I just received updated photos of Janis’ living room and was genuinely amazed at the transformation. This dramatic before-and-after clearly shows how thoughtful design choices can change the feel and function of a space. Below is the original before photo she sent with her design dilemma:
The After: A Comfortable, Elevated Living Room
Here are a few snapshots of the updated space after Janis implemented the mood board makeover ideas. The changes are cohesive and thoughtfully layered, resulting in a brighter, more open, and much more inviting family room.
Janis wrote to share her excitement about the new look:
So here it is – the new look! I am still tweaking the accessories, but we got a ton of compliments over the holidays and even my kids approved! You told me that getting rid of that stencil would give height to the room; several people who have been in my house many times asked if we had raised the roof! We are astounded at the difference and we love spending time in the room now. Thanks so much for your guidance. We really love the new look! I redid the dining room at the same time and am now moving on to the bathroom, which is the last of the dated rooms on the first floor. Thanks for getting the projects off to a great start! – Janis
What Changed and Why It Works
The makeover focused on a few strategic updates that collectively transform the space. First, the walls received a fresh, lively color that instantly brightens the room and provides a modern backdrop for furniture and art. Removing the heavy stencil created visual height, making the ceiling feel higher and the room more open. This subtle change alone produced comments from visitors who thought the structure had been altered.
The seating area now centers around a sleek, leggy glass coffee table that keeps the floor visible and light, contributing to an airy, uncluttered look. Two-toned silk curtains introduce softness and a hint of luxury while framing the windows and drawing the eye upward. Together, the new textiles and finishes balance comfort and style—ideal for family living and entertaining.
A standout update was the fireplace. Instead of a costly renovation, Janis painted the brick white and stained the mantel a deep, rich tone. The whitewash modernizes the hearth and reflects light into the room, while the darker mantel provides contrast and anchors the design. Janis plans to add travertine tile at a later date for additional texture and permanence, but the painted brick is an excellent, cost-effective interim solution that looks polished and intentional.
Accessories, Flow, and Family Approval
Accessories are still being fine-tuned, but the overall flow is much improved. The new layout and layered decor invite conversation and comfortable family time. The fact that Janis’ children gave their stamp of approval says a lot—this is a room that both looks great and functions well for everyday life.
Janis also updated the dining room at the same time, and she’s now tackling the bathroom as the final space on the first floor that needed attention. These sequential updates show how a clear plan and a focused mood board can make multiple rooms feel cohesive and refreshed.
Thinking About Your Own Makeover?
If you’re considering a living room update, prioritize changes that increase light, create height, and introduce a few quality textiles or furniture pieces to elevate the space. Small, targeted updates—like painting brick, swapping window treatments, and choosing a light-reflecting coffee table—can yield dramatic results without a full renovation.
Update: We sadly no longer take on commissioned mood boards for individual clients; instead, we now create general inspiration boards. If we change that policy in the future, we’ll announce it publicly.
Hooray for smart paint choices, clever styling, and Janis’ gorgeous new living room. We’re thrilled she’s happy with the results and excited to share these after photos. If you have before-and-after photos from your own projects, consider sharing them—seeing real transformations is always inspiring.