A couple of years ago, I reimagined our formal living room with the goal of turning this rarely used space into a place where we can truly live. A room for entertaining friends, relaxing with a book, playing a game, having a drink, or watching a good movie. It’s now one of our favorite spots in the house.
When I last updated y’all on this space, Honey had just customized IKEA bookcases along the back wall of the room. Today I’m finally sharing a peek at how I’ve styled the shelves!
To add interest and color, I lined the backs with leftover Society Social peel-and-stick grasscloth wallpaper from our kitchen project. I originally intended for the shelves to have more of a “library” feel filled with books, but as I started placing things, I realized what I really love is being surrounded by memories.
The result is a curated collection of favorite books – a mix of new finds and old treasures, including a few from my Grandma O’s shelves. I unified our family photos with silver frames for a classic look. I tucked in sentimental keepsakes: my collection of Savannah houses, a Matt Moulthrop wood bowl, bronzed baby shoes from the boys, Daddy-O’s baby Bible, an old film reel from my Grandpa, a box full of hotel key cards and ticket stubs from trips we’ve taken, and our growing collection of National Park stamps.
Each piece tells a story, and together they make the room feel uniquely us.
See other living room posts here:
I’ll try to photograph the rest of the space and share sources and details after we get John settled back at Auburn!
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I love the way you reimaged this rarely used room and made it a true “living room.” Since you redesigned this room, I have seen more pictures of homeowners doing a similar design. I love the way you styled the built-ins as well. My brother and I were laughing the other day about the 60’s tri-level we grew up in and how the living room was a place that was so foreign to us as children because it was so seldom used and kind of off-limits to kids. So, I appreciate seeing a formal living room turned into a room that is loved and used.
I agree! I had to let go of tradition here and make it work for us.