When Megan sent in her front room makeover, we were instantly delighted. Her note captured the transformation from dated baby-blue walls to a fresh, inviting living space with smart window treatments and thoughtful accents. Her story is a great example of how a few well-chosen changes can dramatically improve the look and feel of a room.

Hi Young Housesters! I wanted to show you how much you inspired me in my front room spruce up. When we moved in, the front room was baby blue with a dainty floral border. Not exactly the look we were going for. So we painted it a neutral shade of cream and I found an amazing rug and hung some brown curtains. It was too drab and needed something but what? I was lost and then I found you guys and fell madly in love! I was perusing your before & afters when I found your post about hanging bamboo blinds on your front room window. I thought that it was fantastic so I set out to copy you.

I found these fab (yes, I am stealing your terminology) blue silk curtains that brightened things up and I got the same bamboo blinds that you guys purchased from Wally World (aka: Walmart). It made such a difference. I even hung them myself because I am awesome like that! I love them! A quick change on the sofa cover, a few new throw pillows inspired from some of your decorating dilemma mood boards and voila: new and improved room. As Sherry might say, it’s been swankified. Thanks for all of your hard work and inspiration! Your house is just as fantastic, lovely, fab and swanky as I think you two are. Can’t sing your praises loud enough! Thanks! -Megan

Megan’s before photo shows the original baby-blue scheme that many renters and homeowners inherit. The floral border and dated color made the space feel smaller and more formal than she wanted. After painting the walls a neutral cream, she was able to create a calm backdrop that allowed new furnishings and textiles to stand out. Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to update a room and it’s a strategic first step in any front room makeover.

The after photos reveal how much more cohesive and welcoming the space feels. Window treatments are a game changer: Megan combined natural bamboo blinds with vibrant blue silk curtains to balance privacy, light control, and style. The blinds bring texture and warmth while the curtains add color and visual height. Together they create a layered, designer look without a huge budget.

There are several other smart design choices worth noting for anyone planning a living room update. First, an area rug placed over wall-to-wall carpet can define a seating zone and add pattern without a major floor renovation. Second, using two small side tables instead of one oversized coffee table keeps the room feeling open and flexible. Third, introducing pops of icy blue in the pillows and choosing a lighter accent chair, lampshade, and decorative vase brightens the palette and breaks up dominant brown tones.

Another thoughtful move was repurposing a chest or dresser as living room storage. Pieces like this often find their way into bedrooms, but they work beautifully in common areas, offering concealed storage and surface space for lamps or art. Megan’s willingness to think beyond the usual console table shows how mixing furniture types can add personality and function.

This front room makeover highlights three practical lessons: start with a neutral canvas, layer textures and window treatments for depth, and use furniture creatively to maximize storage and style. Megan executed each of these steps with confidence, and the result is a refreshed, stylish front room that feels both livable and polished. We love how she made the space her own, and we’re thrilled to share her success as inspiration for others tackling a similar project.

If you have before-and-after photos of your own home updates, don’t hesitate to send them in. Small changes—new paint, clever window treatments, or swapped accessories—can lead to big improvements. We’re excited to see what you create next.