So as I mentioned in this post, I decided rather last-minute that somehow, just before work was meant to start in our new extension and kitchen and dining room renovation, I was going to squeeze in a bit of a makeover for our living room. I have big plans for the future of this room but this was going to be a really quick makeover, simply because I felt like I couldn’t live with the dark purple walls any more and honestly, once I get something like that in my head, it’s going to happen!
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With less than a week until the builders started to tear the back of the house off, I decided that if nothing else, this room was going to get painted and painted it did. I’m going to just go ahead and share the pictures because I know that’s what you’re here for so without further ado… I present the new look!
Ta da! I’m sure there will be some out there who really loved the purple (you can see what it used to look like here if you need a reminder) but I honestly couldn’t be happier with the result and the biggest impact? A tin of paint. That’s it.
Using Earthborn’s Paw Print Claypaint
Now, thankfully, I’m one of Earthborn paint’s ambassadors this year (they call us #claymates – how cute is that?!) and so I was really excited that not only would they be supporting me in this makeover project, I was getting to try out their paints in yet another room in my home.
We live in a Victorian home, built in 1889 and these old girls need love – you can’t really just slap any old paint on the walls. The walls are designed to breathe and when you use paint that doesn’t allow for this, you’ll end up with all sorts of issues – peeling, damp spots and worse.
Earthborn’s claypaints are fully breathable (so perfect for older properties like mine), contain no-added VOCs and eco-friendly – so they are good for your house and good for you. Not only that, but the paint is so thick and creamy with such good coverage, that it goes on like a dream.
I got the first coat fully done on Thursday and then finished with a (hardly even needed!) second coat on Friday morning. That dark purple was no match for it. And this is one of the reasons I’m a total convert to good quality paint. Yes, it cost a bit more but you find you need less paint anyway so it’s a total win-win. As you can see, I’m genuinely a big fan of this paint brand!
I chose the colour Paw Print for my living room and it’s just made such a huge difference to the whole feel of the space. It’s lighter and brighter but while many people would simply opt for white, I really wanted something that was a bit more interesting. Yes, it’s a neutral shade but it still provides some depth. The colour is nuanced: depending on the light in the room at the time, sometimes it veers more towards lilac, other times it’s almost pinky-beige and other times it looks greyer. Earthborn describe it as ‘mushroom for grownups’ and a friend described it as ‘mink’ and I think that’s probably the closest you can get to what colour it is. It’s warm and enveloping but still manages to feel light and airy at the same time.
I also gave our fireplace a makeover and I honestly can not get over how much I love it now. I’m going to do a separate post on all the products I used to update it but one thing that I think made a huge difference was simply painting the mantle the same colour as the walls.
I used Earthborn’s Multi-Purpose Primer first as it had originally been painted in a white gloss and then 2 coats of Earthborn Eggshell No17 oil-free wood paint. The primer is quite thin (watch for drips!) but otherwise, the application was really quick and 4 hours later, I coated with 2 coats of the wood paint and it went on like a dream. I actually originally wanted to completely replace the mantle as well as the hearth and the tiles but now, I’m thinking I may have saved myself some money because I love it just as it is now.
What’s New in the Room?
For the decor itself, despite the fact it really does feel like a new space, I haven’t actually changed too much. A few extra touches of nude, peach and blush pink created a really warm palette and while I still intend to replace the sofas over time, I think the colour scheme works pretty well for the time being.
I had a few people on Instagram comment that they really loved the new colour scheme but the funny thing is, my accent colours in the room have always included pink and peach, but I feel like the purple was so overpowering, that it wasn’t really even noticeable. With a quieter backdrop, the items in the room have a chance to shine.
I did end up stealing a few pieces of artwork from the dining room (well, it was completely emptied in preparation for the work ahead) and I really love the change in here. The carved bull’s head is gone – funny that I only stuck it up there when we moved in because there was already a hook in place but hadn’t intended it to be permanent! It was replaced with two larger framed pieces which I think balance out that large wall rather well.
The one on the left is just wrapping paper and the other with the crane is a really old tea towel from M&S that I fell in love with but didn’t want to use – so I framed it instead! Ha! Cheap and instant art! The throw was gifted from Kaleidoscope (from a previous collaboration with them) and it’s so luxuriously soft and just worked nicely with the softer greys in the room.
I did purchase a little gold tray from Amazon that you can see on the shelving unit above holding those pink glasses and carafe. I thought it worked really nicely with the gold tray on my coffee table. I also picked up that cute plant pot from M&S recently as the colours were such a good fit for this room.
I also went a little crazy and bought a few 3-wick candles from M&S (they are less than a tenner each and smell lovely – really impressed with the quality considering the price!). I did also buy another white cowhide rug that I was planning to layer behind the yellow sofa but alas, it was delayed in transit and didn’t arrive in time for my shoot! But I’m sure you’ll see it in the future anyway!
Get the Look
I thought I’d pull together some of the items I’ve used in my living room just in case you spied something you liked the look of! Some of the items I’ve had for years (and sadly, that shelving unit is vintage – someone always asks!) but here are a few things that will give you a similar look.
And that was it really! I can’t get over how much a lick of paint has transformed this space from one I didn’t really want to spend much time in to one I’m actually eager to. In fact, I’ve been cosied up in front of the fireplace almost every night since I finished it! I’ll soon be sharing how I updated the fireplace but in the meantime, I’d love to know what you think of the new look? Are you missing the purple already? Or do you prefer a calmer space injected with a bit of personality? Let me know in the comments!
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Earthborn Paints who provided paint free for my makeover. As always, all opinions, words and images are my own and I only promote companies and products I love and that I think you’ll like too! Thanks for supporting the brands that support Swoon Worthy.
LOVE the colour, it all looks so calming and elegant. And the fireplace is actually really beautiful and so in keeping with the property. I wouldn’t change it ;-) xo
Ahh thank you my dear! I’m genuinely thrilled how well that fireplace came out – looks like I’ve saved myself the money & hassle of replacing it! Yay! xxx
I did like the purple but this looks so much better it looks amazing. I think i may have to use this paint. Xxx
Thanks, lovely! I love it too – the room feels so much fresher now, it’s like I can breathe again in there! LOL! xxx
I did like the purple, but now spring is coming, the lighter, brighter walls look lovely. Much better than stark white too, the colour you’ve used still has some warmth.
It looks really lovely.
Ahh thanks Julia – the room definitely still has that warm feel but like you said, perfect for Spring as well :) xx
I love this paint! The purple was interesting but completely sucked all the light out of the room. I still can’t get over the fireplace update. The mantle and insert look brand new. I know you’ll enjoy all the light in the room now! ❤️
Totally agree – I felt like the purple was far too overpowering! Thank you so much and I’m genuinely thrilled how well that fireplace came out – ha! Amazing what a bit of paint and polish can do ;) xx
WOW! Love the calm look of your living room.
Thanks so much lovely! xxx
Love this new look and the paint! We are moving into a house in shrewsbury in a few weeks time. Finally made the big move from London and I’ve been looking for a nice colour like this for the living room. Might need to check out their website!
Ahh congrats on your upcoming move! Definitely get some samples from them – the paint is divine! xxx
So welcoming and relaxing! Love it!
Ahh thanks Joette! xxx
This is amazing! I have to say I’m a big fan of neutrals and this colour is so delicate. Much prefer it to the purple!
I prefer neutrals on my walls for the most part too! I can appreciate bolder and deeper colours from afar but I just can’t live with them any more ;) xx
Gorgeous improvement, Kimberly! Cozy and sophisticated at the same time! Well done!!
Cozy and sophisticated was definitely what I was hoping for! Yay! Thank you! xxx
I have to say I’m not sorry to see the purple and its companion wallpaper go. It was interesting, but not something I could live with for very long. The fireplace and mantle looks great – I would leave it with its vintage look if it were me. I think once your new floors are in, everything will tie together beautifully. The old floors are distracting and I know you cringe every time you try to design around them. Can’t wait to see the new kitchen/dining reno.
I lived with it for as long as possible but I’m so glad it’s gone! LOL! And yes, I don’t think I’m going to change the fireplace now, I’m thrilled with how well it’s turned out. I can’t WAIT for the new floors but it may be a while before we can install them – but it’s coming ;) Thanks darling xx
Really gorgeous! Once again, you did a great job. I always look forward to your posts.
Ahh thank you Anna!! xx
I love that gold shelving unit and really want one for my living room. Love this pale gray wall colour as well, just what I was looking for – stunning room!
Angela at Blush & Pearls
Thanks Angela! These shelving units are so rare – took me years to finally get mine but it’s a Pierre Vandel from the 70s if that helps in your search ;) xx
I must admit I am a colour lover but this looks so fresh and relaxing. Perfect for Spring and styled so perfectly with all of your accessories! And the fireplace is such an improvement. 😍 xx
Ahh thank you! I’m thrilled you like the new look too Cara! xxx
The power of paint still leaves me amazed. I like this color so much better
It’s amazing what paint will do, right?! I much prefer this look too ;) xx
Wow, looks like a completely different room. I love it. It looks so much calmer and more serene.
That’s definitely what I wanted – something a bit calmer and more sophisticated :D Thanks lovely! xxx
I love this colour and definitely think it looks better than the
Purple. It looks fresh and bigger too. I love all your gold accessories; especially your gold light fitting. I’ll definately will check out this paint. Thanks
I think the room looks bigger too! Thanks so much Sophie and do get some samples – it really is fantastic paint! xxx
never could live with dark walls so this is totally my look ,love love ,
I can admire dark/bold rooms from afar but I can’t live with them either! Thanks so much, pleased you like it Liz! xxx
Gorgeous! That wall color is stunning. Do you know if that brand is available in the US?
Thank you! I’m not sure if they are but drop them on DM on Instagram and perhaps they can help! They are @earthbornpaints there and have lovely customer service! xx
I liked the purple, however this seems calmer and I a real fan of a mink / mushroom colour. Great job as always.
Ahh thanks Andrea! xx
This room looks SO pretty now, and relaxing, and bigger! You must be so pleased to see the back of the purple, haha! It was very heavy in the room. Paw Print is a lovely backdrop to your pretty furniture and accessories.
The purple was very heavy in the space and just TOO MUCH for me! Haha! I’m really loving Paw Print, it’s a lovely shade and so much fresher feeling :) xx
What a difference a shade makes! Lovely calm vibe. And I love those artworks you ‘created’. My top tip for DIYers just starting out is always ‘don’t skimp on the paint’ (which they are normally very tempted to do), so yours is a great example of less time, less work, less paint = great result. Did you have to use a paint brush with this clay paint? If so, you did it SO quickly!?
Couldn’t agree more – I’m definitely a convert to higher-quality paints now, there’s just no comparison when it comes to coverage and the depth of colour you get! I used a paint brush just for cutting in at the ceiling, skirting boards and corners and used a roller for everything else ;) I’ve painted so many rooms now, I’ve gotten very fast at doing it! xxx
I think it looks amazing. I actually liked the purple, but this is so much lighter and brighter.
Strangely enough I started decorating my living room on the same day as you but its a room of two halves so it took 3 days. I find your blog truly inspirational and it’s spurred me on to do the whole house now. Good job hubby’s got the week off, it’s the hall, stairs and landing next! x
Aw we were living room painting twinsies then! Haha! Thank you so much for your kind words and best of luck on your projects – very exciting ;) xx
I absolutely love it! I liked the purple, but the room just looks so much bigger and brighter now, and it really showcases your gorgeous furniture and belongings. I also love how you simplified the fireplace colour and suddenly made it fit the room perfectly. As always, an amazing job!
These paints sound fab, wish I had known about them before we started our entire house!
x
It’s made such a huge difference to the whole feel of the space – I think it looks bigger too (painting above the picture rail definitely helps that too) :) Thanks so much, lovely and definitely try out the paints if you can. They really are brilliant to work with! xxx
Love your style anyway, but I absolutely thought the livingroom was even more striking with the purple walls! This version of the room is nice too, & you have to be happy living in the space. Thanks for sharing. I do enjoy your blog very much. Well done!
Wrapping paper and a tea towel – who knew? Such a brilliant idea for creating Art for your home. I thought the purple wall color was interesting but this is your home and needs to reflect you! Looks great. I’m amazed by the fireplace.
I love it. It feels so refined and honestly more grown up than the purple. (Not that the purple wasn’t pretty, it just didn’t feel “Swoon Worthy”. I love the way the fireplace pops now too. Paint saved the day. 🧡