Ideas for Living Room Furniture Makeover

March 30, 2022 (updated January 31, 2023) — Written by

Cozy, with chic style and an inviting feel. That’s all I want in a room! A little interior design inspo coming your way (and living room furniture ideas) as we recently updated our living room—and I can’t get enough.

a woman sits in her living room with guitars on the wall behind her

By: Lisa Fennessy

IN THIS POST:

We moved into our Atlanta house just in time because literally two months later, COVID hit. Before that, we were living in a 1,600 sq ft apartment in Buckhead, which was fine, but the boys were growing and I wanted them to be able to go outside on a whim. 

We scooped up a super cute, ivy-covered English cottage that’s tucked into a little residential area of Buckhead. You would never know by looking at it, but just two blocks away is the bustling city with a plethora of grocery stores, coffee shops, chic restaurants and retail shops ready to quell any whim. 

Anyway. Moving from a small apartment to a house meant I needed to pick up a few things. Up to this point, my home furnishing experience has been a hodgepodge of Craigslist finds, hand-me-downs, slipcovers, IKEA grabs and gifted items. This has served us well, but I was so excited to really make this house OURS. (And by “ours” I mean, MINE, lol.) 

I quickly realized that I was in over my head. Don’t get me wrong—I know a cute throw pillow when I see one, but starting from scratch was so overwhelming. To get some help, I headed down to Room + Board where they offer design services to assist with the layout and furniture selection. I went by myself, I took the family, I circled back with measurements and fabric selections…And I ordered a crap ton of furniture from this one store.

Then I got home and buyer’s remorse immediately set in. Everything I selected was NOT ME and I could see into my future and it looked like I was living in a Room + Board catalog. (Red leather club chairs?! Get atta here! NO!) So I called and canceled it all. 😭 

I NEVER thought working with a designer was an option for me. I didn’t even know “regular people” did that, but my friend mentioned it and I ended up getting connected with Tara Fust Design, who guided me through the entire process and I absolutely love how it’s turning out. Can’t say enough about my great experience—if you are in the Atlanta area, be sure to check her out.

This is our living room before and after but if you want to see more, leave a comment, we can also share our kitchen, powder room, sitting room and bedroom makeovers too.


Ideas for living room furniture makeover 

My goal was to create a space that was comfortable, functional and cute. I live with three boys, so our furniture choices and the layout has to withstand the daily rough and tumble—but also has to look good. Here’s what the room looks like all put together—and then we’ll break down the deets.

a cozy living room with dark green built ins, a leather chair, and wood side table
dark green built in book cases styled with accessories
a cozy living room with a sofa, throw pillows, and coffee table
a cozy living room corner with built ins, leather chair and wooden side table









Other living room furniture touches

William Pharmacy Floor Lamp in brass | $819

Charlton Large Triple Arm Chandelier in black | $1299

Kathy Kuo throw pillows | $49+

This Must Be The Place neon sign | $195

Guitar hangers | $14

Michelle Obama and RBG bookend set | $46


I still need a couple of side tables and maybe some more art, but what do you think? Could you cozy up here?

xo, lisa in cursive

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By Lisa Fennessy

Lisa is the founder of The New Knew. Passionate about clean beauty, organic eats and nontoxic lifestyle, Lisa writes to create awareness. Conscious consumerism and informed decisions will impact the marketplace, our health and THE WORLD!

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