TRADITIONAL

Modern to Traditional Living Room Makeover

One of the biggest benefits of building a home is being able to choose everything– from the crown molding to the flooring and everything in between.

But people who desire a home with character or one in an established neighborhood usually buy a pre-owned home. While pre-owned homes have many advantages, it’s common for buyers to get a home that doesn’t exactly fit their style.

Think wall-to-wall carpet, dark wood paneling, popcorn ceilings, and pastel bathrooms. 

And, though our client’s newly purchased home wasn’t outdated, it still didn’t fit her traditional and elegant style. 

One room the Lisa Gilmore Design team re-envisioned was the formal living room.

home renovation before_formal living room

Formal living room before

Before, the room was a bit too modern with a crystal chandelier, light coastal blue walls, and dark wood flooring. 

formal living room before renovation_interior design

Formal living room before renovation

To make the room feel more timeless, we chose a palette of softened primary colors mixed with neutrals. The gorgeous, classic chinoiserie wallpaper creates a feeling of being at one with nature, while delicate ornaments featuring birds and rabbits embody life.

We were also able to reuse the homeowner’s side chairs and reupholster them in a light, cream fabric.

traditional living room interior design

Lisa Gilmore Design | Native House Photography

Our goal for the entire home renovation was to add warmth and luxury to the space, while ensuring it was still inviting at the same time. You can read more about the whole project at Homes and Gardens.

But if you are unable to completely renovate a room, there are still ways to inject your style into a room. Consider small investments such as changing the lighting, painting the walls or furniture, replacing the window treatments, or adding accessories like rugs, art, and decorative accents.


To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

DESIGN PROJECT:: TIMELESS MONOCHROMATIC PHOTO TOUR PART III (not so monochromatic room)

You've seen part I and part II of this beautiful residence, the whole space is primarily monochromatic finding interest with textures and patterns.

Well, there is one room in the house that is simply not monochromatic. We really got to have fun with this space. I think I will let the photos speak for themselves...

Through the glass french doors into the beautiful sunlight family room

What are those snippets of art I am seeing in the space? Well, my friend, they are exactly forty-four vintage sketches from Men's Vanity Fair. Can you say eye-candy? It really is a feast for your eyes, you can spend hours staring at the walls (good staring at the walls, that is!) at these gents. Each sketch has such a fun story, hanging them in such an impactful way was a no-brainer. 

A lot of small details went into the design of this home, one of my favorite are these pillows we had custom made from Hermes scarfs. They compliment the antique vegetable dyed area rug so well. 

Sunshine filters in so beautifully in this space, Mr. Franklin is most happy in his custom fabricated dog bed, that perfectly fits the space!

It's really hard to decide which area of this home is our most favorite? Part I, II or III? Cast your vote below!