IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Decorating

Homes

Tiny spaces, tight budgets and rental restrictions: Interior designers show how they fixed decorating challenges in 9 living rooms.

/ 18 PHOTOS

Before and after: Designers share how they transformed these 9 living rooms

Before: Lost fireplace

The couple in this home had spent seven years renovating their house and ran out of steam for the final push in their living room. What remained was a fireplace that was lost in a bland wall color and awkwardly placed furniture that made the room feel smaller than it really was.

After: Modern update

While the contemporary furniture gave a modern feel to the room, interior designer Theresa Casey's most impactful decision with this room was to apply a green accent paint color to the walls surrounding the fireplace to add a "much needed 'wow' factor."

Before: Aged space

The problem: While an impressive space, this two-story living room seems dark and outdated with maple wood accents and a heavy stone fireplace.

After: Merry and bright

Designer Andrea Rodman of Andrea Rodman Interiors painted the stone fireplace and wood elements with bright neutrals to lighten the space. A large crystal chandelier and giant mirror above the mantle further reflect light throughout the room, enhancing the grandeur of the multi-story space. Similarly toned furnishings with pops of color in accent pillows and a patterned bookshelf backing create an elegant yet livable space.

Before: Dimension dilemmas

The problem: The large living area in this Miami home looked barren and sad. The fireplace was lost, the walls were empty and HGTV personality David Bromstad said it was "a room screaming for help."

After: Glamorous living

The solution: Because the room was so large, Bromstad decided to make two different seating areas for the space. "One seating area near the fireplace was created to be the cozy area of the room,” Bromstad said. “For the more formal area of the room, we created a comfortable seating area with a custom tufted ottoman to compliment the tufting on the walls."

Picasa

Before: Bland walls

The problem: "Bright white is clean but can also be very harsh in a space,” said interior designer Genevieve Gorder.

After: Think pink

The solution: “Adding a vibrant color to the walls transforms the space and provides a stimulating backdrop for the room,” said Gorder.

Before: Awkwardly spacious

The problem: This large living area with high ceilings and sparse furniture lacked a homey feel. The space felt cold and unwelcoming, despite its beautiful marble floors and gorgeous arched doorways.

After: Cozy remodel

The solution: "I decided to divide the room into three spaces: the foyer, the living room and dining room,"Bromstad said, using metal dividers to do so. “By doing this, it allowed me to design each space individually and not get so overwhelmed by the giant size of the room.”

Picasa

Before: Empty nester

The problem: Last updated when their kids were babies, this living room in a home of empty nesters had become an unused space.

"Once the first grandchild is on the way, people usually realize it's time for an update because they become the hub of extended family celebrations,” designer Shannon Ggem of Ggem Design Co. said.

After: Forgotten to fabulous

The solution: Ggem turned this room into an inviting space with an overall neutral color scheme and a selection of sofas and chairs for more seating. She made the fireplace a dramatic focal point with Athens Gray large format tiles that extend to the ceiling.

Before: Tight budget

The problem: This formal living room was an old-fashioned space with a hodge-podge of hand-me-downs and no inviting furniture for guests, but the homeowners only had $700 for a makeover.

After: DIY magic

Designers Monica Mangin and Jess Jackson of East Coast Creative and the TV show "Knock It Off" sorted through the homeowners' and chose furniture that would work best in the space.

"Hand-me-down furniture can be awesome, but it can be majorly challenging, too," says Mangin. "This is where we think it's really helpful to either bring in a designer or sometimes even a friend to bring in a fresh set of eyes and show you the potential these pieces can have."

The designers then DIY'd their way to a new room by painting furniture, adding wainscoting and creating citron-striped curtain panels.

Before: Rental woes

The problem: The tiny living room in this New York City apartment needed personality, but renovations were limited because it was a rental.

After: Go bold

The solution: “I wanted to add a really bold splash of color on the walls and keep all the furniture neutral,” says designer Kyle Schuneman of Live Well Designs. “It’s a good tip for renters who want to be able to move with their furniture, as the neutral tones could totally work in the next place and have a completely different feel.”

Before: Carpet conundrum

The problem: A small, raw space includes mauve carpet that is screaming for help.

After: Masculine style

Designer Lane McNab of Lane McNab Design partnered with Urban Orchard Interiors to achieve this dramatic transformation. A large area rug fixed the carpet issue, and contemporary items layered with affordable vintage finds create a stylish multi-functional room in a surprisingly small space.

1/18