It’s no secret we love a dark, dated room transformed into a bright, airy space. During the summer months, a coastal, beach-inspired look feels just right—exactly the direction Jessica took with help from our friend Rhoda. Read her story below:
We finally finished our family room makeover. It felt like this room was a forever project. Previously the palette and furnishings were traditional and on the darker side, and the old furniture came from a much smaller room so it appeared lost here. I wanted to shift the style toward a cottage-meets-Pottery Barn feel. This was a joint project with Rhoda from Southern Hospitality, and her input was invaluable. Here’s the before shot:
After removing the dark paint and beginning to add planked walls, the room already started to feel lighter and more open:
To get the look I wanted, I installed 1×8 tongue-and-groove knotty pine planks on the walls. That phase felt like it took forever. My dad showed me how to use the nail gun and then promptly disappeared for two months. It was winter, and he preferred hibernating in front of the TV—he didn’t want any part of this project.
The planks are painted Benjamin Moore White Diamond, while the upper wall is Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue. I added a two-inch shelf along the top of the planks to create a visual separation and provide a ledge for leaning photos and art. It made a big difference in defining the space.
The drapes are burlap. I loved the deep-pocket burlap panels from Pottery Barn but couldn’t justify $75 a panel. Instead, I bought 55 yards of burlap on sale and used a 40% coupon to make ten no-sew panels for under $130—an excellent budget solution for five large windows.
We invested in a new sectional found on sale at a local furniture store—an amazing deal. I ordered fabric for pillows and the window seat bench from fabric.com; my favorite is the gray Dalia print by Thomas Paul.
And that’s the reveal! A huge thanks to Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for guiding me through the process. We love spending time in this room—watching TV as a family, relaxing, or browsing the web. – Jessica
For the full reveal with additional photos and step-by-step details, check Jessica’s original blog post. Her plank-work is especially impressive and really transformed the previously dull space. Whether your favorite detail is the lighter furnishings, the soft blue wall color, the geometric rug, or the ceramic birds above the TV, this makeover demonstrates how paint, texture, and a few well-chosen pieces can completely refresh a room.