We love to see updates of rooms that we've featured in the past on Apartment Therapy. Today, we ran across a fun message for us on Facebook from Sarah, whose home was shown in this House Call post last January. Her message included a photo of her updated sitting room, decorated for the holidays and showing off a set of new chairs...
She writes: You featured our "downisizing" story a while back...our life continues to metamorphosize...and now we just got these LIZZ chairs by Kartell- they are so GORGEOUS!
It's fun to see someone keeping things fresh and new - even though Sarah's room was just as lovely before, making changes and exploring new design directions can be a really enjoyable part of caring for and making the most of your home. It's a good reminder for all of us as we kick off 2011 with our focus on a "fresh start" for our homes - don't be afraid to mix things up a bit!
Thanks for the message on Facebook, Sarah!

White Enamel Four-P...
SO much nicer!!!
The words "way better" come to mind. Don't want to knock your taste in the old look, but this is definitely a good change. Congrats on the new look, Sarah!
Vast improvement. Great job!
I love love love that table! And I like how the mantle is set up as well - can't put my finger on why, but it lends a nice, warm homey touch.
Yes! Much, much better. Very fresh and inviting!
Love the new look - the new couch and dining chairs.
that gigantic table is killing me. where did you get it (or have it made)? also, yay for duluth! (i'm in mpls.)
Source for the new sofa?
I really liked the before, but then I saw the after! It's more modern and less cluttered. Well done!
There were definitely things about the BEFORE that I wasn't crazy about, but to me, the AFTER isn't doing it for me either. The scale and placement of the furniture is just NOT working at all. While I am salivating over that table, I hate the location and it appears to be jammed up next to a countertop that has stools? It is just a jarring layout.
What happened to the leather sofa from the before photo? I love that thing.
Wow, I like them both! I agree that the "after" is cleaner and simpler. And holy smokes, that table is INCREDIBLE!
The only thing that's bugging me a little bit is the placement of that small TV. Props to Sarah for not getting a giant one and mounting it over the mantel (ick) but something about it is a little troublesome... hm. I wish I had a good idea for what to do with it!
While the furniture in the AFTER photo is definitely more to my taste, I think the arrangement in the BEFORE photo is more inviting. It looks more open... more thought out.
wow -- this room wasn't 'refreshed' -- it had a complete STYLE DO-OVER
I like the after better. Furniture is more to my taste. A little curious as to why the sconces are so low beside the fireplace. I've never seen them that low unless they are beside a bed. i think they look strange.
Wow. I would have guessed that new people had moved in. Congrats!
much nicer!
where did she get that couch?
The Couch is from CB2 -- the piazza I believe. They recently discontinued that color though. Now it's only dark blue, and a two-toned cream/white
Wow - The place was so warm, cozy, eclectic, mature and inviting before...
I really like the dining table, but the armless sofas and removing the cabinets from either side of the fireplace seems like a step backwards.
Love the new look! The table is awesome, and the sunburst mirror makes a huge difference to the mantel.
I'm not fond of the before or after, but I'm sure my living/dining wouldn't be well received either. If the person who lives in the space likes it, then it's a great space.
LOVE the changes! Great chairs.
~Tanya
dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com
I like them both, but the after is more relaxed. Although I think the paint color goes better with the before. New paint?
Also, the after would look even better without the tv.
I love that table so very much.
I have to agree with other posters though, that isn't a refresher it's a completely new room.
Medeina @ whencatsfish.blogspot.com/
I would have designed around the leather couch!!!
the new paint looks much better. other than that...
the new paint looks much better. other than that...
nice work! i'd be happy to take your old couch though ;)
Wow