before and after: living room

I really wanted our living room to be bright and comfortable but after buying our house we were working on a tight budget,

I knew from experience that there were lots of ways I could cut costs but I also felt strongly about not cutting corners on some big items, like couches, that would hopefully last us a loooong time.

I still don't feel like the space is complete (I'm not sure I ever will), but because lots of our pieces were inexpensive I don't think I'll feel too badly about switching some of them out down the road if I find things I like better.

And I'm not in love with our bitsy tv on top of the piano, but it works for now especially when I need a shower and want to anchor Minnie with a show for a minute.

I went with white paint (big surprise...I'm having a serious moment with white), but the minute we painted over the blue and tan I felt like the space opened up and brightened up infinitely.

I was afraid the room would feel way too, um....white, but by painting some furniture, the front door, and adding colorful pillows and art I felt like it offset it just how I wanted it to.

So, if you're just dying to know where I got everything, here is a quick run down of the room:

Piano and bench: we found for $275 on KSL classifieds from a cute old couple. I painted the bench. I'm still thinking about painting the piano but I'm not sold on a color yet.

Couches: We got these from Down East Outfitters. They weren't cheap but we got them on a holiday weekend so they were an additional 10% off

Rug: rugsusa.com where most rugs are often 50% off

Dining table: This was originally $900 from West Elm but we got it at Down East Outfitters on clearance for $100

Dining chairs: Got these free from Robert's mom's neighbor

Lamps: Standing one is from Ikea and table lamp is from TJ Maxx...how I love both of those stores!

Coffee table: Ikea (I want to get a new one soon)

Side table: I got this thrift shopping for $5 and then painted it using paint the previous owners had left

Curtains: TJ Maxx

Pillows: The green one is from TJ Maxx and the long black and white one is from Ross but all the others are pillow covers from H&M home online for a steal! The couches came with lots of pillows that I didn't like so pillow covers were the answer.

Throw: Pottery Barn

Picnic basket: $8 from DI

Frames: Most of these are from DI for $2 or less. I looked for frames with mats and then painted the frames and the mats white. All of the other frames are from Target or Ikea.

Artwork: I bought a few pieces at art markets, thrifted a few and painted the flowers, ampersand and flamingo myself. 

Hallway rug: Urban Outfitters

Vases: thrifted, a gift and the small one is from H&M Home

Crocheted flowers: A gift from a friend who owns this cute shop on Etsy

Placemats: $3.50 from TJ Maxx