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Our Cottage Style Family Room Reveal

November 10, 2022

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When I was small, fall was the season of perpetual anticipation.

As soon as school started, I knew that Christmas was on the horizon.

I spent months flipping through catalogs, circling items I wanted to see under the tree and dreaming about how the family room would look on Christmas morning.

Well. I wish I could tell you that things had changed. That I've matured or that I'm more patient now, but between you and me, that'd be a big lie.

Especially this year.

Roses In A Vintage Red Rose Pitcher
This post was sponsored by Calico Corners

Sometime in late August, I found out that my brand new, long awaited, custom couch from Calico Corners would most likely be showing up at my house sometime around the holidays.

I was so excited, I think I actually did a little clapping dance in the store. 

The anticipation of a finished room was almost too much to bear.

I spent the next few months flipping through catalogs, circling items and dreaming about how my family room would look sometime around Christmas morning.

And then in the middle of October, the surprise call came. My checked baby was being delivered. I was overjoyed.

It took nearly six months of planning and renovation to take the room from this before:

Cottage Style Family Room with floral sofa

To this after:

Cottage Style Checked Sofa and Floral Wallpaper

And it was so worth the wait.

When it showed up, I was literally speechless.
 
It was better looking than I ever could've imagined. And yet, placed in front of that dreamy floral wallpaper, it looked just as I thought it would when I chose the fabric and sofa style in the shop with my designer, Yvonne.

Trust me, I adored my old floral couch, but this one is so bright and fresh. It's inspired an entirely different, modern and cozy, cottage style vibe. 

Cottage Style Living Room Decor Ideas

Of course, I didn't have a lot of time to stand around admiring the view. Once the sofa was unwrapped, I was on a mission to complete the rest of the room. 

Since it was already filled with so many bold focal points, I decided on a very neutral rug and a few solid, velvet pillow covers.

With pom pom trim. My favorite.

I also decided to keep my coffee table. I originally thought I'd go with white wood, but once the sofa and reupholstered window seat were in the space, I realized I needed a piece with a little visual weight.

Plus it was the right dimensions. 

And free. 

Speaking of, I also repurposed the old lamp. I just bought a new seagrass shade. It was a bargain purchase and fits the aesthetic so well.

It also adds a little seaside flair to my beach cottage home.

Seagrass Lamp shade on brown lamp

I did get a new end table to organize my hubby's toys. The old piano bench was sweet but insufficient. The new cabinet has a drawer for the remotes, a cabinet for his laptop and books. 

Best of all it has a little flip up compartment with outlets to plug in all his electronics and store the cords when not in use.

That's my favorite part.

Cabinet End Table With Charging Station

Nothing to spoil the charm of the room or the illusion it creates of a simpler time.

Filled with afternoon tea, quiet gatherings and hardcover books, read under a blanket, on that plushy 10 foot long window seat.

Pom Pom Pillows On Window Seat

The curtains overhead are new, too. I'm a pattern girl, so plain ring clip valances didn't feel right.

I made them and my husband made the rod out of copper pipe. We couldn't find one in the proper size for this very old bay window, so he came up with a creative, custom one.

I was going to paint it white, but there's something warm about the copper, so for now, it stays.

I wish I could say that was that, but honestly, the rest of the room is still in process. 

There are a few more details I need to work out...which is fine, since I enjoy feathering my spaces over time. 

Visiting tiny shops for unique decor, getting ideas. Collecting vintage pieces, like that delicate rose pitcher.

Enjoying the journey, as I fill the room with stories, as well as decoration.



Specifically, I'm in the market for something to go on that green wall. It should be simple, perhaps white, maybe a mirror with carved roses

My husband has started calling this the garden room, so I may as well stay on theme. 

I'm also waiting for my ottoman. It's currently with the upholsterer.

I dropped it off at Calico after the sofa was delivered, so they could match the checks perfectly. I love their attention to detail.

In the meantime, we still have plenty of room to stretch out. The couch is a whopping 94" inches long.

Now, my husband and I are not little people. I'm 5'8" and he measures in almost six feet.

And when we sit in our respective corners, I feel like we're in an old movie where a king and queen eat dinner at opposite ends of a very long table.

It makes me laugh.

Cottagecore Living Room Decor

And smile big, content on that sofa.

The one I'd been dreaming about for months.

Anticipating it's arrival. 

And seeing it my room, just in time for Christmas.

How fabulous.

What do you think of the reveal?


Kim Signature


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  1. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah! Oh, yeah!! I am sooo jealous.

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    1. Thanks Pat!! It was a really long wait...but I love the room.

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  2. Oh my gosh Kim was worth the wait. Everything is so pretty. The wallpaper with couch is perfect.

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    1. Thanks so much, Cindy! I agree…totally worth the wait!!

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  3. Lovely colors! Room looks so inviting.

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    1. Thanks so much!! I'm smitten with the colors, too.

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  4. Lovely colors. Room looks so inviting.

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    1. Thank you very much, Gayle! The colors are very fresh. It's such a nice change after 15 years. Thanks for taking the time to comment!!

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    1. Thanks Margie! I'm getting ready to decorate it for the holidays now and I'm excited.

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  6. I absolutely ❤️ it!

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  7. You could not have done a more perfect job with the couch, wallpaper, table and pillows! Holy Cow, Kim. It looks wonderful. What a great accomplishment to get it all done before the holidays. I bet the kids love it, too! Fresh and bright and it makes me think of apple pie and roses! lol. xo Diana

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    1. Thank you so much, Diana. ❤️ I kind of have to pinch myself every time I walk by the room. I love the mix of fabrics and it’s just such a bright and happy room now…and that makes me a bright and happy girl. Have a fabulous weekend!! xo

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  8. I've been wondering when you would finally get it. It's absolutely gorgeous, Kim!

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    1. Thank you, Brenda!! I really do love it. It was hard to hold onto my vision for all those months, but now that it's here I can't stop smiling.

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  9. What a lovely room, I'd definitely want to curl up (or stretch out) on that sweet sofa! It will be so nice and bright during the winter darkness, and then be fresh and spring-y for the warmer weather.

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    1. Thanks so much, my friend!! I'm looking forward to its bright vibes this winter. The leaves are almost gone, but at least I'll have flowers in my garden room!

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  10. it looks amazing and fits in perfectly, I am not a green person and loved your flower sofa,, but ithis does look beautiful...

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    1. Thank you, Marilyn. I loved that flower sofa, too. It actually pained me when it started to shred and degrade. I'm very happy with the new look, but I'll always love those flowers.

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  11. Bravo and Yay! It arrived and is beautiful. Love how bright and cottage the feel is to the room. Really fabulous. I bet you just smile every time you are in the room. Gorgeous. Hugs. Kris

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    1. I really do, Kris!! There are two doorways into that room off the kitchen so I pass by it all day long. Lots of smiles over here, from every angle. xxoo

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  12. It is absolutely fabulous! Everything is so fresh looking. Great job!!

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    1. "Absolutely fabulous"...best comment ever!! Thanks so much!

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  13. Sadly, I am unable to access any of the pictures, but love the commentary.

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    1. Oh no! I'm so sorry. Sometimes if you refresh the page or try a different browser the photos will show up. I will definitely look into it though.

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  14. Kim ,don’t you just love when something in your head comes to life? This room says early spring morning to me. I love the moniker Garden Room. That sofa is freaking magnificent. I love the end table too. I love the hidden plugs and the USB port and it fits perfectly. You have to keep the copper rods! They give the room an upped custom look. I think a carved white mirror would be so rich on the green wall. Do you still have the one from the before picture? I really don’t know what else to say. I would sit there with a Diet Coke and my iPad all day! Brava my girl!

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    1. Susan, you just made my day!! ♥️ I knew what I wanted, but, as you know, decor dreams and reality don't always line up. I'm so glad I was able to get my vision out of my head and into the room...and that I love it just as much {and maybe even a little more} than the way the room looked before its brand new, garden style update. One day you'll have to come on by to say hello. I'll have the Diet Coke on ice!!

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  15. I love your new couch Kim. It is not red, like I was expecting, but in fact it is a breath of fresh air in that lovely green color! The room is coming together beautifully!!

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    1. Thank you, Mary!! It really is so fresh feeling in there now. Trust me, I was this close to going with a red sofa, but I adore this green.

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  16. I love the color! It adds so much to the room.

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    1. Thanks Carla!! It’s a very, very cheerful room. ☺️

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  18. Your husband is right, this is definitely a Garden Room. It's absolutely beautiful, Kim. Well worth the wait!

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    1. Thanks Ann!! It truly was. The sofa is so comfy and it looks fabulous. Snow? What snow? I’ll be in the garden all year long!!

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  19. Your livingroom looks so pretty, cheerful and cozy! I love everything!! - Briana from Texas

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  20. It's beautiful, and Calico Corners always has such pretty fabric, and they do a good job. Something white on that green wall would be perfect. Love that rose vase and lampshade too!

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    1. They really do, Florence. They have so many patterns and brands to choose from it was hard to decide. I do love the way it all came together and that vase was a local antique shop find. Isn't it darling?

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  21. KIM!!!
    My jaw just dropped to the floor and I had to pick it back up!!!! OMG!! I LOVE that sofa and so agree with your husband calling it the Garden Room as it is so stunning, so fresh, so charming and so inviting!! I am stammering, aren't I? You did an outstanding job and I am doing that same little dance you did for you!!!! DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, my friend!! BRAVO!! Can not wait to see more and what you do with this room for Christmas!!!! How exciting!!!!!! I forgot to mention that I am so sorry about your fall and hope your shoulder is getting better, I had a partial rotator cuff tear from lifting a patient and it is quite painful so I know how much pain you were in.....
    Have a great day!!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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    1. Deb, you are so nice!! Thank you so much! I have to say I love the room and I love that my husband is happy to sit in the garden. There are a lot of flowers in there...and I suspect that as Christmas approaches there will just be more...haha!! Xo

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  22. This is absolutely stunning. Green is MY color....I adore green & this may be the most beautiful room I've ever seen. I want to come for tea!

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    1. Oh my goodness, Jenny, you just made my day!! What a lovely compliment. I'm blushing and clapping all at once. When you're in the area, let me know, tea will be served in the garden room!! ♥️

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  23. Wow Kim! I love your new modern updated coach and garden room! It looks beautiful and I love the new lampshade, and table. I love the lampshades from Lowes and that is where I buy all of mine for my house. You and your family must be so happy with the update on your whole house. Enjoy!

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    1. Lowes is awesome for decor, Julie, I agree. I saw the shades on Amazon and Wayfair for crazy prices, then the Lowes one popped up for about half. I was at the store in a flash, picking mine up. Thank you for the kind words, we're so happy with the way things are turning out, it's been a slow road, but worth it!

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  24. It really is a garden room! I love the new couch. It's so fresh and still fits your cottage look. The end table is perfect! How brilliant to have a place to store and recharge too!

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    1. Thank you, Mari! Isn't that table the best? I love all the space and the charging area is so stealthy. Just the way I like it!

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  25. Very pretty, Kim! I like the mix of patterns, and I think a white mirror would be lovely on the green wall. The window seat is so cool, and I really, really like the copper rods. Brilliant! Hugs.

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    1. Thank you, Nancy! That window is one my husband's best DIYs. It's a second sofa in the room, doubling the seating in a very narrow and tiny space. The rod is just beautiful, too. He really is super creative. Hugs!!

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  26. Love your new garden room! Plaid and floral just go together, and I am sure you are over the moon too. I know I would be. I have been on the search for a new sofa, and nothing gets my attention, but this sofa? Now, I like it! Congrats on your new room!

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    1. Thanks so much, Cara! I am over the moon. This room was a lot of work and there was a lot of waiting, but I think it was so worth it. I didn't think I'd ever love a sofa as much as my floral one, but this checked couch is tugging at those heard strings for sure!!

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  27. Oh, I am SOOO in love with the color and checked pattern! Green always speaks to my heart!

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    1. Thanks Leslie!! I love color and this pattern just spoke to my heart, as well! I really appreciate the comment!

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  28. Awwww Kim, your room reveal is gorgeous, fresh, cheery, happy and just perfect!!! That green is stunning! You have such a great style!

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    1. Thank you, Kitty! ☺️ I have to say, I love the room. It's very pretty and better than I'd hoped it would be when it was all planned out.

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  29. You did it, Kim! It looks fabulous! I'm always drawn to checks, and the color is so cheery! I also take my time with the finishing touches (okay, sometimes too much time!), and that is half the fun! Enjoy your new room! Glad you got your sofa before Christmas!

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    1. Thanks Amy! I’m so happy with the room and even happier, as you said, that it showed up before the holidays.

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  30. Kim, this room turned out beautiful. I love all of the patterns that play off of one another in this space. That fabric on the window seat is gorgeous. Love it!

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    1. Thank you, Tammy!! I think I love this room more each day.

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