• Home Decor
    • Interior Design Ideas
    • Design Tips
    • Bathroom Decor
    • Bedroom Decor
    • Dining Room Decor
    • Home Office Decor Ideas
    • Kitchen Decor Ideas
    • Lighting Ideas
    • Living Room Decor
    • Home Tours
    • Design Mood Boards
  • DIY Projects
    • DIYs & Crafts
    • Renovation & Home Improvement
    • Storage & Organization
    • Smart Home & Tech
    • Free Printables
  • Recipes
    • Cocktail Recipes
    • Cooking & Baking
  • Shopping
    • Gift Guides
    • Round Ups
    • Shop My Home
  • Lifestyle
    • Social Media Tips
    • Fashion
    • Health & Beauty Tips
    • Beautiful Distractions
    • Music Playlists
    • Books To Read
  • Contact Kyla
    • Contact Kyla
    • Press & Features
    • Social Media Consultation
    • About Kyla
    • Fun Facts About Kyla
    • Personal Musings
  • Gift Guides
    • Gift Guides
    • Round Ups
  • Shop My Home

House Of Hipsters

Home Decor Living Room Decor Ideas

Living Room Progress

Oh sweet Emily, you recently wrote about the kind of disaster that is your family room. And I gotta tell ya, I really needed to read this. Yes, you might have been sitting on the most perfect vintage blue Persian rug that you bought for $12 that alludes me and wearing the most perfect plaid shirt with the most perfect brown boots not tucked into straight-leg jeans that I can never seem to pull off without feeling like I’m stomping around like a tyrannosaurus rex cowgirl…sorry, rambling, I digress, focus…but you taught me that it’s ok to have a room that’s not completely perfect and still showcase it on House Of Hipsters…even if it makes you cry a tiny bit.

Many of you have asked for a house tour. A wider look at the nook of disaster in the living room. I’ve had some emails asking which coffee table I wound up purchasing. Did I add curtains to the living room? Well, this living room makeover even if not quite perfected will answer a few of those unanswered questions.

I Make Emily Henderson Cry Living Room Makeover West Elm

Dear Emily, I worried my choice of sectional might make you fall to the floor in sheer and utter disappointment, especially after your post about buying a generic sofa. I still find myself scratching my head, but I think I came close to nailing it? Are the back cushions too poufy? Too slouchy? Too oversized? Oh, I don’t know; however, I looked at your sectional in your family room and breath a small sigh of relief. There’s a similarity there. Kind of? Sort of? Yes? Sometimes I wish just a tiny, little version of you could live in my head. Not in a creepy way. Just when I’m making major room decisions. Then you can be on your merry way; off playing with little Charlie Hendo in your perfectly redesigned slice of MCM heaven.

I Make Emily Henderson Cry Living Room Makeover West Elm

I’ve come to realize that no matter how many times I think I’ve completely styled a room, it’s still not quite right. Sometimes I haven’t a clue as to how to fix it no matter how many brass miniatures are added. Yes, I might have just made you lock yourself in the bathroom of your beautiful new office space and you have since wrapped yourself in Rifle wallpaper just to uplift your spirit, but that’s okay. (Besides, Rifle wallpaper is beautiful. It would cheer up anyone’s day really.)

After I posted my reading nook of disaster, everyone resounded in unison, “Add curtains!” For which I need to make happen, but as you can see, my magic money tree has yet to deliver. Yes, you and Charlie might have to binge on strawberries and toast to be able to even function and make it through the day. Trust me, the window treatments will happen. I promise. Just know, I would never want for you to eat your feelings because of my lack of drapes.

I Make Emily Henderson Cry Living Room Makeover West Elm

No, I might not have nailed the pillows…yet…but that’s another story for another time. Yes, I’ll admit, I have 99 problems, and mixing pillows and patterns might be number 1. And I still want to take a sledgehammer to my mantle, but I haven’t the budget with the Mid-Century Modern bedroom makeover in progress. Nor do I think we can survive another reno after the patio. Not now anyway. I’m sorry sweet kitten. You’re probably blaming these feelings of sadness on a world decorating with rugs that are way too small. For which I have to thank you for this advice. Virtual hug.

Had it not been for you, that West Elm Souk rug might have just made you clutch your chest and gasp for air. Alas, my love, that crisis was averted thanks to you. I heard your voice loud and clear. 9′ X 12′ was procured much to my credit card’s dismay. Tough love was necessary, and ever since its arrival, my living room feels much more put together, cozy, grounded, and proportioned. Holy bananas, it’s a beautiful thing when I listen to you!

I Make Emily Henderson Cry Living Room Makeover West Elm

That lamp makes me cry sweet tears of sadness as well. I know it’s just all sorts of wrong. No matter how many polka dot shirts I could possibly buy you, it just will not make up for this lamp. A brass task lamp is in the works. I promise. It really is. I’m going to make it happen one of these next paychecks. This one is uninspiring and stale. It just doesn’t work. Wait a second, was that a tiny smile I just saw? Are you finally realizing that I’m learning? I promise I am. Slowly, but surely, for realzies I am. But these things take time…and money. Yes, I know, you could do this makeover in 2 days with your eyes closed and Brady just standing there lookin’ all pretty, and I know this makeover hasn’t gone from OK to OMG quite yet, but it’s on its way. I can promise you that.

I Make Emily Henderson Cry Living Room Makeover Kinfolk

You might remember I was shopping for a coffee table. Did you notice I finally decided on the ABC Carpet and Home little number? It’s more proportionate to the room and doesn’t completely cover the rug as the last one did. However, this credenza might have to go.

I Make Emily Henderson Cry Living Room Makeover West Elm

I’ve got most of the big pieces in place, but it’s the styling that gets me every time. You make it look so easy while I fidget around with vessels and frames. Moving miniatures from here to there; driving my poor Type-A husband to a level of insanity you cannot even imagine. Playing with pillow patterns until I’m blue in the face. It’s in the details my love, the details that trip me up.

I Make Emily Henderson Cry Living Room Makeover West Elm

Like the mantle styling that I thought I saved, but possibly used too many pretty things. It was a bit overkill. As you can see I’ve since pared it down, but I do have a couple more vases awaiting arrival. Damn you backorder! But I swear to you, I’m trying. Just know it’s me, not you, or the fact that you might have missed out on the most perfect wall art from the Rose Bowl Flea. And it wasn’t because you forgot the booth number to where you purchased that white vessel for your oh-so-perfect floral arrangement. It’s me sweetness, but slowly, but surely, this WILL come together. You can make bet on that. Just know, I don’t mean to bring you down.

I Make Emily Henderson Cry Living Room Makeover Mantle Max Wanger Tulum

And just so you all know where I started from about 6 months ago, it looked like this. And even though I might sound a bit harsh on myself in this post, I really do like where it’s at right now. Is it still a work in progress? Ya sure. But for now, it’s good enough.

before

Last Updated on December 8, 2022 by Kyla Herbes

TAGS:I Make Emily Henderson CryLiving Roommakeover
32 Comments
Share
blank
Kyla Herbes

Kyla Herbes is an interior designer and home decor content creator based in Chicago, IL. She shares daily doses of home decor, corners of her home, interior styling tips, and will inspire you to do it yourself. House Of Hipsters has been featured in Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, HGTV, The Huffington Post, Refinery29, Rue Magazine, and Style Me Pretty Living. Kyla has also made appearances on BravoTV and WGN TV and was named a Better Homes and Gardens Style Maker 3 years in a row.

You May Also Like

Designing with Texture

July 21, 2015

Inspiring Spaces and Places

June 24, 2014

Affordable Modern Home Decor

August 23, 2021
  • blank
    [email protected]
    March 9, 2015

    Omg. so funny! I love the rug and coffee table! You are much further in your living room than I am in mine. I’m jealous! Oh, and I HATE (LIKE Despise) styling. I agree with the mantle looking a bit off but everything else looks FABULOUS! Would love to see a house tour soon! Get on it. =)

    Reply
    • blank
      kyla
      [email protected]
      March 9, 2015

      I just don’t know what to do with that mantle. It’s perplexing.

      Reply
  • blank
    Alice W.
    March 9, 2015

    I love it! nothing worth crying over here!

    Reply
    • blank
      kyla
      Alice W.
      March 9, 2015

      LOL! Thanks Alice! Hope you’re doing well my dear!

      Reply
  • blank
    Julie
    March 9, 2015

    LOL!! This perfect! I love Emily Henderson. But seriously, the mantle does not need to be ripped out. The details are nice – just paint it! white would be great or you could go grey but it’s that dated 90s stain that makes it feel lame, not the actual mantle. 🙂

    I think you’re doing a great job! It’s totally coming together!

    Reply
    • blank
      kyla
      Julie
      March 9, 2015

      I hate that stain so much. It;s just awful. I swear the woman who used to live here had some crazy taste in color palette. Would you believe the whole house was different shades of pink, rose, salmon with some splashes of sea foam green? We almost didn’t look at it because of what it looked like online.

      Reply
  • blank
    Mindy
    March 9, 2015

    Overall, I think your room is super cute! A thought, if you don’t like your lamp…have you thought of spray painting with metallic paint? I’ve done that with an old lamp & a boring bed end & it really transformed both! I agree your mantle isn’t quite there. Are you set on the wood finish? I would paint the mantle a lighter color & the items will pop more. Right now the wall is light & the tile is light, but the mantle is darker and it’s stopping the flow of your eye.

    Reply
    • blank
      kyla
      Mindy
      March 9, 2015

      OOOH! I’ll have to look at doing that! Thanks!

      Reply
  • blank
    Jennifer
    March 9, 2015

    What is the disaster that you are alluding to? It looked like
    a room that has been perfectly cleaned and staged for s photo shoot.

    Reply
  • blank
    kyla
    March 9, 2015

    Thank you MaryBeth! I’m happy with how it’s finally coming together. Much better then the hot pink mess it use to be.

    Reply
  • blank
    kyla
    March 10, 2015

    Thanks Natasha! Ya, I’m pretty happy where it’s at right now. It’s little things that are bugging me, but nothing major.

    Reply
  • blank
    Robin // Robin + Rose Design
    March 10, 2015

    I’ve never visited your blog before and I was a bit worried at first, I thought you were knocking my girl Emily Henderson! I’m glad to see that is not the case. I think the nook looks great and you’re well on the way with the rest of it. I had to chuckle at the oh-so-Emily vase of arrows. I agree with the others, I think painting the mantle white would do the trick, at least for the immediate future. I think some better styling on the mantle (maybe check out one of Emily’s videos) would go a long way. Looking great and thanks for an enjoyable read!

    Reply
    • blank
      kyla
      Robin // Robin + Rose Design
      March 10, 2015

      LOL. I love that girl. Could never hate on her. I gotta tell ya, I’ve watched that mantle video so many times. My biggest problem is that that ledge is only 6″ deep. So finding books and vases that fit has been a bit frustrating. It’s tough to layer anything or give it depth. Does that make sense? Glad to hear you liked the room. It’s come a long way since the red monstrosity that was there when we moved in. Still tweaking it, but happy with where it’s at…finally =) Thanks so much for stopping by and check ing out my blog.

      Reply
      • blank
        Robin // Robin + Rose Design
        kyla
        March 10, 2015

        Makes total sense! Good luck figuring it out! (Is it possible to build the mantle out a little bit to make it wider?) Emily Henderson makes everything look way more attainable than it actually is for us mere mortals. I definitely felt a little better about myself when she posted about her family room!

        Reply
  • blank
    [email protected]
    March 10, 2015

    OMG i loved this post. And lets not even begin with living room disasters. Mine is a mess dot com, but one day itll be awesome….one day. Love so much about your room lady.

    Reply
  • blank
    Theresa Rayner
    March 11, 2015

    I love it! It feels so cozy. I just want to curl up in that dark blue chair and read a book. I love your ‘make Emily Henderson’ cry jokes. So funny.

    Reply
    • blank
      kyla
      Theresa Rayner
      March 13, 2015

      I’m so glad you like it! It’s just one of those silly posts that has always made me laugh so I just keep rolling with it =) Thanks for stopping by Theresa and have a great weekend! Also if you participate in Linky Parties for your blog, I host one every Saturday night at 8PM CST called Found & Foraged.

      Reply
  • blank
    Krystal
    March 12, 2015

    You are doing a great job! So nice to see what a ‘normal’ person like myself might be able to do. While I love Emily and all those other fabulous stylists….it’s refreshing to see someone who has to work by trial and error and when that paycheck allows 😉 I love your little reading nook….that chair is fabulous. I think the new pillow is better than the previous one, but I find that side of the room and the couch side of the room kind of competing. The reading nook is warm and cozy while the couch is light and colourful. Maybe switch the pillows…..that way there would be more balance to the light and dark. As for the mantle….I love the art and the arrows. I would maybe simplify it even more. Nix the tall blue vase and some of the little items. Keep the arrows where they are and move the flowers slightly to the other size and put one or two of those little items around it to fill it out. I have such a HARD time with syling. Not one of my surfaces looks good….just a hodge podge 🙁 Keep up the good work cause it looks great!

    Reply
    • blank
      kyla
      Krystal
      March 13, 2015

      Thanks Krystal! Yes, I’m a normal person with a normal budget who has a busy schedule and sometimes it’s good enough. I’m really quite happy with it now, and I’m sure it will keep evolving as time goes on. That’s how things seem to go around here =) I switched the pillows and I like it, but I think I have to find a smaller one maybe? I’m also going to take your suggestion of simplifying even more over the mantle. Someone suggested a hanging plant too. Might try that out. Thanks so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  • blank
    Beth Brevik
    March 13, 2015

    Love it!! It feels so comfortable and not over-styled! Is your couch West Elm as well? It looks similar to a couple I have been eyeing. Love the blog…thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • blank
      kyla
      Beth Brevik
      March 13, 2015

      Hi Beth! Thanks for stopping by. The sofa is actually from Room & Board. It was one piece I put some money into since I figure I’ll be sitting on it for the next 20 years =) It’s called the Orsen.

      Reply
  • blank
    Colleen Pastoor
    March 13, 2015

    Oh man, you’re much too hard on yourself! I love that you posted anyway- I have a hard time with that… you’re encouraging me to do a ‘good enough’ post!

    Reply
    • blank
      kyla
      Colleen Pastoor
      March 13, 2015

      Don’t get me wrong. I’m really happy with it =) But yes, it’s still evolving and will continue to get better. I’ve had the rug and the coffee table for a couple months though and I’ve been wanting to post the room so “good enough” was a-okay with me for now. I’m sure I’ll post it again in a few moths to show the changes though! LOL!

      Reply
  • blank
    Jesica
    March 15, 2015

    Just like Emily made you feel better, YOU are making ME feel better! My whole house is very much in progress. I’ve got 10,000 great ideas for how to fix it but not enough time or money to execute them all at once, it’s soooo nice to know that I’m not the only one 🙂

    Reply
    • blank
      kyla
      Jesica
      March 17, 2015

      You’re definitely NOT the only one. Some times good enough is just plain old perfection. I figured if I don’t share it now, by the time is really is perfect, if that ever happens, it’ll be 5 years from now and I’ll be sick of it =) LOL! So glad I made you feel better.

      Reply
  • blank
    Madison Rad
    August 3, 2015

    I love the picture above you mantel. I keep seeing it or something similar and I’m obsessed. Is is a famous piece? Or sold from somewhere particular?
    Also just found your site (through an Emily hendo Pinterest search) and I love seeing a non-stylist getting it done. I know that “next paycheck…” feeling

    Reply
  • blank
    Leilah
    April 9, 2016

    I love that basket type side table. I wonder if there is a way you could possibly turn that mantle into some type of adobe clay centerpiece. Just a thought:) or in the meantime you could always just paint it with chalk paint..to tone it down. Anyway I love the feel of the room. I just discovered your site. Absolutely loving it!

    Reply
  • blank
    A C L
    April 18, 2016

    Hi! I think the room looks wonderful 🙂 What is the paint color called?

    Reply
  • blank
    Heather Birdsall
    May 18, 2016

    gah!!! I actually had that same mantle/fireplace in my old place!!!! I mean – exact same, wood, tile, etc. I could NEVER figure it out for the life of me – and I rented, so I had to live with it and try to work around it. And then on Christmas day, we had a fire going in our fireplace. I took the dogs for a hike and came back to find two fire trucks outside our place. Apparently a gust of wind had blown an ember in between the wall and the mantle and it started a fire. Luckily, the ONLY thing that burned before my husband noticed and put it out with a fire extinguisher was the mantle (and a tiny bit of the wall and hardwood floor). I was secretly so happy that we would be getting a new/updated mantle even though I had no idea what it would be and no input. I was sure it couldn’t be any worse. After a month of anticipation, I came home from work one day to find our new mantle/fireplace – and it was hella worse! Awful, just awful. We moved three months later.

    Reply
  • blank
    Heather
    September 3, 2016

    Hi! I MUST own that pink/blue/white pillow on your couch (in photo with side table and white lamp)!! Can you please tell me where you got it?!

    Reply
  • blank
    Liz
    March 18, 2018

    I loved reading this! As… I love Emily Henderson, too – And often think about what Emily would say about this or that. SO funny! I think you did a great job, and I love the colorful arrows on the mantle.

    Reply
    • blank
      kyla
      Liz
      March 21, 2018

      LOL, thanks Liz! You’re reminding me it’s been awhile since I’ve written one of these. And I think it needs to make a comeback.

      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Previous Post
I Used To Be Punk Rock – Style Post
Next Post
Blogs I Enjoy Reading

SEARCH

Let’s Get Social

  • Amazon
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Hi, I’m Kyla

Kyla Herbes - House of Hipsters

Welcome to my little corner of the internet where I share daily doses of home decor, corners of my home, styling tips, and inspire you to decorate with me.

Sprinkled in you’ll find cocktail recipes and a few of my favorite meals to cook…maybe a DIY or two. Stay as long as you like and leave a comment to say hello.

READ MORE ABOUT KYLA

Sponsors

Living Room Decor

Unique Lighting Ideas

Modern Kitchen Decor

obsessed

Current Lighting Favorites

product_title_1

Modern Wall Sconce

product_title_2

Unique Table Lamp

where I shop

Favorite Online Shops

Anthro Home

House Of Jade

Amazon Home

Urban Outfitters Home

McGee & Co.

CB2

Arhaus

Etsy Favorite Finds

House Of Hipsters favorite Etsy home decor

SHOP MY ETSY FAVORITES

HOH Is On YouTube

HOH Is On YouTube HOH Is On YouTube

Discover evern more home decor inapiration and easy interior design tips on my YouTube Channel.

House Of Hipsters on YouTube

Recent How-Tos & DIYs

  • Declutter Your Home: Tips and checklist to a cleaner, tidier home.

    Declutter Your Home Checklist And 7 Easy Decluttering Tips

    December 31, 2022
  • blank

    27 Best Decorative Boxes

    September 26, 2022
  • Best Cleaning Products for the home

    Best Cleaning Products

    January 12, 2022

Search By Category

  • Beautiful Distractions
  • Books
  • DIY
    • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Free Printables
  • Health & Beauty Tips
  • Home Decor
    • Art
    • Bathroom
    • Bedroom
    • Closet Decor
    • Design Mood Boards
    • Design Tips
    • Dining Room Decor
    • Holiday Decor
    • Home Office Decor Ideas
    • Home Tours
    • How To
    • Kitchen Decor
    • Lighting Ideas
    • Living Room Decor Ideas
    • Outdoor Decor Ideas
    • Vintage Decor
  • Music
  • Personal
  • Recipes
    • Cocktail Recipes
    • Cooking
  • Renovation and Home Improvement
    • Smart Home Ideas
  • Shopping
    • Gift Guides
    • Round Up
  • Social Media Tips
  • Trending Women's Fashion

LEGAL STUFF

House Of Hipsters contains some contextual affiliate links. I only recommend products or services I use personally and feel my readers will enjoy. All opinions are 100% mine.

PRIVACY POLICY

COOKIES POLICY

Let's collaborate

Are you a brand? Let's partner up. Do you live in an amazing home you'd like featured on House Of Hipsters? Let's chat!

Get in Touch

  • Contact Me
  • About Kyla
  • Press & Features
  • Home Decor Ideas
  • Round Ups
  • Gift Guides
  • Shop My Home

©House Of Hipsters 2022 Site Powered by Pix & Hue.