Eclectic Edwardian Living Room Design, East Sheen

It’s One Room Challenge reveal day. Over the last eight weeks, I’ve been working to make the living room in our Edwardian house brighter, happier, and more functional. I’m calling the overall vibe “Global Eclectic.”

The house is rented and the budget was tight, so it’s not the most dramatic makeover. And Covid sprang a few shipping delays on me, so it’s not 100% finished. But it’s close enough to share.

Learn more about Emmerson & Fifteenth’s interior design services here.

Goal #1: Make It Lighter & Brighter

Before, the living room was dark beige and the wallpaper around the fireplace was not my jam (see the before photos at the bottom of this post). I painted the whole room off-white with a soft sheen to reflect light better, and it made a huge difference. Huge.

Chesterfield Sofa Bed – LYH
Paint – Wevet by Farrow & Ball (colour-matched to Johnstone’s)

A big ass mirror opposite the bay window also does a fine job of brightening the space a little bit more, and I’ve added more task lighting for darker evenings.

Mirror – Umbra via Amazon
Planter – Anthropologie // Brass Table – West Elm
Rug – Marrakech Souk

Pink Plant Pot & Natural Planter – Create & Wild
London Brick Vase – Trouva
Concrete & Brass Lamp – Frontal Factory

I’ve talked about both the handmade concrete and brass lamp and the copper base lamp before. I found the latter in an antique shop. It’s made from an old copper fire hose nozzle, but it had been bodged. My Dad rewired it and secured the marble base.

I freaking adore them both.

I got permission from the landlord to rehang the door. It used to open into the room the opposite way, which clashed with the sofa and visually cut off that corner. Changing it instantly made the room feel bigger. An added benefit to rehanging it is that when it’s open, the hallway gets more light too. It was an easy win.

Goal #2: Make It Tidier & More Functional

Before, the TV sat on the wall opposite the bay window, which meant that one person – and one person only – could sit and watch comfortably. There’s only one wall big enough for the sofa to sit on, which meant the only good place for the TV was above the fireplace. It’s not the prettiest, but this one switch made the biggest functional change in the whole living room makeover. Now, at least three can watch comfortably from the sofa.

Side Table – West Elm

Additional comfy seating – a very budget-friendly rattan chair and a blush pink bean bag – can be moved to face the TV if we’re having a movie night. And when we’re not, we’ve got a decent conversation area.

Rattan Chair – Ikea // Chest – Pottery Barn

Bean Bag – Made

Side note: I went slightly crazy plant lady in here, and I’m not sorry about it at all.

Hmong Foot Stool – LannaPassa on Etsy

Goal #3: Make It Happy

I wanted the overall vibe of the living room design to feel eclectic but calm. It needed some soft but happy colour, and that’s where art and accessories come in. I had planned to buy some new prints, but ended up shopping the house instead. I’m happy to see my woven wall hanging back over the sofa.

Woven Tapestry – By Bella Designs
Moroccan Cushion – Marrakech Souk // Mudcloth Cushion – Danielle Oakey

I had fun with the built-ins. The living room shelves hold an eclectic mix of old brass ornaments I knicked off me Nan, African pieces I picked up abroad or in charity shops, a few select books and a bunch of green shiz. All with a proper space to sit pretty now.

Now spot the biggest missing piece…

Yup, there’s nowt covering the windows. Five weeks ago, I ordered custom curtains in a pretty blush pink Ikat print… and I’m still waiting. But honestly, if that’s the only thing that Covid has caused delays on, I’m good with it.

Eclectic Living Room Before & After

This is the fun bit – revisiting the before photos!

Head to the One Room Challenge to check out tons of amazing room reveals from the featured designers, as well as all the guest participants.

Catch Up On Other ORC 2020 Posts

Mood Board & Plans (Week One)
Stripping & Painting (Week Two)
Creating More Light & Space (Week Three)
Shopping, Styling & Redesigning (Week Four)
Week Five (No Post)
Shelf Styling (Week Six)
Design Updates (Week Seven)

Previous One Room Challenge Makeovers

Shared Kids Room
Neutral Master Bedroom
Global Boho Girls Room