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Living Room Remodel Reveal

Yes, you read that right…the day is finally here. I say finally, because it’s been nearly four years since I began our living room remodel. It’s been finished since late 2019, but more on that later. Today, I’m super excited to show you what is one of the last rooms in our home to finally get a much-needed makeover from top to bottom. Take a peek at the before of our living room remodel.

Living Room Before Remodel | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

While this isn’t the true “before” when we moved in, that is what you can see in this old point-n-shoot camera from ’03. There’s textured white wallpaper, white carpet, metal windows with drip pans underneath, and a flat ceiling. We live in a Gunnison home built in 1952 and so does everyone else on our street.

Living Room White Before | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Living Room Right Before in White | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Time flies when you’re vacuuming with your mama!

The interior is not drywall, but rather wood panels with wood studs and some have basements added at some point, like ours.

EARLY BEGINNING

However, I was pregnant with my second when we moved in. Two weeks after our move, I ended up with pneumonia and a staph blood infection with ICU stay of over two weeks. Honestly, I nearly died. So…we didn’t get a jump on the remodel.

However, eventually for a simple fix, I rolled the walls with topping joint compound to hide the wallpaper and then painted it green. Then, I stippled the ceiling to hide those flaws as well. Next, we pulled up the white carpet to find gorgeous hardwood floors. I mean, who does that? (puts carpet over hardwood…blucky to me) In addition, we replace the large picture window, side window, and install a new entry door. Currently, since we’ve been here 20 years, we just put in another front door switching it from leaded glass metal door to a more rustic dark wood finish.

So, what you see in the before picture is a transition phase. You can even see how I painted one wall in the entry to stage my entry mirror not long ago. I wanted it white to stage, but also because I wanted to see if I wanted white in this space again.

THE GOAL

First, I want to start with a backstory for you. When we purchased this home 20 years ago, my goal was to improve it and move out into the country and be 100% debt free. More on that as I share in the video below. As hard as I tried to make that happen in a short time, it wasn’t meant to be. However, I am free of all debt except a small amount on the mortgage. My last effort was in early 2020 as I hoped with the housing market being ripe, that we could make a run in the spring to sell our home. Without rehashing the details in this post, I invite you to HEAD HERE to read the story.

God has a plan and I’m seeking His heart for my future. The turn of events in just over a year ago have knocked my feet out from under me. Both in good and bad ways. Not only that, but, when I started this room, I still had my bilateral vertigo and was waiting on my MRI results to find out why I was having “strokes”. Then, to top it off, we found a home where they accepted our super-low bid if we sold our house in two weeks. Guys…we got this room done in 12 days after only having part of the ceiling worked on. That means we had to shop for wood, notch panels, paint, put up faux beams, and arch the doorways. YIKES!!!

CEILING START

Before we put in that bid, here’s where our room started. My kids and I had our therapy in pulling down all that wallpaper.

Kids Tearing Down Wallpaper in Living Room | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I want to keep this as low-cost as possible because I pay cash for all things and don’t want to spend any unnecessary funds. With that in mind, I decide to take on turning the ceiling panels upside down and on top of the joists for an open beam effect. Am I a sucker for punishment or what?

Stippled Living Room Ceiling Take-Down | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I take down one of the smaller panels and see our blown insulation come rolling out. That means that for each panel I turn over, I need to get into the attic, remove the insulation to somewhere (we bagged it), and then flip the panel letting whatever fall below. MESS. Oh, and the only access into our attic is a small panel above my washing machine. Here are two of my four daughters helping me remove the insulation. Isn’t it a good thing I started this in late February?

Removing Blown Insulation in Living Room Remodel | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Girls in Living Room Attic | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

While I worked on one section, I would lay down rolled insulation so not all of our heat is sucked up there. Can you see me up in there?

Open Attic Ceiling | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then, as we turned each panel up between the rafters, I would lay on top and staple hoping to hit the joists. Lemme just say I did so good with that…tee hee.

Larissa in Attic Stapling Ceiling Panels | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Living Room Ceiling Panels Flipped onto Joists | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

FEELING GOOD

I’m a mite bit happy with how well this living room remodel is going. {{YEAH, BABY!!}}

Larissa Rockin' the Living Room Ceiling | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Only a ton more panel spaces to go…oy! What’s crazy is that near the one wall, I had to cut the panel in place because I needed it to still cover the closets.

Cutting Ceiling Panel for Remodel | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Finally, with the help of all six of my kids, we got that ceiling done and it’s time for me to paint. Can I just say I have the BEST TEAM EVER?!

Larissa DIY Ceiling Panels | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Family Working Together on Living Room Model | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

WALLS

Next, it’s time to tackle the walls. Yes, they were wood panels, but we add luan (a thin plywood) over top. This allows us to have a clean slate to work with but took oodles of work to notch each piece to fit. You can see how we used the same luan in these other remodels:

Luan Wall Panel in Living Room | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Closeup of Luan Wall in Living Room | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then, once the luan is up, I paint the walls the same Swan Wing white as in my master bedroom. However, the first color I choose was absolutely the wrong color of white. How do they call that white…it’s purply pink!

Not White Paint | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I take my lemons and make lemonade just using that paint as a base coat. After that, I use the beloved Swan Wing to give it two final coats.

BEAMS, BEAMS, BEAMS

Before I move on to the next part, I want to say a praise. Somehow between all my overhead work, my bilateral vertigo went away. It’s not fully gone as I can still feel dizzy looking out a hotel window or climbing bleachers. However, it’s nowhere near as severe where I would fall over in the dark or a monochrome room. Hallelujah and here’s to conquering fears! Okay, so here are my primed panels and 2×4 joists. You can see how it’s much like the look I was after when doing my dining room ceiling recently. Also, you can see how my faux beams in my bedroom got is featured at This Old House.

Primed Farmhouse Ceiling Beams | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Though, notice the double joists are left raw. That’s because I want to add faux beams as a part of my living room remodel. With that, we head to one of my favorite places to shop…the reclaimed wood heaven. You’re looking at antique barns, factories, warehouses – all with wood from early 1800’s or first growth grain…drool…

Reclaimed Wood Storage Shed | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Reclaimed Barn Wood in Ohio for Living Room Remodel | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Family Getting Reclaimed Wood in Ohio | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Even more, next door to it is my favorite fabric store made out of a reclaimed barn. Can a girl ask for anything more?

In my hunt, I pick out this gorgeous, shaggy, rough sawn beech from an old factory. All we need to do is cut it to length and rip it making three pieces: two mitered side pieces, and one bottom piece with two miters.

Cutting Reclaimed Beech Wood for Living Room Open Beam Ceiling | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Ripping Reclaimed Beech Wood for Faux Beams | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

After that, we install using a professional finish nailer to make it a breeze.

Nailing Faux Exposed Ceiling Beam in Living Room | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

DIY Faux Barn Beam Collage by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

FINISHING TOUCHES

Last, once we have the beams up, we also use the same wood to cover the luan panel seams and create casings for our window area. Not only that, but I also put a new ceiling and tongue-n-groove pine in that same window area. It’s the same pine we put up in our dining room and also in our boys’ room ceiling.

Finishing Window Walls in Living Room Remodel | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Reclaimed Wood Wall Boards | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

In addition, you can see I cut all the ceiling trim having to measure each and every span as I went.

Ceiling Trim in Living Room | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

For the window and door trim, and the baseboards, I paint those the same slate green I use on my kitchen cabinets.

DIY Door Frame Trim | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

THE FINAL REVEAL

To be able to say to you that this room is done is quite the relief. First, take a peek at this video below as I share a bit more information with you.

Vlog of My Living Room Remodel by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

While we reworked just about every part of the room, the last frontier is the floor. I so wanted to refinish them, but couldn’t get help to get that done, so they are staying as-is for the time being. In any event, I’d say the room looks absolutely nothing like what we moved in to.

Rustic Farmhouse Living Room Remodel by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

DIY Living Room Remodel by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

With every corner filled with something I either made or found, make this home story even sweeter. Even that $25 hutch got a new life in this post HERE. Yes, it takes patience and elbow grease, but at least I can now say I’ve made my house my own. You can even see how I remodeled the adjoining hallway in this video post HERE.

Corner View of Living Room Remodel by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Kitchen Door into Living Room by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

My curbside door turned mirror makes the room less rectangular, and my $40 sofa and chair are just the right touch.

Tufted Vintage Couch in Living Room | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Upright Grand Piano in Living Room | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

My free antique upright grand piano with organ bench topped with my DIY linen cover are where I teach my kids piano.

Antique Upright Grand Piano | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

WORKIN’ FOR ME

Also, if you ever wanted to see where all the magic happens for my blog…it’s right here.

Antique Oak Desk with Channel Back Chair | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Antique Oak Desk Workspace of Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Larissa of Prodigal Pieces Desk Decor | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Wouldn’t you like to join me here for a chat? My DIY channel back chair along with my pallet wood desk make this spot cozy.

Farmhouse Living Room Front Window by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Even Loula and Ivan love to chillax here. They’re both babies at 10 months and two months – what a duo. See my video as to why I split my lip.

Loula and Ivan Sleeping in Living Room | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

SHARE

Well folks, there ya go. My living room remodel is complete and I’m happy that I’m finally sharing it with you. Leave me some comment love below while also pinning and sharing to inspire others too.

A drab to fab living room remodel will astound you by Larissa and family of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to see what becomes of this latest thrifted find over HERE.

Thrifted Box Before | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

PLUS, you will get your free Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
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While you’re at it, here are more DIY projects like my living room remodel to inspire you:

Wow! This garden shed remodel really went from dump to dream. See the full video tour at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #garden #diyWhat a difference! This DIY Patio & Pergola Update Refreshes and Dresses up this backyard retreat | Details at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #patio #pergola #backyard

Comments

  1. Judy Burnside says

    Wow! What a transformation! The living room looks so inviting and warm. Each phase, each change is such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your heart and your life with us. God bless each of you, and have a wonderful Independence Day.

    • Larissa says

      Yay! I can’t say enough how good it feels to feel like I live in my own home. Thanks so much, Judy!

  2. Rebecca - NC says

    All I can say is WOW!!!! What an amazing amount of work and incredible transformation!!! You and your kids should be doing the happy dance!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! 🎊🎈🎉 It’s FABULOUS!!!! 😍🥰😍🥰

    • Larissa says

      Just to not have insulation inside my clothes alone made me do a happy dance. 😀 haha! I’m so thankful for all who helped and am glad we can enjoy it now. Thanks so much for cheering us on, Rebecca!

  3. Niki says

    That’s a lot of elbow grease Larissa!!
    It’s very warm and inviting. You and your kiddo’s did a very nice job and dealing with blown in is not easy or fun. I would so enjoy a small office area like the one you have set up, it looks cozy, and I bet you get a lot of work done there. I used to sort of have office area but it wasn’t working out. The corner I want to use now is a cluttered mess of wire dog kennels, food bowls and water dispenser.
    Anyway 🇺🇸🇺🇸Happy 4th!!🇺🇸🇺🇸 I hope you enjoy the rest of your week. God bless

    • Larissa says

      You ain’t kiddin’! 😀 I do get so much done at my work desk, but also my desk in my family room where I sew. Both allow me to look out windows which is so good for me. I hear ya on the clutter corners as we have several of those! Thanks, Niki.

  4. Marie B says

    Larissa, this is the very thing that drew me to your blog ten years ago. Your willingness to work hard, find frugal ways to create what you want, fearless “tools before jewels” DIY saavy, and “trash to treasure” reimagination of rescues that might otherwise end up in the landfill. Your living room looks amazing and what I love most is that every nook and cranny tells a story!

    • Larissa says

      aww…yay!! I just love trying things myself (like my hair) because I can feel good that I tried and that I gave it my all. Thank you so much for all your support over the years. I wish you lived closer!

  5. Sharon Caulineau says

    Larissa, You are such an inspiration. If your children get just one of your work ethic genes, they will have wonderful lives. That ceiling idea made such a difference in the room. Looking out the window with the plants and open ceiling is so nice.
    Have a safe and blessed Independence Day. God bless you and your sweet family, Sharon

    • Larissa says

      Well, you sure know how to make a gal feel good, Sharon. I am delighted to have them alongside me and learning. What is the best is seeing them pull up their own bootstraps and dive right in. Thank you so much!

  6. susan says

    Such a great transformation! And to do it with all your on-going struggles….my heart goes out to you 💕 Sure wish I had the talent and ability you do!

    • Larissa says

      aww…thank you, Susan. I’m so glad to be done with it and ready to move on.

  7. Hélène says

    Well done Larissa !
    What a warm and welcoming room !
    I’ve been following your journey for afar, what a strong, brave (and extremely talented) woman you are !
    (And your new haircut looks so good on you)
    You’re such an inspiration, thanks for sharing it all.
    Sending you hugs and good vibes from France,
    Hélène

    • Larissa says

      You’ve made my day, Helene! Thank you for taking the time to make me smile. It truly means so much as I’ve had a very rotten week. It could be worse, I suppose! 😀

  8. lori sawyer says

    Hard work and Faith paid off!! Such a beautiful transformation.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you so much. I’m breathing a sigh of relief and ready to move on.

  9. Mary says

    Wow, Larissa! This project is just amazing! For one, I would have never thought of opening up the ceiling? and for two, I wouldn’t have thought I could do it. Not sure where I learned that, but it is very inspiring to see how you think outside the box all the time AND how you aren’t fearful of tackling things..BIG projects like this! I admire your courage and boldness in dreaming big dreams and making things happen as much as is in your ability to do so. Thank you so much for continuing to inspire! I am certain your children are learning excellent skills and ideals from your example ❤️ You remind me of the Prov 31 verse…a virtuous woman, who can find.

    • Larissa says

      Yeah, I’m a nut like that. haha. I knew it would be hard work, but I saw no point in buying new boards when I already had some. Plus, it created a bonding experience for me and my kids. What a job! Thank you so much, Mary.

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2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

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2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

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I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

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