Retired couple turns attention to the house
Thirty years ago after some significant life challenges, my husband and I decided it was important for our preschool and toddler daughters to be able to grow up near family. We left our sprawling ranch home in Wisconsin which, as newlyweds, we had furnished and decorated just five years before, and moved to the Chicago suburbs. Due to the unavoidable bad timing of winter and the December holiday season, coupled with the substantial difference in housing prices, our options and resources were limited. We had to squeeze our existing furniture into a much smaller space and leave redecorating to the future. Other than repainting, that future makeover never materialized.
Fast forward to the present. Our daughters are now employed, starting families of their own, and my husband and I are recently retired. I finally have the time to notice how tired and outdated our living space really is! Because it is the first thing you see upon entering our home, our living room is most in need of a total makeover, but I don't know where to even start! The oversized, decades-old furniture needs to be replaced, the windows need covering and the rug has long ago seen better days.
Adding to my problems is the fact that this room is inherently dark due to the many trees and existing dark woodwork, and has only two small walls that you can place furniture against, because of the windows and large openings leading to other rooms. I need professional help!
I would love to be able to create an inviting vibrant space that I can be proud of - one that my expanding family will be able to use and enjoy, and that I will finally be able to welcome guests in to. I would be so grateful to be able to have your design experts help me and to finally have the resources to make it happen.
Design by Treetime Christmas Creations
Expert: Owner Laurie Kane, www.treetime.com.
To make the space inviting for the holidays, we suggest adding a few versatile elements with both a natural feeling and a classic appeal. All of these pieces make decorating a breeze.
Budget: $1,000
Suggestions
• Add a pre-decorated 5-foot potted berry pine tree. The berry potted trees come with lights, small red berries and pine cones and are sought after for their deep green, natural faux wood accents. Just plug it in and you have a timeless look.
• Pair this potted tree with matching wreath and garland to complete the design ($99-$279).
• An easy-to-do update is an arrangement of faux greenery and berries in a rustic-looking container. Place this on the table for instant holiday flair ($2.95-$17.95).