Oh happy day! Blayne just sent the after photos from her recent living room makeover, and we’re excited to share the transformation. A little over a month ago we created a custom mood board to guide the update; here’s the original before photo to refresh your memory:
Using that mood board as inspiration, Blayne set out to make the living room feel lighter, brighter, and more beachy—like the kind of room where you might glance out the window and imagine seeing the ocean. The changes are simple but effective: a new furniture arrangement that opens the flow, a bold blue accent wall behind the fireplace, airy curtains, a vibrant graphic rug, and carefully chosen accessories that add personality without clutter.
The bay of windows is a standout feature and plays a major role in creating the breezy, coastal vibe. Lightweight, inexpensive curtain panels from Ikea and affordable bamboo blinds let natural light pour in while keeping the look relaxed and polished. This combination proves that great style doesn’t require an extravagant budget—smart choices and thoughtful placement do most of the work.
Blayne summed up the experience perfectly: “I was amazed at how much bigger and brighter it looks! My husband loves it too. I was so excited to show it off that I invited friends over right away. Everyone loved the way the living room and bedroom were decorated—thanks John and Sherry! I’m so happy to come home to this gorgeous room!”
The makeover highlights several practical design strategies that anyone can use to refresh a living room: choose a focal point and emphasize it with color or texture (in this case, the blue fireplace wall), rearrange furniture to open pathways and improve sightlines, layer in textiles and a statement rug for warmth and visual interest, and use window treatments to maximize light while adding softness. Small, intentional purchases—like curtain panels and blinds—can have an outsized impact on the overall feel.
Before-and-after photos are always satisfying because they show how targeted updates can transform a space without a complete overhaul. Blayne’s living room now feels airy, inviting, and thoughtfully curated. It’s proof that a clear design direction, combined with a few key pieces and well-chosen accents, can turn an ordinary room into a serene, stylish retreat with a beachy influence.
So what do you think of Blayne’s living room makeover? Her thoughtful choices and the room’s brighter, more open arrangement make it a great example of how to create a calm, coastal-inspired living space. And if you remember her earlier bedroom update, this completes a lovely pairing of rooms that feel cohesive and welcoming.
Update: We no longer have time to take on commissioned mood boards, and we now focus on creating general inspiration boards instead. If that policy changes in the future, we’ll announce it.