When delightful and funny Megan wrote in with one of our most exciting reader redesigns, we knew her front room makeover would be a hit. Here’s her note:
Hi Young Housesters! I wanted to show you how much you inspired me in my front room spruce up. When we moved in, the front room was baby blue with a dainty floral border—not exactly the look we wanted. We painted it a neutral cream, found a great rug and hung brown curtains. It felt too drab and needed something, but I wasn’t sure what. Then I discovered your site and fell in love! While browsing your before & afters, I found your post about hanging bamboo blinds on your front room window, and I decided to copy the idea.
I found these fab blue silk curtains that brightened the space and bought the same bamboo blinds you got from Walmart. It made a huge difference. I even installed them myself! I changed the sofa cover, added a few throw pillows inspired by your decorating dilemma mood boards, and voilà: a refreshed room. As Sherry might say, it’s been swankified. Thanks for all your inspiration! Your home is just as lovely, fab, and swanky as you two are. Can’t sing your praises loud enough! Thanks! —Megan
We’re flattered Megan loves our ideas, and we’re just as smitten with her fantastic makeover. Here’s the baby-blue before:
And the fresh, stylish after:
Isn’t it remarkable what the right window treatments can do? While the blinds were the initial inspiration, Megan made several other smart design choices worth highlighting. She introduced subtle pattern and anchored the space with an area rug layered over wall-to-wall carpet, which immediately defines the seating area and adds texture. Rather than one bulky coffee table, she used two small tables, creating a lighter, more flexible layout. Pops of icy blue in the pillows tie back to the curtains, while a lighter chair, lampshade, and vase keep the room bright and airy and break up the brown tones.
We also love the decision to use a chest or dresser in the living area—many people reserve pieces like that for the bedroom, but they offer generous storage and make a stylish, unexpected alternative to a console table. Megan really thought outside the box on that one.
The result is cohesive, welcoming, and personal. Megan, you did a fabulous job—your front room is officially swankified.
If anyone else has before-and-after photos to share, don’t be shy. We’d love to see your transformations and celebrate your creativity.