We just got a new sofa in our living room. I had so many people say “why are you selling your other blue sofa?” Or I even had one lady message me on Instagram and say “what a luxury to change things so often, most Americans can’t do that.”
Then I felt bad and stupid for wanting to change up our living room and our perfectly fine sofa.
Then I thought I shouldn’t allow someone who doesn’t really know me make me change what I want to do or to feel bad.
I do agree it is nice and possibly a “luxury.” But if you have a sofa, you too can have that “luxury” of selling what you have and getting something different. Maybe not a new one, but a change up can be made if you want it to happen and if you want it bad enough I guess. Maybe a sofa swap? I think there is a TV show about that…or was one.
And cats out of the bag- I am a blogger. I do kind of have a little a bit of pressure to bring you new content and new ideas. Before I was a blogger you could have asked my family and friends how many sofa’s I have had and dining tables and they probably lost track. I just like to switch things up!
I had someone approach me and ask if I would be interested in selling my blue sofa to them. My first reaction was “no way, I love that sofa.” But after thinking about it I thought why not? I have wanted to try a lighter look in this front room, so perfect opportunity. And I love working with Wayfair. They did trade the sofa to help off set the cost of running a blog and my time.
Fast forward to my new sofa arriving. I wasn’t expecting it the day it arrived. So the delivery service left it on our back deck. We do not have a garage or extra room ANY extra room (we do have a basement, but big pieces do not fit down the stairs). The person who was going to buy my old sofa figured out it would not fit in their room. So I posted the blue sofa for sale on a local Face Book page. Until that sofa sold the new sofa sat on our back deck for TWO WEEKS! And it rained and rained and rained…did I mention it rained?? The most rain we have had in a long time! We covered it with tarps and hoped it was staying dry.
I couldn’t take it any longer- I was getting too stressed about the new sofa on our deck. I had visions of squirrels making a nest in our brand new soaking wet sofa.
So we moved it into our front room.
Unwrapped it.
And it was perfectly dry- no damage whatsoever.
The new sofa sat with the old sofa for a couple of days. In our tiny cape living room. Until I marked it down online and said “pick-up ASAP!” It was sold that day to a cute couple who were thrilled to be taking it to their home.
Getting new furniture into this tiny cape is far from easy. It is like I have to learn that lesson over and over. Here are the pictures to prove it-
I took some pictures of the new sofa and our living room the other day. The doors and windows were open with a nice breeze blowing in, it just felt like Spring with the anticipation of the beach days ahead.
My a few of my favorite things about this new sofa are- #1- The linen fabric #2- The long bench cushion #3- That it has a skirt!! No more balls rolling underneath the sofa (this wasn’t a problem until baby Finn joined our family:)).
We did sell the two chairs that were in this room. They were just too big for the space and with our little baby boy crawling all over we needed more space.
We replaced the two chairs for this one HERE and opted for a couple of floating ottomans.
You can read more about my painted pink piano HERE.
Fun to compare the two different looks in this room. I personally like them both and really enjoy change. It is good for us.
You can see where I moved the other rug to on this post HERE.
Living Room Sources-
Sofa HERE
Old Sofa discontinued similar HERE
Moroccan Style Pillow HERE
New Rug HERE
Old Rug HERE
New Chair HERE
Leather Ottoman HERE
Wood Occasional Table HERE
Floor Lamp HERE
White Clock above piano HERE
Walls Painted- Cloud Cover Benjamin Moore
Woven Blinds- The woven blinds were actually here when we moved in. I did find a name on the woven wood blinds. They are from Horizons Window Fashions. The color name is Forestglen Pecan.
I did find similar HERE the color that looked similar is- Sarasota Camel.
These are another option that looked similar HERE
Let me know if I missed anything! You can see more of this room on my Spring Home Tour HERE
Cassie Bustamante says
loved the blue sofa but i dig this lighter vibe a lot! and to that lady who says it is a luxury… stop being so judgy! like you said, you’re a blogger who needs to bring new content. we blog because we LOVE decorating/DIY/design and change in our homes happens as a result of that, which also provides new content. does she have a hobby or passion she spends time or money on? (actually probably not or she wouldn’t be so bitter). gosh, sorry for the rant, but people who judge drive me crazy, and yes i am judging her. 😉
[email protected] says
Cassie you just made my morning! That is a good way to look at it- this is my hobby and passion. Just like some men spend money on golf, fishing or whatever. This is what we do! You get it:)
Clarissa says
Brooke, this is beautiful! Everything you do is beautiful so that’s no surprise. I’m so glad I found your blog. It’s the only one I’m subscribed to and I’m always thrilled when you have a new post or even post a new pic to instagram. I’ve said this before and I feel the need to say it again-your blog is my absolute favorite because it feels so real to me. Your kids sit on the couch, there’s toys on the floor and probably a ton of little fingerprints on your windows. Ya know, real life. And whether you keep this new sofa for 2 weeks or 2 years, I never get bored with your style. I can look at the same picture and find something new I didn’t notice before. Thank you for the daily inspiration.
[email protected] says
Clarissa- you nailed it- there are a million little finger prints (I know because I just washed the windows this morning;))
I SO appreciate your comment and am honored that you subscribe to my blog!! And I want to be just that- not to pretend I am something I am not. xxxx
LD says
I loved the blue but the softness of the lighter colors is beautiful! Enjoy your new couch!
[email protected] says
Thank you- I agree. It is fun to see we can like a lot of different things:)
Savanna Nave says
Oh that blue couch had my heart but this look is so cozy!! I love the new sofa, enjoy!! <3
[email protected] says
me too- it as SO sad to see it go. But who knows maybe I will switch it back next month:)
Ashley P. says
Can I please be you when I grow up ? Seriously though, you could put a donkey in your living room and I would probably love it! And I am cracking up with 2 sofas in there. My kids would love that! Great sofa pick and you didn’t even have to leave the house ??
[email protected] says
hahahaha! You just made me laugh out loud- at least I will know I have ONE person who likes my donkey 🙂
Yes- I never leave the house for shopping anymore. All online!
Cassandra E says
I love both ways. ( of course) long time quiet reader….
The new couch is pretty amazing though.
Here’s a thought I’ve been grappling with: when people get high handed about how fortunate we are, does that mean we should actually all live in the dirt? There’s also an implication you are not wildly grateful for each new thing. Diminishing your joy because others have not, just dims joy all around. This world needs joy. You give joy.
I had to say something, because I just hate that pit in the stomach feeling, and I laughed when you said cat’s out of the bag.
[email protected] says
Oh my goodness I just loved every word you just said. Such a great perspective. Thank you!
Bethany Doyle says
Looks great! I change up our small home all the time- keeps it interesting! I sold our entire family room because we pushed it all against the wall for a movie watching night because I couldn’t believe how oversized everything was!
And to that lady who said that…we work hard and earn our money and can do whatever we want with it. It’s a privilege to do it 🙂 Plus, um, we are women and change our minds all the time-hello! Keep on changin’…
Banquet looks great too!
[email protected] says
I agree- we need something fun to look at day in and day out! Thanks so much:)
Eve Hyde says
So much roomier… lighter and brighter! I just love your style. We also have a Cape Cod. I know the “lack of space” issue all to well.
[email protected] says
Thank you! Yes- the lack of space is an ongoing learning curve for sure.
Kristin J Robson says
Brooke, I liked your living room before, but this looks so light and fresh. Beautiful. And so what if you want to change your stuff around? It’s your house!
I had someone at my house recently say ‘oh my gosh, my husband would die if he saw your house and all of the decor. He likes things really simple’. I smiled and said ‘well then I guess it’s a good thing your husband does not live here!’ Why on earth would I care what YOUR husband thinks about my decor (my husband likes it just fine!!)? I just had to laugh. 😉
Change your stuff as much as you want- it is always cozy and beautiful!
[email protected] says
that is pretty hilarious and rude at the same time! Loved your come back- so perfect.
Dell says
Your home is lovely! Love the new sofa and that hanging swing/chair. Your babies must love it!
[email protected] says
thank you! we do:)
Eve Hyde says
So much roomier… lighter and brighter! I just love your style! We also have a small Cape Cod, so I know the “lack of space” issues all to well.
[email protected] says
Thank you! Yes- you totally get it!!
stacey says
I am 48 yrs old …I have a 27 yr old…a 22 yr old and an 8 yr old….I have always worked part time to be able to stay home with my children….tight budget meant I could not go shopping every weekend….so …I learned to “keep house” and because of that my children appreciate cozy living. Yrs ago I started feeling bad for always rearranging and focusing on “home” because as I looked around my circle it seemed others were choosing a different path of life….well I have learned over the yrs that everyone has a passion and we need to not judge what others find as enjoyment in their lives…..that my friend is adult bullying….I personally could hold the Guinness book of world records for having owned more couches and dining tables then anyone…..well my passion has paid off now that my daughter is married and working full time and loving to “keep house”….. through my passion for rearranging and buying and selling furniture I have passed on to another generation of how to make a house a home…..and at the end of the day we all need a place of refuge ….and that my friend is home. I love what you do and one day you will be having so much fun helping your children make their house a home….sorry for the long message but I am so tired of people attacking women for enjoying what they do.
[email protected] says
What a wonderful comment that made me smile. I am sure you are enjoying this stage in your life. I can already see what I do rubbing off on my girls- they like to keep things nice and value this place we call home.
Thank you for your thoughtful words.
Julia says
Brooke, I almost laughed out loud at the comment made about changing things up. I do not think it’s even being a blogger that incites frequent change (ups the pressure, I’m sure). I say this because my husband and I are criticized for changing things up too much – but we have moved a lot and both have issues with furniture that 1) does not fit a space and 2) no longer fits our needs. We’ve been this way with zero budget all the way to a slightly increased budget and we don’t change. Scale and function make us both nuts! So out with the old and in with the better fitting and more useful for our current season of life.
The room looks lovely, and as the saying goes “you do you.” Can’t wait to see more of the room!
[email protected] says
Exactly Julie! I am with you- change it up if it doesn’t work for you. After all we are the ones who live with our choices day in and out- no one else. Thanks for reading:)
Tara says
I agree! I love it both ways! I didn’t think it seemed too dark with the other sofa at all. But I also like to change things up so I totally get how/why you needed a change. Looks beautiful!
Christa lyon says
BEAUTIFUL! I Love it. ?
[email protected] says
hi you cutie!! Thanks Christa!
Deborah L Pelton says
I really like the new lighter Look! Also really like the almost Danish modern chair. Definitely looks comfortable. I am so sorry that person took the time to criticize your purchase of a new couch. The fact that you “recycled “it by selling it which also offset at least part of the cost of the new one, seems like a win win for you and responsible shopping to boot. It’s probably sour grapes on her part. You guys obviously work hard, so never feel badly about doing well. You go, girl ! Love your blog by the way,?
[email protected] says
Thank you so much Deborah- that is such a good point and I appreciate your kind words so much and you taking the time to comment. xxx
Becky says
Constantly inspired by your spaces! I am curious though how long you owned your blue couch and did you notice any fading during that course of time? We have a large bay window that the morning sun streams in and lasts for most of the day. I love it but it totally faded our chaise after only a couple of years. So now I’m completely reconsidering what to put in its place. I’m thinking neutral might be the way to go. Sidenote I couldn’t take looking at the fade anymore so I made my husband drag it upstairs to our bedroom & immediately I hated it there but he talked me into thinking about it for a day or so (because he was tired and it was difficult to move in our tiny house) then he blew out his knee! And the chaise is stuck in my bedroom! I’m not sure I’ll be able to live!! ????
[email protected] says
That is a really good question. Our front room only gets direct sun for a few hours in the morning. There wasn’t any sun fading.
Lighter might be a good option. Or have you thought of window tinting? We had a lot of sun in our other home and had our windows tinted (you couldn’t tell from the inside) maybe worth looking into.
And your poor husband!! And dang it- I bet it is driving you crazy!!
lisa mcbride says
what is your trim color in the house? I see that Cloud Cover looks kind of yellow-ey in some photos…we are building and getting to the point of choosing paint colors for interior and exterior and it helps to see it in a home in different lighting. I would love any input you can give! Also, you posted a photo of your friends kitchen nook area…she had a black door near it. I believe her paint color was cloud white? I wonder what her trim color was also. Just trying to compare/contrast as I try to make some decisions! THANKS SO MUCH for such beautiful photos! Love your home.
[email protected] says
Yes- it could be the lighting for sure. Cloud Cover is more cream than Cloud White. My trim is a mixture in different rooms.
I know that my friend Annie from Most Lovely Things blog- her trim is Cloud White too I believe. You could check with her…. http://www.mostlovelythings.com
Shaina says
I love that rug! How do you feel about the texture of it with a baby crawling all over it? I have a 3 month old so crawling is in my future.
[email protected] says
I actually was surprised at the softness! It doesnt feel like a typical jute rug. It is softer than the one we had here before. My kids play all over it just fine.
Janet says
Love the lighter look. It feels fresh. The scale of the new couch seems to fit the space better. I did love the blue couch though too! I don’t think the woman meant her remark as mean spirited. Maybe she doesn’t understand that you get “free/reduced cost” things to advertise for a company. Bartering your services for their product. I’m guessing that’s what you mean by partnering. From following blogs, I believe that’s what that means. Maybe a post about how you are able to do this with the help of companies wanting you to highlight their business. Some people may not understand how that works. I’m sure many are curious and would find it really interesting how that works and how you begin a relationship with a company. Just a thought ;c)
[email protected] says
yes- I know what you are saying. I did explain it to her and I believe she gets it- she actually wants to be a blogger herself she said. But I agree- not all understand how bloggers get paid and what we do have to pay for to run our business. Great perspective. Thanks!
Kaile says
Brooke you have the most beautiful home!! Every room is so cozy and inviting that it makes me want to live there too! I absolutely loved your other couch and chairs but I love this new style just as much. You can style no wrong! Thank you for always inspiring me, and helping me get ideas to style my own house for my family!!
[email protected] says
Thank you so much Kalie- you are so kind to comment and what a boost to keep me going! Have a good day!
Jeanne says
Goes back to the old adage that if you can’t say something nice then don’t say anything at all. In this day and age, people feel their opinion MUST be shared. Often. Guess what? Everyone has the intelligence to form their own opinion! You keep on doing what works for you and I’ll be honored and grateful that I can enjoy the inspiration and beauty of it all.
[email protected] says
I agree:) thank you Jeanne- just reminds us how to talk to people kindly. thanks so much!
Debbie says
I like both looks but understand the need for change! That’s why I hate to spend too much on certain items but want really good quality.
Sometimes it’s hard to get a feel for the size of a room from pictures but I think your LR is similar to the one in my parents house, except you have a much better arrangement! My mom had three doors/openings and also had a piano. Tthe front door opened directly into the room. The only wall the piano could fit on was the one across from the big window (where you have your white buffet) and it always looked too big. But I think It’s always somewhat of a challenge to arrange furniture, no matter what the size of the space! I do like your new sofa and chair. I have a feeling that although the rug looks nice, you will miss the other one. I just visited a rug outlet about 50 miles from our home – a true outlet beside the factory with amazing prices (now I am spoiled). They have beautiful rugs and had I needed a 5 x 8 I would have come home with one but I need a larger rug and their inventory was low. I will be going back again. Our sofa is only two years old but the foam cushions softened sooner than they should have. I like the sofa so I contacted the company and they shipped new core foam for the seat cushions for only the cost of shipping. I really enjoy your blog.
Priya says
Beautiful living room!!! Loved it!! Also can I please know where you bought or how you made the window side cushion or seat?
[email protected] says
thank you! It was actually a cushion from off an ottoman that fit perfectly there.
I would look on Etsy for someone who could make you one!
Christina says
It’s so fun to change things up…I agree! And how can you not when Target is always coming out with new stuff:)
I really do love this lighter look!! It was worth all of the work.
How do you go about choosing your rugs??
[email protected] says
Thank you! I look at what the rug is made out of and read reviews. Then I just browse online until I see one I love:)
Brynn Snyder says
I am trying to find that exact lamp but it just takes me to the lamp section in joss&main. Do you know the name of it? You do beautiful work.
[email protected] says
Weird! Sorry about that it is this- http://rstyle.me/n/cm24ujb5qwf