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3 months ago I shared with you my plans for the living room, using the $500 I was given by a sweet friend. Today I’m back with the reveal! Below is the “before” picture. My plans were to find a new rug, new window coverings, at least one corner table and a few accessories.
And here is the “after!”
The window treatment might be my favorite part of this project. I ordered light filtering Bamboo Shades from Home Depot. They offer enough privacy for this room and look exactly how I hoped they would.
I couldn’t be happier with my rug. It’s a 7×10 Artistic Weavers rug from Home Depot that I was able to purchase on sale for just over $100!
Another item on my list was a rattan shelf or plant stand for this corner. I found this one at a local vintage boutique for $75 and it’s perfect! I styled it with things I had on hand. (Since taking these pictures I’ve handled the cord situation)
While shopping for my bamboo shelf I came across a pair of brass bookends that were also on my list!
Having a rug large enough to go all the way under the couch makes the room look much more finished.
I did not find anything for the hallway wall on the left (in the picture below). I’m okay with that – I don’t want to buy something just because I have a space to fill.
Here’s how I spent the $500:
- Rug: $103
- Bamboo Shades: $211
- Bamboo Corner Shelf: $75
- Accessories: $20
- Labor (to have the shades installed): $50
That leaves me with about $40 in my budget! The two things I’m still looking for are a small plant stand to place next to the black book shelf and something for the hallway wall. Even without those things, I feel like the room came together so nicely!
As I was writing this post, this verse came to my mind: “A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul.” (Proverbs 13:19) I’m so thankful for the kindness of another that allowed me to fulfill some big desires in my living room! Everything we have is a gift of God’s grace.
What is your favorite part of this project? I really think the bamboo shades get my vote!
Come Home For Comfort 
What a generous friend!! And your room looks fantastic! Amazing what accents and those “small” extra touches can do to transform a space!! Thanks for sharing – and the inspiration!
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Yes! I’m so thankful for her generosity. 🙂
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What an incredibly generous gift put to great use! 😀 I love these wonderful updates! Your new rug in beautiful white and blue definitely suits your style! The bamboo shades look lovely too! Rejoicing with you in this desire fulfilled! ❤
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It was such a kind gift that I’m still overwhelmingly grateful to have received! Thank you for sharing in my joy! ❤
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Your living room looks lovely!! The rug is the star of the show for me. It makes such a big statement. Great job updating this space. I hope you find those last couple of things that are on your wish list.
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Thank you so much! It’s been a lot of fun!
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I love seeing the before and after pictures! I think both the rug and shades get my vote; it’s just too hard to choose one or the other! I love how you knew what you were looking for and waited until you found it! I can speak from experience that your room is very inviting and comfortable! You did a great job! How gracious of the one who sent the gracious gift! The Lord is so kind to us!!
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Thank you! I couldn’t have done it without you! ❤
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That rug is absolutely beautiful!! I’m actually not usually a huge fan of throw rugs, but I LOVE that one!!! It’s just so pretty and elegant, and it really ties the room together. Fantastic job!!
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Thank you Nicole! You’re so kind!
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Why are your books turned backwards?
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I feel like it looks less cluttered that way, with just the white pages showing. Books that I use often are on the shelf in my office – a lot of these are just for decoration or are books I’m hanging on to for sentimental reasons. 🙂
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I agree with the other readers. The rug is my favorite addition. I also really like the bookshelf. I know it’s not part of the $500 spree, but I think it adds so much to the room. Makes it cozier and it’s practical having a shelf by the 2 doors for keys, mail, or whatever. Your photos always amaze me that you don’t have cat toys and beds out in the open! We also have 2 cats, and their stuff is everywhere!
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Thanks Helen! I love the bookshelf too – and I added the plant on top with this update. It really made the bookshelf look finished. The cats have a bin of toys and their kitty houses in my office. I put away their toys once a day – they often drag out all of them at night! 🙂 And I used to keep a kitty bed in the living room, but they prefer to sit on the arms of the couch or in our laps and ended up not using them. 🙂
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I think the shades are lovely, and I really like the rug, too. I like how you determined exactly what you wanted and made a plan. I am working on curbing my impulse purchases!
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Thanks Lora! I get overwhelmed if I’m shopping without a clear plan in mind. It works better for me this way. 🙂
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The rug is my favorite. Looks great!
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Thank you Wanda!!
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The bamboo shades look really nice, but I still LOVE the rug. 🙂
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Thank you Linnie! I do love the rug too. 🙂
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