Fix The Ick's; Living Room Edition

Is Your Living Room Giving You the Ick? Make a Plan to Fix It Today with Our Free Guide!

Hi! I’m Nicole, coming to you from Sacramento, California. Earlier this year, I quit my 9-to-5 to pursue my passion: helping my neighbors, friends, and community create spaces they love on budgets they can actually afford.

This year, I moved to a new home (and got engaged—yay!), but I knew the living room needed some love. Luckily, I’ve been designing interiors for most of my life, and I’ve developed a simple plan to get projects done—or close to done—without feeling overwhelmed.

What I love most about this process is how flexible it is. Plus, checking off the steps feels amazing. If your living room is overdue for a refresh, follow my plan to get started, tackle the “icks,” and create a space that makes you smile every day!

Start with Style

Before diving into any project, take a moment to define your style. Think about this: how will you know what to purchase or plan for if you’re not sure what your style is?

Most people I meet are totally confused about style. That’s why I created resources to help, like my guide to 100 years of design. It breaks down trends decade by decade and teaches you how to mix and match different aesthetics.

No one likes just one style—and that’s okay! Learning to blend styles is a game-changer for creating cohesive, personal spaces.

Our Living Room: A Work in Progress

Here’s where we started:

Pretty much a blank space just waiting for a creative touch!

Here's what we've updated so far~

The Fixes We Made in 2024:

1. Leather Sectional

Rico found a stunning leather sectional at NaturWood. It’s functional, cozy, and timeless.

2. Blue Gradient Rug

Rugs can act as the largest “art” in a space. I chose an 8x10 contemporary rug with a calming blue gradient and subtle stripes to set the room’s tone.

3. Mid-Century Modern Console

Repurposing my existing console added storage and style to an empty nook beneath the window.

4. Black Bookcase

I added height and texture to the space with a tall black bookcase for displaying accessories, plants, and family keepsakes.

5. Italian Glass Coffee Table

This was an unplanned Facebook Marketplace find. It brings elegance and functionality to the center of the room.

Pro Tip: Start with the biggest, most functional pieces first. These anchor your design and guide the rest of your decisions.

6. Grandfather’s Recliner

A sentimental piece that doubles as a comfy reading chair and a gaming throne for Mario Kart marathons.

7. Window Treatments

We upgraded to automatic shades and layered them with blue curtains for warmth and texture.

8. Lighting

A mix of new and vintage lighting added personality. We swapped the ceiling fan, added LED strips, and found a 90s IKEA lamp from Stardust Vintage Emporium.

9. Decor & Wall Art

We hung Rico’s guitars, art by local creators, and added a mirror to brighten the space.

10. Paint

The final touch was painting the media cabinet and fireplace to balance the room’s colors. We've decided we want to tile the fireplace - so come back for an update!

Pro Tip: Always Paint Last!

Painting is the easiest way to tie a room together, but it’s also the easiest thing to get wrong. Choosing a color after all the furniture and decor are in place ensures everything flows seamlessly.

Use free tools like apps to preview paint colors in your space with your existing furniture. Save yourself the stress and decision fatigue—paint last!

Enough of my story, here's how to do it:

Planning to Perfection: Step 1

Start your project by taking “before” photos. These help you appreciate the transformation later. Then, make a list of everything giving you the “ick” and prioritize fixes using this emoji system:

• 🚨 High-priority tasks

• 🔧 DIY projects

• 💲 Budget considerations

• 🎨 Creative enhancements

Focus on What Matters: Step 2

Think about what your living room needs to feel complete. List your fixes, keeping functionality top of mind. Then, assign emojis to make your priorities visually clear.

Get Step 3 & the Full Guide Here!

Finding Our Style

Defining our style was key to creating a cohesive and inviting space. Rico and I landed on a mix of Urban Modern, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian, and Japandi. It’s the perfect balance of cozy, clean, and functional.

If you’re unsure of your own style, check out my style discovery classes or subscribe to DesignSpoon for bite-sized decor tips delivered to your inbox.

Join Us!

Thanks for following our living room journey! Download your free guide to tackle the “ick's” in your space and transform your home starting right now. You’ve got this—your home is waiting!