Light and Airy Living Room Refresh

Today I’m sharing how I got a light and airy living room refresh with this surprisingly affordable room makeover! Thanks to the addition of a linen-look sofa & ottoman and some fresh accents & accessories, I was able to create a calm, relaxed vibe that’s perfect for our casual cottage living room!

This post is sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart.

Hello Foxes! This months Better Homes & Gardens assignment asked us a question; “How do you make a house a home”? Well funny they should ask, because here’s what happened…

— That’s how all the best stories start right?

What happened is, I made a mistake.

But let’s just keep that between us okay? Admittedly, I sometimes rush into decisions. I was so over that huge sofa, chair and a half and ottoman that I had in my living room for 13 years, that I shoved it of our living room without a proper replacement in place. Thinking I’d make-due until I could afford the sofa I really wanted. No big deal. I’d save up, and all would be well. But life has this funny way of interrupting our plans, with those never fun, unexpected expenses we all know and love. I know you know what I’m talking about. And suddenly, I found myself in need of a sofa. Fast. 

So there I was scrabbling for a full size sofa and having no luck finding anything even remotely affordable. And then I got lucky. Luckier than I deserved to get. I found this sweet little Better Homes & Gardens Easton sofa, and it was on clearance! In a tan color that would easily slide into my living room and still give me the light and airy look I crave almost year round! This was an answer to a prayer because my mom will be here in a few short weeks, and I discovered she doesn’t want to stay in the loft, but wants to be here in the house with me (awe) which is so sweet. So I absolutely had to have a sleep-able size sofa for her! FAST.

And as cute as that white one was, and it was CUTE! It was completely uncomfortable, so it just kind of sat there taking up space. This one is much cozier. And a quarter of the price. Go figure? 

Details: The sofa came in a box, fully assembled. I just had to attach the feet. The bottom and back cushions both have removable covers, which is great, because that means they are washable! If you like a prefer a bit firmer sofa, you’ll like this one. I expect it to relax a bit over time. I’ll report back on that. The fabric has a great linen blend look, and the light color and neutral tone are beautiful! 

I don’t think I could’ve gotten much luckier, and let me tell you… that did not go unnoticed! And next thing I knew, I was able to grab the matching ottoman too, and I was making my living room back into a comfy-cozy spot that felt more like our home! So I kept going. 

When I saw this shelf I had to laugh… because you guys, I had the first version of the River Crest Bookcase, in the black and rustic oak!

Do you remember it? It was an amazing shelf! I raved about it when I got it. And I only let it go because with what I do, I can’t keep everything forever. But obviously I meant every word because when I saw the new white and light oak, my eyes popped out a little. hehe.

It’s sooooo cute, and just as well made and beautiful as the other. It’s funny, I had thought about painting my black one white, but instead passed it on to a friend. I always miss it a little bit when I see old pictures.

So this was meant to be! And a total treat. I’m super-thrilled they re-imagined it in white with the washed oak shelves. And if you prefer the black and rustic oak version, it’s one clearance. So yay for you!

I’ve deleted so many of my surfaces with furnishing changes, it’s kinda fun to have a shelf back to display some of my favorite goodies and collections on. I kept it styled fairly light though, as I’m striving for a balance somewhere between hoarder and extreme minimalist.

I think the River Crest Bookshelf would look super in a set of two! Sadly, I don’t have a single wall I could do that on, but two would make an amazing statement together! Maybe flanking a TV cabinet for a kind of built-in look? You know me, I always love symmetry. I’m a total sucker for it. 

I’m hoping to add some of the other River Crest pieces to the room in the future if it fits in with an upcoming assignment so I can show them to you up close. There is a whole line. (I’ll link them at the bottom for you just so it’s easier to find them).

I hate to admit it, but I definitely got distracted here in the living room and let form rule over function in my rush for change. I was really loving how the living room looked, but the cozy factor kind of got lost there for a bit. 

I’m working my way back to cozy now! Just in time to rest and recover. For me, if the kitchens clean and things are in place in the living room… that definitely makes me more zen and I’ll be much more able to relax! If you were an eagle eye looking at the photos in this post, you’ll notice not only did I repaint the chunky shelf, but I’ll have you know I painted the chair legs to match too. I did that just for you guys! Even though I went white instead of the darker color the majority voted for. Cause I’m a rebel like that.

Might be a bit before I’ve got a fresh project to share, but I’ll be sure to pop on Facebook and catch up!! xo Shan 

As always, I’m including clickable affiliate shopping links below to all my Better Homes & Gardens items featured in this post so if you can’t get to a Walmart, or find what you are looking for at your local store, you can shop online! 

CLICKABLE SHOPPING SOURCES:

• Better Homes & Gardens Easton Sofa [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Easton Ottoman [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens River Crest 5-Shelf Bookcase, Light Oak Finish [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens River Crest 5-Shelf Bookcase, Rustic Oak Finish [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens River Crest Collection [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Acacia Wood Tray with Gold Handles [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Textured Faux Concrete Table Lamp [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens  Sweater Knit Throw Pillow [click here]

If you have a questions, I didn’t cover something, or you need info on a non-BHG item… please leave a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can! 

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Visit my entire BH&G project gallery [click here]

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