The living room just got a few cosmetic updates, as well as some refinished hardwood floors after we ripped up the carpeting.

Before:

After:

The chairs were an old garage sale find my mom got for $4 a piece. We had them recovered, and they still cost less than a standard, less comfortable chair from IKEA.

For the walls on either side of the mantel, we applied a paintable, textured wallpaper and then painted it the same wall color. It turned out beautiful, and I think I’ll find a place to do it again in the new house.

The old Expedit bookcase from IKEA (at least 12 years old at this point and still going strong) to showcase the library and camera collection.