hues and trying to slowly, slowly lighten and brighten things up here too!

    Looks lovely and fresh and perfect for Florida!

    :)

    Linda

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  45. Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  46. I'm loving the aqua. I'm also totally jealous of your wicker chair and ottoman. That's been my dream chair for years...

    Shasta @InTheOldRoad
    All Star Block Party

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  47. I love the pop of color this adds to the room. They turned out awesome. Thanks for linking up at Doodles & Stitches :)

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  48. Oh wow! It looks great - I love it! Looks like a beach cottage now!
    I'm your newest follower!
    Cindy

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  49. Liz, You did such an awesome job. I wanted you to know that your post got third highest viewed on Simple & Sweet Fridays. Please feel free to come by and grab a feature button. Thank you again for your wonderful post. Have a great week!


    Jody

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  50. This is so cute! What a wonderful color selection and job you did here! Love it!

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  51. Hello,

    thats so cute.I like your Decoration very very match.great job.

    greatings send you Conny

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  52. What a pretty color your mixture made! I love the "now" room! :)

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  53. Just found you on Made in a Day blog hop social. Wow.. I love the aqua tables! Following and looking forward to reading more.:)

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  54. I'm going lighter, as well. I think it all looks great! Much improved, IMHO.

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  55. It's amazing what a little bit of paint and a slip cover has done for your space. Your space is summertime fresh now! Beautiful!

    Lynn

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  56. Brighter is always better! The aqua fills the room with the salty smell of the ocean :) I also love all the little cheery accents scattered in the room.

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  57. Congratulations! You are featured in my All Star Block Party post today. Thank you again for joining us :)

    Shasta @InTheOldRoad
    http://intheoldroad.blogspot.com/2012/06/all-star-block-party-3-features.html

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  58. I featured your very pretty living room today at Mod Mix Monday!

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  59. Beatiful. Love the color choices. I have been waffling about painting some dark furniture in my living room and you just tipped the scales! I love the aqua. Thank you for the beautiful pics.

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  60. The color is great it looks so airy and fresh looking.
    Denise

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  61. I absolutely love the colors and those pillow are FABULOUS! I love them!

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