*This post is sponsored by DISH, however all opinions are 100% mine. Affiliate links may also be contained in this post.
So I warned you that the design of my grandparent’s house that we’ll be living in part-time was going to be very different than what our 70’s Landing Pad looks like. I wasn’t kidding. Are you ready for the first design plans? Let’s start with the living room…
Before
First off, the wood trim isn’t going anywhere. It does need some cleaning up where paint was splattered on it over the years, but we are keeping it as-is otherwise. I think my Pap would strike me dead from the grave if I painted over it. 😉 He loved a beautiful piece of stained wood.
This is a longer room than it is wide, so there might be some furniture re-positioning going on once we get it all in there, but for the most part, here’s where we’re going with this space.
The Plan
Drapes / Sofa / Chairs / Ottoman / Rug
We’re calling it Traditional Casual. Growing up, the living room at my grandparent’s home was always the more formal room, but it was always warm and welcoming too – it’s where we always arranged ourselves to open gifts at Christmas. I wanted to stay true to that, while also making it work for us.
The walls are going to get a fresh coat of a light beige paint (Beige! Can you believe it?!), but we’re going to add some more traditional colors into the space with the drapes, rug and leather sofa. We’ll also throw in some accent pillows as well.
Wall Color / Dresser / Sconce / Rug
On the wall opposite the sofa, is where the television will reside. Growing up, the den always held the TV and never the living room, but the den is small and I decided it would be better used for us as an office of sorts. In my head, the den is going to be a library as well where I’ll write a book, while looking out the window but we all know how that will probably work out. 😉
We have a hand-me-down dresser very much like the one above, that will hold the television. I’m considering putting sconces on either side of the TV like we did in the living room at our Beloved Foreclosure.
One of the issues we’ve had to figure out about this whole part-time country living was the TV service. In the beginning, I thought maybe we would be able to get by without cable since we would be there just part of the time. And then Grunt reminded me about football season. Duh. TV is a must. In my hometown, there is one cable TV provider in the area and well, they don’t offer all the channels we would like or even a price we would like either. We looked at alternatives and eventually settled on DISH.
Besides having all the premium channels, sports channels and Netflix integrated right into their services at a good price, DISH also has amazing customer service. Seriously, the installer showed up to install our dish, which is free by the way, and I didn’t even have our television out of the box or set-up. He must have realized how much I had on my plate by the looks of my paint covered overalls, no makeup, crazy hair and crazy talk, so bless his heart, he took all of it out, set it all up and then neatly arranged all the instruction manuals and other paperwork that had came with the TV.
We were also able to take advantage of a promotion that DISH is currently offering – a free Polk soundbar – I’ll let you guess about how excited Grunt was at the thought of turning up that soundbar during football games – just like you’re in the stadium, baby. 😉 Besides the free soundbar, if you’re a new DISH customer, you can also take advantage of their free TV mounting or a set of bluetooth headphones, but only thru July 30th! Use the following offer codes during checkout to make sure you get yours: Polk Soundbar – DISHSOUND967, TV Mount – MOUNT4753 or Bluetooth Headphones BTOFFER852.
DISH also offers a 2 Year Price Guarantee, which is a huge deal for us. We’ve went round and round with cable companies in the past because their rates skyrocket after the first six months, a year or really whenever they decide to change their mind, but DISH isn’t like that. We can budget for that cost for at least two years without it changing. You can find more information about getting DISH at your house by visiting their site or calling 877-625-0157.
So while we are currently rocking a somewhat redneck TV setup in the living room, we’ve got premium TV service. Little blonde hair girls with curls and overall-wearin’ uncles not included with DISH offers. 😉
Kari Wagner Hoban says
I have a silly question: how do you make those room idea mock ups?
Is there a website or do you have a fancy magic application on your computer?
Because it would make my life so much easier when I am trying to convince my family of my BRILLIANT design ideas.
Also, I love the design you are planning to go with and I so appreciate you keeping your grandad in mind while thinking of ideas.
Jenna says
Not a silly question at all, in fact, someone just asked me the same question a couple of weeks back, so I’m planning to do a post on just that! I use either PicMonkey or Olioboard. Sometimes, I use a combination of both. So, stay tuned because I’ll have a post up soon about it! I’ll probably do one first with PicMonkey since it’s the most user-friendly. I’m so glad you like this design! It’s different than what I would normally do, but I have to say – I love it!
Stacy Risenmay says
That picture of your little girl and your grandpa is precious! I can’t wait to see the finished space 🙂
Jenna says
Thanks, Stacy!
Beth says
My oh my! What a different design from your normal routine! I love it! Looking forward to all of the updates on the farm….
Jenna says
It’s definitely different! Here’s hoping I can do different!! haha!
Deborah says
Jenna,
That flippin picture warms my heart, the giant and the princess.
How blessed are you and your family to have this adventure and just think that little girl’s world just continues to grow!
Take care and thanks for the updates.
Deb
Jenna says
Isn’t that picture just the best?! I had snapped a few of the Circus by herself, but when he came in and sat down beside her, I had to get that camera out again! So sweet!
linda smith says
Such a cute living room design–love that rug!
Jenna says
Thanks so much, Linda!
Dana says
I like your ideas, and especially that you’re honoring your grandparents in the design. But if was me, I’d HAVE to paint the woodwork…even though it would probably mean three coats to cover.
Jenna says
Thanks, Dana! You’re not a fan of stained woodwork? I totally get it – it’s not for everyone. I actually really love it, especially with the more traditional way we are decorating. That being said, stained trim definitely wouldn’t work with me at our 70’s house!
PamS says
Beige???? LOL! I don’t even have to wonder how it’ll look ~ you’re doing it, so it’ll be just another shade of awesome 🙂 That rug is exactly what my kitchen/breakfast nook needs. If we e.v.e.r. ate at that table it might be a bit worrisome, but food never gets near it ~ so I bet it would work just fine! I’m going to look forward to the PicMonkey post!!
Jenna says
I know! Beige – can you believe it?! You’ve got some serious faith in me, Pam, so I’m hoping it does turn out great in the end! I might be just a little worried about going beige on the walls!!
Anne Coles says
It’s lovely! I can’t wait to see what else you’re going to put in as to make it your own!
Jenna says
Thank you, Anne! I’m hoping to pull in quite a few “smalls” that are family pieces and mementos in the space as well!
Stephanie says
I love the look. Keeping with your style but keeping country look. The rug is pretty. Grunt likes it ?
Keep having fun. How was your sale?
Jenna says
Grunt loves it, Stephanie! This is much more his own personal style. I promised him that with this house, he could have a huge say in the decorating and I’m staying true to my word. I’ve given him choices with items, ideas, concepts, etc. and let him choose, then I’m just putting it all together. I’m so glad you like it! I was a little worried what you all might think since it’s different from my style at the 70’s house. Sale was ok – not amazing or anything, but not too bad. 🙂
Patty says
I think I am going to love the living room.
I was all set to order Dish until you said the little curly haired blond and the overall wearen uncle did not come with Dish, dang. Great picture, love it.
Jenna says
hahaha!! I guess if Dish gave little girls and uncles away with their packages, they would have the market cornered! haha! I’m so glad you like the living room, Patty!! Yay!
Paula says
Jenna: you should write a book! You have an incredible way of bringing your followers into your life with your words. I love being a part of your “family.” Thank you!
Jenna says
I really really want to, Paula – I just don’t know where to start or what exactly to write about. I write stories here all the time, but ya know they are shorter. I just keep waiting for that perfect book idea to hit me!
Michelle Beaton says
Gorgeous! Cannot wait until it’s done.
Jenna says
Thank you, Michelle! Me too!
Lisa A. says
Photo of your uncle and the circus is priceless….
Jenna says
Isn’t it? One of my favorites of them!
Melanie says
I LOVE the design plan!! It’s going to look great! And the picture of your little girl with her grandpa is adorable. ????
I’m glad you’re doing home design again and can’t wait to see it coming together.
Jenna says
Thanks, Melanie! I can’t wait to see how it turns out as well!
Tiffany G. says
I love this! I was so afraid you were going to paint the wood….the wood is beautiful. My grandmother was the best so I can relate. So happy for you. I’m redoing our formal living and dining room. It’s their turn now since we moved in. We are slowly making our way room to room. I have been lost on what to do but your look is inspiring. Thanks!
Jenna says
Thanks so much, Tiffany! I’m so glad you agree with leaving the wood – I love it!
Jeannee says
Very pretty design. Love the chairs.
Jeannee Taylor says
Your design is so traditional. Love the red, white, blue! Perfect for a farmhouse! I especially love the chairs. It looks like it will be really pretty and comfortable!
Jenna says
Thanks, Jeannee! I hope it turns out as good as it looks in my head!
Amy Anderson says
I love the design and can totally see you pulling it off! Awesome.
Jenna says
Thanks so much, Amy!