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Fixer Upper Living Room Before and After

I have been meaning to do a post on our new old living room for a while but there are still a few things that aren’t done like some window repairs etc. but I decided I may as well go ahead. Let’s take a look at my Fixer Upper Living Room Before and After.

Fixer Upper Living Room Before and After

Here is a shot of the living room from the entryway.  I probably will get an area rug at some point, but I am loving the openness of the room right now.  This room (as does the entire house) has great natural light.  It has high ceilings and the 1930’s charm of an older home which I love. Basically, we gave this room a fresh coat of Moore White Dove and installed window blinds and curtains.

cindy hattersley's fixer upper living room

We didn’t buy any new furniture. The only new piece in the room is the fireplace screen also from Pottery Barn. I can’t speak highly enough of the quality of that fireplace screen.  If you are in the market for one, it is heavy-duty, not shiny brass, and just lovely in my book.

Here is what the fireplace looked like before. The brass doors really detracted from the fireplace surround. We replaced it with the Pottery Barn one that is shown in the above photo.

If you follow me on Instagram you have seen this fireplace a few times. I thought about painting it initially but I actually love it now.  I added the Pottery Barn linen curtain panels and rods (I am really impressed with the curtains for the price and quality).  I did not want to invest the money in custom drapes.  The blinds are from Just Blinds, but you can find them at Home Depot as well.  All shoppable items are linked below the post at the bottom of the page. You might also enjoy my updated fall mantle in my post Natural Collected Fall Home Tour here.

cindy hattersley's fixer upper fireplace

The mirror was a Horchow purchase many many years ago.  The oil painting of the little boy was in our master bedroom and was a thrifting find.  You can see it in our old master bedroom here. The lawn bowling pins were found at Round Top several years ago. The coffee table is no longer available, but I have linked similar at the bottom of the post.  You can find vintage bread boards similar to mine on Etsy here.The terra cotta bowl is Romanian I believe (not french as they love to claim) and it is filled with vintage coral that I have collected over the years.  You can find them on Ebay here.

cindy hattersley's fixer upper fireplace

At the end of the room, the gorgeous picture window had these niches with dinky shelves that did not suit the size of the room in my opinion.  I would have preferred to plaster over them but that wasn’t an option.  I thought of spreading out the shelves or doubling them up to make them look beefier.  See in-progress picture here. I am just not a tiny nick nack person.  I love accessories but am not a big fan of a lot of little things.  We had a great renter before.  She left the floors in good shape.

In the two niches,  I added these shutters from my former house and I am happy with the look.  I would rather they were gone, but this is a good substitute.

cindy hattersley fixer upper living overall

Here is a closeup of the finished niche.  I am happy with the look. The chinoisere chairs were a thrift shop find.  The pillow is from Walter G Textiles (love them) and is linked below.

cindy hattersley's fixer upper living room niche

As I said the chairs were purchased at an antique shop several years ago, but Chairish has several pairs here. The table was handmade over 25 years ago but I have linked several at the bottom of the page that has the same feel. The box resided on this twig table in our old house and is an inheritance from Steve’s mom and dad. I love this spot but it is really hard to photograph.

cindy hattersley's fixer living room console table area

As you can see this room has great windows.  Behind the sofa, you can look out onto the courtyard. It is really starting to fill out.

cindy hattersley's living room looking out onto courtyard

In the other corner of the room a favorite corner cupboard was purchased on one of our trips to Maine (which was in our old family room) I filled it will a mix of old baskets to keep it textural rather than adding a lot of color and pattern.  The painting is by Pat Huber fine art. The mirror is antique.

cindy hattersley's fixer upper living room corner cupboard area

cindy hattersley's fixer upper living room corner cupboard area

In the left-hand corner of the room is a favorite antique (grain painted) blanket chest also found in Maine.  Above is a vintage cow painting.

grained chest cindy hattersley living room

If you follow me on Instagram you  will note that the vignette on this chest changes often.

LIVING ROOM SHELL VIGNETTE

SHOP FIXER UPPER LIVING ROOM

Thank you for reading Fixer Upper Living Room before and after.  Steve and I are heading to Southern California for a few days, We are heading to Santa Ynez today then Saturday to Los Angeles for a very special wedding celebration, then Santa Barbara on the way home.  Follow me on Instagram for all the fun.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Julie

      Oh boy you do not want to see that wall. The wall opposite the corner cupboard is filled (and I do mean filled) with a giant TV that nearly caused a divorce. I think trying to hide it (which is my normal M.O) would only make it worse. It is waaay too big for the room and really overbearing in the room.

  1. Marsha says

    Cindy, I love your style and have gotten so many great ideas from your pictures. Your style looks effortless and comfortable but I know it’s not easy to pull that off. You are so talented!
    I also love your fashion sense. Do you mind telling me where you purchased the blouse you wearing in your cover photo. Love the style and color!
    Thank you!

  2. Carol Heartfelt Whimsies says

    Cindy—Your “new old home” is just so charming! I love everything about it and how you turned features like the niches with small shelves into an amazing design statement by adding the weathered shutters!!! The fireplace is a showstopper, too!! I could move right in!! You have such an amazing and organic sense of style!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Carol

      Thank you so much for your kind words. We really do love that room. I hope to share more soon as things get completed!

  3. juLiet says

    Cindy, your living room is absolutely charming and a testament to the collected look. It’s great fun learning where you found all these pieces and I marvel at your talent for putting them all together. I really like how you handled the niches … so creative. You’ve wetted my appetite for more of your downtown abode. xo

  4. holly says

    Absolutely fabulous Cindy! So Santa Barbara-Somethings’ Gotta Give-Nancy Meyersesque! Great west coast design without falling into that uber-beachy look. I have already redone my coffee table with shells in a large bowl and a little tweaking here and there in my living room using all your inspiration. Your mantel has perfect balance! Can you source the blue floral pillows on the sofa? Just the thing for my living room too.
    Keep posting your Fixer-Upper as it is adorable! (Just like you ;))

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Thank you so much Holly that is the ultimate compliment. I adore Nancy Meyers! The blue pillows are from Walter G. I think you might still be able to find them on their website. I don’t think anyone on Etsy has that design right now, but you can keep checking!! Thank you so much for your support. I so appreciate it!

  5. Nancy says

    Such talent! Everything looks so beautiful!
    I love the niches with the shutters! I think it really gives the room interest and character.
    And my favorite; being a beach and ocean girl, is the coral collection. How pretty that looks in the rustic bowl.
    Wonderful ideas in this room. Thank you!

  6. debra @ 5th and state says

    To my talented friend, BRAVO! in your hands, this space is charming and inviting!
    xo
    Debra

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      I wish I had half your talent. If I had known you were having that garden party sooner we would have been there! We were in Indiana that weekend!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Kay

      I do too my husband brought it back from an Eastern trip years ago. Pat Huber could copy it!

  7. Karen B. says

    Cindy,
    Your living room is amazing as is all you’ve shown us of your new old house. You are doing an amazing job, no surprise.
    Have fun at the wedding celebration.
    xo,
    Karen

  8. Dinner Prty Guru says

    Oh Cindy, just lovely. I love the crisp and also dreamy Nantucket look … thinking of Something’s Gotta Give (one of my all time favs) vibe.

    Will be hard to leave a you are off to the next big house chapter.

    Thanks for sharing
    Amanda

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Amanda

      Nancy Meyers is one of my idols! You couldn’t have given me a nicer compliment

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Roz

      This is not a large home so in my humble opinion neutrals work to keep it calm and consistent.Thank you!

  9. Kath erine says

    Hi Cindy,
    You are so very gifted and talented. What an amazing job you and Steve did. An endless amount of time and effort and energy has gone into your room. I love the look of everything. Give yourself a huge hug.
    Thank you for sharing your home with us.
    Have a good and safe journey. I am sure you are ready for time out.

  10. Ramona Puckett says

    It’s beautiful and we have a similar room with lots of sunlight so I suggested the paint color to my daughter, it looks warm and inviting! Have a great weekend!

  11. Elaine says

    Hi. This is very beautiful. Sometimes your walls look more white and sometimes more cream. Do you the actual color Swatch of your walls?

    Thank you sir much!

  12. Linda klinger says

    Warm and gracious room, Cindy. Your style reflects heritage, family, and tasteful ease. The shutters are genius …so glad you did not plaster over them!

  13. Gail says

    Your living room is amazing! I love every detail and all of your wonderful vintage finds, and the niches with the shutters are perfect. It is so inviting and I’d like to curl up and read a book or just enjoy the view out of those beautiful windows. As always, your style is impeccable.

  14. Diane Ruebel says

    Dear Cindy,

    Your collected living spaces create a serenity that bespeaks a welcoming hospitality. The storied pieces lend harmony and continuity to the new season in your journey. . Thank you for inspiring me as I anticipate a move in the next year.

    Diney on Camano Island

  15. Cynthia Blaylock says

    I just love the niches with the shutters in them – I wouldn’t remove them! They add a sense of depth and interest to that wall, I think. Everything else looks so inviting. Hope you have a blast in the Central Coast/Santa Ynez. We were up there two weeks ago and ate and drank too much good wine!

  16. Janet says

    Love every square foot of this space. What gorgeous light. Your decor seems so timeless and perfect for the bones of the house. Hope your garden is coming along.

  17. 1010Parkplace says

    This little house has great bones and you’ve shown them off to perfection! The next time you’re going to Round Top/Marburger Farms (my fav), please let me know. I’m in San Antonio. Come here and stay with me and we can drive together. It’s about 2 hours from me. xoxox, Brenda

  18. Judy says

    You really are gifted, Cindy. Thanks for linking Pat Huber. Last time you did, I saw a painting I immediately purchased. I always look forward to your posts.

  19. DIana says

    Beautiful room – but we knew it would be! We’re in the midst of a renovation right now and I can’t wait to start decorating again.

  20. Vicky says

    You are a great example to far younger women just starting out to buy what you truly love, not just more stuff, because it will look great no matter where you take it and you can love it anew. I think it’s what makes a home. Looks so pretty!

  21. Francesca B. says

    Absolutely beautiful l love the Australian pillows and the antiques. Such a gorgeous room well done !

  22. Sharon says

    I love that your living room window looks out to the courtyard that you are renovating! I know it will be gorgeous too. Love your new home!

  23. LA CONTESSA says

    LOVELY!
    I think I understood you donot like the niches in the living room?I would paint them that light blue you have in accent blankets and pillows!Behind the shutters………..just a suggestion.
    Enjoy your road trip sounds like GREAT FUN!

  24. Mary says

    I’m so glad you didn’t plaster over the niches. They were a favorite element in 1920-30s California Spanish style interiors. I grew up in one in La Jolla and was so happy when I found another old home with a niche. It’s classic, unique and you found a perfect way to highlight and embrace this feature. You have a Gorgeous home that shows your TLC. Thank you.

  25. Wren says

    Brava! There was no doubt in my mind that it would be amazing. I am imaging that the house itself feels the new energy and love that you and Steve are bringing to it.

  26. Judy bell says

    I absolutely love your transformation! And your solution of placing the beautiful panels in the niches is brilliant. Nice window treatments too. Nice job, Cindy!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Judy

      Thank you so much. Those niches were a thorn in my side, but I am loving them now.

  27. Brendainvirginia says

    You have got the magic touch. Warm and welcoming. And I love the way the fireplace looks now.
    What would we do without projects???

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Brenda

      I agree! I can’t imagine life without projects. It sure would be boring, wouldn’t it?

  28. Michelle says

    Absolutely beautiful how you have decorated that room. Judging by the amount of lights that comes in those big windows, that would be my hang out room.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Michelle

      We do enjoy that room. It is always so pleasant. Thank you for your kind words.

  29. Pat says

    Cindy,
    I’m in awe how you design with neutrals and textures. The corner piece from Maine, I would love to know the interior color. I see it as a shade of green. Thank you for the post. Have a great trip! Pat

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Pat

      That corner cupboard has the original paint on the interior. It was scraped down. It is sort of a mustard, khaki greenish color if that helps at all. If you send me your email address I would be happy to try and match it to a Benjamin Moore color. Many have asked.

      • Pat R Dickerson says

        Thank you so much. I’m searching for a color for the interior of an English pine bookcase. I’m undecided whether to use French Confit pots, baskets, or a mixture. I have a collection of old books that could help fill in… too many choices…so overwhelmed. I ‘m not sure about mixing since I’m trying to avoid a cluttered look. Love your taste. I hope you see my email…you are a dear to help.

  30. Joni Webb says

    Looks fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!! Really really darling. Can’t wait to see the courtyard!!! Such pressure!!!

    • Judee Biggles says

      I like everything you did, especially the creative way you did the niches with the shutters, looks fabulous and who (but you) would have thought of it(!!) I also love the shades (bamboo?) under the side panel curtains in the LR. Can you give me more details about them and the “official” name or number?
      Love your blog,
      Judee

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