Nothing beats the feeling of turning a lackluster space into a something that’s both stunning & functional and feels just right. As our satisfied clients would tell you, BEFORE and AFTER makeover photos are great but hardly do justice to the transformations. They do, at least, capture the updates in a meaningful way and we love sharing them as much as we know you enjoy living vicariously through them.
Here’s a peek at some recent projects we’ve completed which help demonstrate the power of simple changes and thoughtful design.
Farmhouse Family Room: Before
This family room, in this Harvard, IL “farmhouse”, with its moody, dark-blue walls and river rock ‘wainscoting’, offered a fun canvas to rework and enhance, helping reveal its hidden potential. The mismatched and poorly-arranged furniture and heavy color made the room feel small and dark.
BEFORE
Notice how the layout feels cramped and the dark tones make the space appear smaller? It was definitely time for a refresh!
Farmhouse Living Room: After
The dark walls and stone accents wasn’t the real problem. By adding brighter layers and creating a new furniture arrangement along with the addition of a few statement accessories, this room has been transformed into a cozy, inviting space. The lighter layers and more strategic furniture placement help the room feel much larger and brighter.
AFTER
In keeping with the home’s “farmhouse” roots, the revised furniture layout as well as a few, new coordinating pieces of furniture, new art and accents encourages flow, while the lighter elements make the room feel open and inviting.
Living Room 2: Before
This second, recent living room project was in a 1960s ranch-style home in Johnsburg, IL. The space had already undergone a nice update including fresh ‘greige’ paint and tan carpet along with a matching seating. With great potential, our client simply wanted help with “layering” to give the room a simple, yet home-y feel.
BEFORE
With perfectly good, neutral-on-neutral basics, this space was simply crying out for a few missing elements,
a touch of color and some much-needed personality. Let’s work our magic!
Living Room 2: After
As they say, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it!” Reusing the same seating pieces, adding in a new table set and ladder-style bookcases to complement the existing media cabinet, this living room now feels much more balanced and functional. The addition of soft textures like the rug and neutral hues in artwork along with stationary window treatments creates a serene, comfortable atmosphere.
AFTER
Keeping the same furniture arrangement while introducing softer tones and minimalistic design bring a peaceful,
cohesive feel to the room.
Farmhouse Dining Room: Before
Back in our Harvard farmhouse, the dining room housed a collection of hand-me-downs which fit the bill. but lacked direction. One of the first rooms visible upon entering the home, our clients wanted help making a better first impression. The (genuine) barn wood accent wall they’d installed provided a great inspiration for our transformation.
BEFORE
We’ve all had times in our lives where we “make do” until we can make things better.
This dining room was just making do until we started our makeover!
Farmhouse Dining Room: After
With the addition of a bold, statement light fixture, a revised color scheme, and a matching dining room set complete with credenza for serving and storage, the dining room is now a stylish centerpiece for the home. The space feels inviting, personal, and more connected to the home’s overall aesthetic.
AFTER
Keeping our inspiration accent wall but neutralizing the barnwood “red” created the perfect backdrop for new furniture, lighting and window treatments. Pops of color and simple accessories complete the dining room’s fresh, relaxing vibe.
It’s now a space that invites both conversation and comfort during meals.
Before and After photos show the true impact of design decisions and the evolution of any space. Whether it’s refreshing a living room or adding some personality to a dining space, the right design choices can make a world of difference.
Ready to transform your own space? Let’s chat and bring your own Before & Afters to life!
Happy Decorating from Decor Designs. 815-245-2433
