08.21
2013

New Sconces and our Karlstad Sectional in the Family Room
 
Yesterday I took photos of Lillie and Lola’s room as well as of our new “You Are My Sunshine” chalkboards. Along with the chalkboard version of it we are also going to be offering it in two colors. As soon as we get them back from the printers we will be listing those in the shop – hopefully later this week and if not then we should definitely have them next week. So, I will have some nice colorful photos to share with you soon. Until then here are some more shots of our very neutral family room with our new sconces. They are a much better proportion than the ones that were here. (There is a before shot if you scroll down a bit). We intentionally did our family room and kitchen VERY light and very neutral which I know to some people will seem quite boring but we did this for a few reasons. First – I love neutrals and find them to be very soothing. Second, these two rooms (which are essentially one large room) get VERY little natural light so are quite dark. By doing them in light neutral colors it helps it feel much less dreary in here. And third, I wanted to be able to very easily change this room up seasonally and just in general. Which just some fresh flowers, throw pillows and even fruit in the kitchen we can add pops of color scheme quite easily. I cannot wait to decorate this room in December! 
We still have a a couple more things to add to the room like a rug and recovering the ottoman in a darker fabric but we are definitely getting closer to having this room complete. And I have changed a couple of things even since I took these photos the other day – I hung a large photo of each of the girls above the chairs on either side of the television and also switched out the small black frames on the oversized chevron boards for larger ones I spray painted white. They are still on the chevron squares, they are just now thicker white frames in the center of the chevron. I also switched out the mirror above the fireplace with the painting that in our den although I am leaning towards switching it back to the mirror.
Here is a close-up (sorry for the grain – as I mentioned the natural light in here is awful and I haven’t discovered where I put my tripod yet – haha!)

Now that we have lived here a while and I’ve had time to stare at this brick every night while working on my computer and think about the different options for it I am leaning more and more towards whitewashing it. 

The trim, fireplace and doors are painted in London Fog by BM in a semi-gloss finish.You can read about that here.

 Here is a before shot where you can see the tiny little brass sconces that were there.

We got our Karlstad sectional from IKEA and I have to say so far we have been absolutely thrilled with it! I was a little nervous about it to start with. We ordered it that first week we moved in after I drove Jon and my parents crazy measuring and remeasuring and trying to decide if it was the right purchase or not and it came the following week. Before we ordered it I was quite torn because design-wise I knew it wasn’t what I would choose, but we wanted to be able to sit a bunch of people comfortably and it allowed us to face both of the focal points (the fireplace on one wall and the TV on another). There was not a single other sectional we could find that was even close to being in our price range so that made the decision to get one from IKEA pretty easy. We were orginally torn between this one and the Ektorp but because of the meaurements and a few other factors including the fact that we thought this one would retain it’s shape a little better we went with the Karlstad. Basically in the end for this purchase we decided to go with the functionality of a sectional over a “pretty” sofa and I am so glad we did! It is really comfortable and our whole family can all snuggle up on it together. We also can fit a surprising amount of people on it. And one of my favorite things about it is that because the fabric fits snugly it doesn’t get wrinkly or messy looking at ALL!

I know a lot of people will think we are crazy for getting white but I love the way the white looks. It helps keep the sectional from overwhelming the room and even though it isn’t a slipcovered sofa it is still pretty easy to remove the cushions and throw them in the wash. I know this because we already had a rather large spill while someone was eating dessert a few nights ago and ended up washing all of the covers on the seat parts. I won’t name any names but let’s just say it wasn’t a female member of our family. =) It ended up being easier putting them back on after washing them than it was when we first assembled the sofa because I put them on when they were still a tiny bit damp. I know that regardless of that a lot of people will still think it’s crazy to go with white but I figured it was worth the risk because if it ever does become too much upkeep we can always ask for one of the darker covers for Christmas to switch out with the white one. For now though I am really LOVING the white and just the overall sectional in general. And I have to say I can’t believe I am saying that. I really thought it was just going to be okay  – something that was worth getting even though I didn’t love it because it was going to be functional for our family, but I actually now love it.

I am basically done now with Phase 1 of our kitchen makeover so am
hoping we will have a very sunny day soon so I can photograph it and
when I do I will show you the this room from the other side so you can
fully see the sectional.

 I hope you are all having a lovely week!

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Our Den/Study
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82 thoughts on “New Sconces and our Karlstad Sectional in the Family Room”

  1. Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home

    Your new sectional is beautiful!
    We have large one too, in our family room . . . and its size is perfect for entertaining.
    I love the patterns and colors of your couch pillows!
    Your home is inspiring . . . thank you so much for sharing.
    Have a beautiful week,
    Suzanne

  3. Although I love color, your living room is sophisticated and gorgeous! Did you already mention where you got your sconces?

    1. Thanks, Nancy! No, I didn't mention where they were from. They were a splurge for us so it wasn't one of those exciting things that I couldn't wait to share what a good deal we found – haha! We spent a month or so deciding if it was worth it to splurge on them and seeing how we couldn't find anything else that we loved as much we did go ahead and get them and decided to not get the lantern we had been planning on for the other part of the room and just go with these sconces so that helped balance out the cost. They are from RH Baby and Child.

  4. Absolutely beautiful!!:) I love the neutral colors!! I think the fireplace would look Great white washed!:) I also can't wait to see Lilly and Lola's room!!:) Kelsey

  6. The room is beautiful! I love neutral spaces as well and find it so much easier to add color {in small doses :)}with a neutral back drop. I hope you'll post again on how the sofa wears over time. I've heard good things from people who have purchased from Ikea, but said they don't really "use" those sofas on a daily basis.

  7. LOVE the sconces! They are fabulous!! The whole room looks amazing!! I just love your style! I am so impresses with how much you've gotten done on your new house in such a short amount of time. I am loving watching it transform!

  8. I think the room looks fabulous!! But I cant say that I would not be one of the ones that would say aren't you worried about the white with kids. I'm trying to get up the courage to do this in our good living room so that I can change out the pillows and wall color when I'm tired of it. But I was going to go with a more of a off white color just because of everyday dirt. Let alone stains from a spill. But I fiqured I would go with a nice tight slip cover though no matter the color, so I could wash the slipcover as needed. And I was thinking when you first showed us the room that I think I would want to whitewash the fireplace brick, and now you are mentioning doing it. I guess great minds think alike. Love your style and cant wait to see the girls room! A follower in Md. Shawn

  10. You need not ever apologize to me about going all neutral – never EVER will I think that it is boring- it's AWESOME and I love what you have done to make this space absolutely perfect. Love it, Jenn.

    Your sconces are to die for awesome.

  11. What a transformation! I would definitely whitewash the brick around the fireplace, it will give a nice cohesive look. The sconces are so 'french'. While I am drooling over the room have I mentioned I L.OV.E. sectionals?! They are so practical for families and so inviting for all.
    You are doing a fabulous job (in my humble opinion)!
    Fondly-Lisa

  13. I have a friend with three kids and they host 50+ college students every week. She swears by her white IKEA covered sofa because she can put it in the wash with bleach. She's had it for years. I think yours looks great!

    I have the Ektorp chair and ottoman. I bought them when they had a special running and they threw in the white covers for free. Maybe it is time to put them on and take off my red…. Yes, I'm one of those who bought a red sofa 9 years ago and now regrets it.

  14. Jennifer: This room is very nice…love the sconces. I like your idea of whitewashing the fireplace bricks; everything you do always looks great! Cindy

  16. LOVE IT! Remind me: did you do the pillows yourself? I'm particularly looking at the one in the middle. It all goes so well together. I'm afraid I'm a little all over the place in my decorating. I love what I love, I suppose. I just bought a black and white chevron runner for my foyer. And I love it. Gotta love perfect splurges sometimes.

    1. No, I actually got the pillows at Home Goods. Your runner sounds GORGEOUS! I've actually been on the lookout for a fun stair runner – that one sounds like so much fun!

  17. Hi Jennifer! I love watching your transformation and it is very inspiring…not bland and lifeless at all!!! Your blog and home has been my inspiration for a few years now. I feel your pain on painting all the trim white as I had to do that many years ago. Anyway I am heading to Ijea in a few days to get the Ektorp white sectional and have been very nervous about it. I have a white slipcover sofa now but not a sectional and it just does not have enough seating. With two younger boys we need more "snuggling" room too! I am very nervous because of the size though and have measured and put down tape trying to figure the layout. Anyway I was wondering how much room is between the end if the sofa by the tv and the tv cabinet? I am a little worried mine will be too close but think mine will look similar to yours. The good thing is that Ikea told me I have 90 days to try it and return it if doesn't work. Thanks. Angie in Richmond VA

    1. Thank you so much, Angie! It is exactly 36"! We were really concerned it was going to be too tight (so much so that we almost didn't get it) but because we couldn't come up with any other solutions that we could afford we went ahead with it and it fits great and is so easy to get by. It hasn't been a problem at all!

  18. Hi Jennifer! I love watching your transformation and it is very inspiring…not bland and lifeless at all!!! Your blog and home has been my inspiration for a few years now. I feel your pain on painting all the trim white as I had to do that many years ago. Anyway I am heading to Iea in a few days to get the Ektorp white sectional and have been very nervous about it. I have a white slipcover sofa now but not a sectional and it just does not have enough seating. With two younger boys we need more "snuggling" room too! I am very nervous because of the size though and have measured and put down tape trying to figure the layout. Anyway I was wondering how much room is between the end if the sofa by the tv and the tv cabinet? I am a little worried mine will be too close but think mine will look similar to yours. The good thing is that Ikea told me I have 90 days to try it and return it if doesn't work. Thanks. Angie in Richmond VA

  21. Everything is SO beautiful, seriously!! You have such a gift. I love your fireplace the way it is, but I think it would also look great whitewashed! I'm interested to see if you end up doing this, my fireplace is very similar and I have been debating the exact same thing! Have you seen Carmel's fireplace makeover from Our Fifth House? It looks amazing!

    Thanks for the inspiration, Jennifer!

  22. You have been doing an amazing job on your new home, I love the sconces and sectional! I am impressed at how much you have accomplished in such a small amount of time. I had the same dilemma with my fireplace brick, after changing my whole room to neutrals, I decided to whitewash my dark red brick, I was so nervous to do it, but it was so easy, and I love it. I think yours would look beautiful whitewashed also! I look forward to seeing the rest of your home's transformation.

    Kimberlee

  23. The sconces are perfect for that room. It brought so much character. I think the mirror should definitely stay above the fireplace. With it being a room with not-so-great natural lighting, I think it opens up the room and brightens it up even more. It gives it nice dimension. I am really excited to see what you do with the bricks. What an awesome & soothing room, Jennifer. I love it.

  24. Everything is looking so beautiful Jennifer! I bought one of those tufted chairs a few weeks back for our living room make over. I just love it. Wish I had room for two like you do.

  25. You are a miracle worker! You are just transforming your house into your home! I love all the details and your sectional looks great! I can't wait to see the You Are My Sunshine prints! I sang that to my daughter every day on our ride to school and still sing it often now! 🙂

  28. Jennifer, this is so very pretty! The before and after photos are already amazing. You have such a talent for bringing life and beauty to a room. I also get a distinct Williamsburg feeling from your spaces, but with your own touch added ;). I'm so excited to see the rest of this transformation!

  30. Those sconces! Swoon!! Just wondering why there are no photos facing the front of the new sectional. They are all from the back…I'd love to see the pillows

    1. Thank you, Lindsay! I mentioned it in the post but I am sure it was easy to miss seeing how this was a very wordy post for me. =) I will be showing it from the other angle when I photograph our kitchen makeover.

  31. Love the white! I would so get a white sectional and would totally get it if 4 out of 7 of my kids were not boys. Lol. I have a chair and white cover from Ikea in my room, and they've already gotten it dirty. Not even in a room they use! Good thing to know it can be bleached!
    Jen

  32. Gorgeous!! The sconces are stunning! You have impeccable taste. I adore everything you do. Contest idea: a room consultation with YOU! My dream…

  33. This room looks wonderful and very inviting!! Love the neutrals you use…..not bland at all!! Thanks for sharing and looking forward to more updates on your lovely new home.

  34. LOVE seeing your progress, I must admit I haven't been following as closely as I would like too but every now and then I come and take a peek! <3

  35. Love seeing your progress Jen! I must admit that I don't follow as closely as I would like too but I do take peeks whenever I can <3

  36. Great new sconces! I love your neutral palette! Like you said, you can add colour with accessories if you chose. We have three young girls and a white slipcovered sofa and chairs. We LOVE them!
    Ps lifeless and bland comment? Well, I suppose everyone is entitled to write what they think, but I couldn't disagree more.

    1. Thank you, Andrea! And it's nice knowing that other family's with young children love their white slipcovered furniture as well! I hope you are doing well. Have a blessed week!

  37. I'm a neutral girl too! Love the gray trim and white walls, the room looks beautiful. I would totally get a white sofa if I was in the market for new furniture, love the look even though I have messy little boys, it's worth the risk. 🙂 My friend recently whitewashed her fireplace brick and it turned out amazing, much better than just painting it white. I say go for it!

  38. THis is so beautiful!!! Cannot believe how much you have accomplished in such a short time and with 2 little girls!

    Where did you get your curtains?

  39. Jennifer,
    What beautiful eye candy your family room has turned out to be. I have been waiting (impatiently) for your big reveal and it doesn't disappoint. I really love the new sectional and I too love neutrals and adding color through pillows and décor. I questioned your decision to leave the beams stained but after seeing the room I think it looks beautiful. BTW.. where did you get the mirror over your mantle?

  40. Absolutely gorgeous! God has gifted you with great talent of creativity! I'm excited to see more of your home! I too could not disagree more with the "lifeless and bland style"! Awesome job!

  43. It is not boring at all, it looks quite lovely – – neutral is beautiful. Yeah, agree, lifeless and bland comment is ridiculous. Why people feel the need to say such things…

  45. Love love! Where is the patterned fabric pillow from or what fabric is it? It reminds me of Schumacher betwixt (which I love).

  46. I absolutely love your living room transformation. Ive had white sofas for 40 years and love them. Nothing is forever anyway and it's good to make people/pets and kids respect your furniture.
    Enjoy- it looks fabulous.
    xo Nancy

  47. I am just the opposite of you color wise. Light colors make me jumpy but I love the way yours looks and think that you have done a phenomal job and so quickly with all you have going. Waiting for You are my Sunshine. We have called my second daughter sunshine all of her life. Perfect birthday gift!
    Keep up the excellent work. Can't wait to see girls rooms. They are beautiful little girls!

  48. Love your home! You do such an excellent job on everything. How do you keep going? Looking forward to You are my sunshine.
    Your girls are beautiful little girls! I am enjoying your move and can't wait to see the girls room!

  49. I LOVE it all….the sectional is awesome, so much seating and it is a beautiful piece…the sconces are beautiful too……….can't wait to see the other rooms!

  51. Your room and house are so beautiful. Everything looks perfect. I am going to have to check out that couch at Ikea. The sconces are gorgeous. Love the color. I think the brick would look great whitewashed. I remember my Mom whitewashing our red brick fireplace back in the 70s. Ha.

  52. I adore the space, Jennifer! I like color too, but in our main areas we have mainly neutral so it's soothing and easy to dress up for holidays. I had a feeling those sconces were RH! Sometimes it's good to splurge on something you really love, but I'm pretty sure you know that.
    xo,
    Shannon

  53. I adore your space, Jennifer! The sectional fits into your aesthetic perfectly and the sconces are gorgeous (I knew they had to be RH!). Sometimes even budget conscious folks can splurge a little on something they really love! Looking forward to seeing more of the new place.
    xo,
    Shannon

  54. Ahhhhhhh… The room is WONDERFUL! So light and airy looking. My eyes just feel like heaven looking at the softness of the room and the colors. So peaceful. And, those sconces… oh my gosh, where in the world did they come from. I must have some, they are incredible… Trying to catch up on posts i've missed now. I knew it was going to be so fun seeing you fix the place up… oh yeah, i agree…definitely paint that red brick!

    Cindy

  56. Jenni, this room is gorgeous! I understand why you went so neutral and think it was the perfect choice! You have selected beautiful items to fill the room that give it loads and loads of character. You sure are making a happy home for your family! As the girls and I left yesterday, E exclaimed: "I wish that was our house!" Haha! A true testament to how happy {and lively!} your home is! 🙂

  57. Hi Jennifer. I have long been an admirer of your ability to create mouth-wateringly gorgeous vignettes and spaces in your home. Simply gorgeous!!! Thank you for the time and effort you put into your blog it's an inspiration.

  58. Looks great, chic and sophisticated. Have you thought ab scotchgarding the sofa to help protect it? The make upholstery ones you can easily find. just a thought to help it last 🙂 well done

  59. Looks great, chic and sophisticated. Have you considered scotchguarding the cushions and arms to further protect the material? Great job!

  60. It looks perfect. You decided perfectly , the room is lovely designed by you. I although have dark balks, it makes the room very cozy. I only painted the balks in white in some kids-room.
    I love how you style your new home.

  61. Oh I misunderstood the word brick, I wood not whitened it. What do you think about a dark grey. But the bricks in it natural color are also very nice for a house in country style.
    Sorry about my english.
    Kind regards

  63. I thinks sectionals are great for fitting a bunch of people but they really do take up a bunch of space don't they. I like how they have really open sectionals now.

    1. The chairs were from TJ Maxx. I got them back at the beginning of the year and paid $200 each for them which I think was a GREAT deal! I've seen them as recently as this summer in some other TJ Maxx's for $249 which still is a great price, in my opinion. I've been really really happy with them!

  65. hi, i did not read all the comments so perhaps you already said, but where are the chairs from and did they cost a fortune? I love them (and the sectional).

    1. The chairs were from TJ Maxx. I got them back at the beginning of the year and paid $200 each for them which I think was a GREAT deal! I've seen them as recently as this summer in some other TJ Maxx's for $249 which still is a great price, in my opinion. I've been really really happy with them!

  66. I bought the Karlstad extended love seat when I moved into my first place and was talked into the tan slipcover for it – big mistake, it ended up just looking dirty in my nice clean white apartment. I lived with it for a while and always had a throw draped over the back, I finally went and got a white slipcover last spring and I love it!

  67. What configuration of the karlstad did you purchase? It looks like a corner piece and two "love seat" sized pieces on either side. We currently have the ektorp sofa/chaise in white and I am looking into purchasing the karlstad although I don't know if I should go with white or the light grey. I too love the look of a white couch.

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