Ever feel like changing things up? Maybe you just want to refresh your home, or maybe you’re like me and need to have different memories. Either way, it’s wonderful when the opportunity arises, and DIY spirit is allowed to roam free. That’s what leads me to this family room makeover and Life Update #9 (read previous life updates here). It’s been nearly 15 years since I started this space and it’s time for something new. Here’s the original photo when I moved in.
You can read the full story makeover in the first reveal HERE and subsequent posts below.
- Reclaimed Wood Shutters with Bed Skirt Valances
- DIY Coffered Ceiling
- DIY Floating Floor
- How to Paint a Fireplace Insert
- Arched Window Wall Art
- DIY Floating Barn Bean Mantel
- Industrial Desk Makeover
However, here is the last time I’ve shared it with you after the reveal.
If you look in the far corner, there is an entertainment center that has a story. Again, nearly 15 years ago I needed something to house our entertainment system and be safe for my six kids. This one fit the bill perfectly. It’s a Thomasville piece that is solid as a rock but was ugly orange pine.
FREE
How I got it is a fun story. It was for sale for $100 about an hour south of me.
When we went to pick it up, the guy offered it to us for free if we would take a HUGE projection screen television too. Deal! We took both and sold the television for $50 to someone happy to have it.
Thankfully, yours truly is able to dress up the armoire with a gray paint, white glaze, and glass pulls. Though, the time has come for it to find a new home.
My youngest two and I take it apart and I sell it to a local gal. She came to look at it without her husband and loves it. Then, sends her husband and son to come pick it up later. When they got out of the truck they swore, “How in the world are we going to get that upstairs?” then laughed. Off they went and I have no idea how that went.
CLEANING OUT
Next, the rest of the room gets a purge by getting rid of anything I don’t want or need anymore. That ends up being quite a few things and it feels so good. For adding to the story, I’ve got my latest vlog for you to watch below.
In order to still have an entertainment spot, I purchase a box store set secondhand. As you can see in my video, Loula, my pup, and Simone, one of my daughters, helps set it up. I’m smitten with it because of the cost savings, it’s just what I was looking for, and I wasn’t sure of the finish until I opened it. Yay!
Simone and I literally had to take it apart a few times because the instructions skipped a few steps I figured out before we got too far.
REFRESHING
Once the entertainment stand is set up, it’s time for me to take down my shutters and valances. I’ve enjoyed them for so many years and ready for a change. After I take them down, I fill the holes, sand them down, and paint as I show in my video. The next morning after painting, I find my paint tray tampered with by a certain orange, fuzzy feline occupying my home.
I mention in my vlog what I believe caused him to do this and found the evidence later while purging the room. Poor little guy, but glad he’s fine now.
Last, I hang my curtains and rods to give the room a new look as well as easy to care for. I know many of you can relate.
What is more, I also am leaving my space very minimal and letting it tell my new story. A story of healing is being told as I work through my trials and learning who Larissa is. Maybe you’re on a similar journey? Besides, getting rid of clutter eliminates a large percentage of housework in the average home. I’m game for that and it feels SO GOOD.
The couch I have here is intended for my living room as I’ve sold both sets of furniture in both rooms to create new memories.
Not only is this family room going to take on a new life, but I also need to decide if I will mount the television on the wall, hide it, or just let it be. Also, I’m still waiting for God’s direction to see if I should sell this house (per my vlog explanation) or stay. I know God will lead me if I seek Him. I’m excited to see what lies ahead.
SHARE
Do you have a similar story that you would want to share of a path you’ve traveled? Leave some comment love below as well as pin and share to inspire others with my family room makeover and life update.
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While you’re at it, here are more DIY projects like my family room makeover:
Good you are moving forward and making your current space your own. After a bad relationship I redid everything hoping to be rid of bad memories. It helped but time is a great healer too. Plus I could never understand how anyone doesn’t consider cleaning time when decorating. After all, who wants to clean when it’s sunny outside. As far as pictures on the wall, I don’t have any “people” pictures on the wall. Strictly art. It makes me happy and helps to live in the now and not be stuck in the past. My only advice is if you do hang any pictures, do one large one and not a bunch of small pictures. For me it feels more harmonious plus easier to keep clean. I seriously hate dusting! Take care and really embrace this new stage. God wants good stuff for us.
Yes. It sure does help to purge, clean, and start fresh. Spring cleaning is a great reset and also so is getting rid of things in a deep purge. I don’t typically use art for much either, unless it’s my own and I’m ALL ABOUT less to clean. woot! He sure does want the best for us.
Simple- very minimalistic. This is where I want to be!! I know God lends strength so I won’t ask how you have the energy to get all the things you do done. I’m again ever thankful for the encouragement it gives. Standing with you in prayer for whether you stay or go! Blessings
I’ve been wanting to live like this for so long and others wouldn’t go along with it. I can finally have less to take care of and I’m SO HAPPY!! Thank you, Niki, for the encouraging words.
You are such an inspiration. I moved from Kansas to VA in Oct of 23. I broke my leg 2 days before my son was going to drive me. We ended up waiting a week and I had to move in with my son and his wife. After 6 very long months I was released from PT. I found an appt that used to be a dress office and I’ve been trying to decorate. 😳
Oh, Terri! I remember that happening to you. Just awful. I’m so glad you are able to get back going. Is your home hard to decorate? I can imagine…
Larissa I have recently joined your email from down under in Oz.
I absolutely love reading & seeing your projects, you are SO very talented & generous in your sharing not only said talents but kind words to lift our spirits especially when you are travelling a hard road.
I’m sure I speak for many when I wish you smooth sailing & only blessed times & here’s to new beginnings.
I believe in Karma, do you?
So glad to have you, Leonie! 🙂 Thank you for those wonderfully encouraging words. I believe that I am free to make my own decisions and choices while at the same time God takes care of not only me, but those who have caused harm or joy in my life.
So as for the religious form of Karma, no. But I do know that actions produce consequences and at the same time there are circumstances beyond our control that affect our life choices (ie. I did not choose to be born to a narcissist and that upbringing has affected my choices, as well did the narc choose to become a narc? Not if they were also born in an abusive upbringing or neurologically wired different with parts of their brain developed with an anomaly).