The “Blank & Boring to Cheery & Comfortable” Living Room Makeover

Project by: Molly of Awfully Big Adventure
Location: Austin, TX

This project focused on taking my tiny, boring, popcorn-ceilinged living room and turning it into a cheery, comfortable place to come home to- all on a serious budget. Using mainly Ikea, Craigslist, hand-me-downs, and tchotchkes galore, the living room came together and is now a colorful, eclectic space far from the oatmeal box it once was.

The space didn’t fully come together for about 3 months- that’s how long it took me to find the perfect coffee table on Craigslist (a West Elm Parsons find for $40!) Great things come to those who creep around on Craigslist for months. That’s also where I found my couch and bookshelves/TV stand, though they are originally from Ikea. The best part about buying Ikea pieces on Craigslist (besides an even lower price than normal) is that they are already assembled!

I’m inspired by color, pattern, texture- I love Jamie Meares with Furbish Studio, Emily Henderson, and I will forever mourn the loss of YHL. I’ll probably never be a cool minimalist, but I do admire their restraint.

Sources:
Ikea Karlstad Couch- Craigslist, $200
West Elm Parsons side table- West Elm Outlet, $80
West Elm Parsons coffee table- Craigslist, $40
Blue Chair- hand-me-down
Ikea Lappljung Rug- Ikea, $80
Ikea Expedit Bookshelves/TV Stand- Craigslist, $30ea/$60 total
Art- all gifted or hand-me-down
All 3 Lamps- Target

Check out lots more of Molly’s style on her blog: Awfully Big Adventure

Thanks, Molly!

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