Living Room Renovation: Our New Sectional!
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Well, I did it. I finally got rid of the couch I bought with my first bonus check and the loveseat that the cat had scratched beyond recognition. Both had been slipcovered for years, and they were frumpy (yet, comfy, so it was hard to let go). While they may not look all that bad in the photos, in person, they WERE.
As for furniture to replace these old couches, we needed something that would withstand abuse from two kids and a cat, looked modern yet comfy, and fit in our awkwardly sized space. Also, I didn’t want to pay a fortune because there’s a good chance it will be tortured at some point since I have two kids with reflux and would like to move within the next few years. SO: cheap, comfy, stylish, easy-to-maintain, and the perfect size. Not too much to ask for, right? HA!
Imagine my surprise when I spotted the perfect one while strolling through Macys. Of course I wasn’t satisfied and checked out 4 other stores before realizing the price and styling of this was was perfect for our needs right now. On sale, plus an extra 10% off for ordering it during a furniture event, AND I had a Macy’s store credit to use– the signs were all there, it was meant to be. I ordered it in gray because the tan was too light for a family with two kids and 6 weeks later it’s sitting in our living room, ridiculously cheaper than even the cheapest (and ugliest) sectionals I saw in other places.
Two things. First is that microfiber may not have been my first choice in fabrics, but it’s family friendly so we’re going with it. Secondly, the other side of the cushions has a much more tailored look because it’s tufted with buttons. I prefer it way more than the side I photographed. HOWEVER, have you ever seen a 10-month old and 2-year-old go to town on some tufted buttons? Yeah, we’re keeping the cushions facing this way for now.
After delivery I realized my mistake. I ordered the couch part to go against the long wall and the loveseat section for the shorter width of the room. Guess what? When you put them together in that configuration, the love seat part is LONGER than the couch part by 10 inches. Oooops.
Therefore it sticks out about a foot longer than I thought, and kinda rubs my OCD the wrong way, but it’s not a huge mistake. Just means there’s more seating facing the t.v., nothing wrong with that.
To add some color, I ordered pillowcases from Etsy that were a steal. Covered my old throw pillows with them, and POP!
Okay, three more big things to do before I can call this room finished.
1. We need new end tables and a coffee table– hopefully something found on Craig’s List that I can spruce up.
2. The dilemma of what to do on this great big stretch of wall keeps me up at night. I have a few ideas, but they take courage– and I am decidedly lacking in decorating courage.
3. And I’d like to turn the space behind the couch into a usable entryway “nook”. Here’s that space with the old furniture. There is a reason the canvases are off center– I’ll expand more on that later!
It looks fantastic!! Just Scotch Guard it and you should be good to go 🙂
LOVE the photos on the wall!
I second the scotch guard, and just think the next time you should need to buy a new one the kids will be old enough that they won’t be smearing food and snot on them. Well hopefully at least.
What about a big mirror for the wall.
It looks awesome! I wouldn’t worry about the couches. It will be ok. A living room is meant for living in and whatever comes along with that.
As for the blank wall – I am clueless. I am in the same boat. I have lived my house for 5 years and the walls are still blank.
it looks great! the built in shelves, the pillows…. AND THE MODERN PICTURE ART OF YOUR BABY!!! I love it. You are off to a great start- I can only imagine how the rest of your house looks. The pictures are really inspiring and a modern twist the traditional photos.
Oh, I love your room! And the fireplace has a fire! (I live in southern Florida, where we get to have a fire in our fireplace about three times a year.) (Yes, it’s weird that our house even has a fireplace, and I don’t know why, but it was there when we bought the house.) I would offer to trade rooms with you, but, well, I think you saw what my family room and living room look like already, so….
If you think about it, there’s really never a good time to buy new-anything in a place that involves children and pets. It’s more of a trust fall. That being said, I absolutely LOVE your new arrangement and the color is making me just beyond jealous 🙂
That couch is AMAZING! Love it! We have a similar room and have a collage of concert posters framed and matted hanging on the awkward wall and it looks great!
Hi there, I’m from SITS – thank you for visiting my blog via #commenthour! I think your couch looks wonderful and the photos of your babies are beautiful. Love the book shelves, too!
I love the couch but your pictures take my breath away! They are gorgeous! Don’t worry about the couch, just enjoy it while you can!
Looks amazing! Seriously, it all does. Even the blank wall. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by Commentarista; looking forward to hearing more from you in the future!
Yes. You’re nuts. Completely. And when does that stop a mom?
I just kept stitching up slipcovers for my living room furniture until Sammy actually dive bombed into the couch and hit the floor. Enjoy what you have. Sponge off whatever hits it. You married to start a family, and that comes equipped with biohazards. Viva la Kool Aid!
Scotch Guard will be your friend! Love the new sectional.
Great photos! And yes, the kids will make a mess, but c’est la vie.
Visiting Late #commenthour
I have a microfiber sofa, and two wee monsters. Beware of sippy cups! The only thing I’ve had stain this sofa is water! Of course, you can clean microfiber…your sofa should say what to use on the little tags inside. Cut them off and stash them somewhere safe now! My now-four-year-old tore ours off years ago 🙁
-nichole