We’re always drawn to a dark room transformed into one that feels bright, airy, and coastal, and Jessica’s family room is a perfect example. With guidance from Rhoda at Southern Hospitality, she turned a traditionally dark space into a breezy, cottage-inspired room ideal for summer living. Read Jessica’s story below and see how practical updates and a few thoughtful design choices made a big impact.

We finally finished our family room makeover. It felt like this room was a long-term project, but the change was worth every minute. The previous palette leaned traditional and darker, and the older furniture—bought years ago for a much smaller space—looked out of place. My goal was to shift the room from traditional to a cottage-Pottery Barn aesthetic. I partnered with Rhoda from Southern Hospitality, whose input was incredibly helpful. Here’s how it unfolded:

Once the dark paint came off and I began adding planks to the walls, the room started to take on new life.

The wall treatment was a major part of the transformation. I installed 1×8 tongue-and-groove knotty pine planks myself. That portion of the project felt like it took forever, but it was well worth the effort. My dad showed me how to use the nail gun and then returned to his winter routine, leaving the rest to me. Even so, the process was satisfying and completely changed the room’s character.

For paint, the planks were finished in Benjamin Moore White Diamond, providing a crisp, clean backdrop. The upper wall is Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue, which introduces a soft coastal blue that reads calm and inviting. To create a defined transition between the planked section and the painted wall, I added a two-inch shelf along the top of the planks. It’s a subtle detail that looks deliberate and works perfectly as a ledge for leaning framed photos or artwork.

Window treatments were another important decision. I loved the deep-pocket burlap draperies from Pottery Barn, but the cost was prohibitive. Instead, I bought burlap on sale—55 yards at $1.99 per yard—and used a 40% coupon to create ten no-sew burlap panels for under $130. For five large windows, that was an excellent budget-friendly solution that still provides the texture and warmth burlap is known for.

We also invested in a new sectional sofa found on sale at a local furniture shop—a smart find that anchors the space and fits the room’s scale much better than the old set. I ordered fabrics for pillows and the window seat (now a bench) from fabric.com, with my favorite being the gray Dalia print by Thomas Paul. These textiles add pattern and comfort without overwhelming the serene color scheme.

There you have it—a cozy, light-filled family room that suits our lifestyle. A huge thank-you to Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for guiding me through the entire process. Now we love spending time in this room—watching TV as a family, relaxing, or browsing the internet together.

For anyone planning a family room makeover, the key takeaways here are straightforward: consider lightening the palette, add texture with plank walls or shiplap, choose durable yet budget-friendly window treatments, and invest in furniture that fits the scale of the room. Small details like a narrow shelf trim or well-chosen fabrics for pillows and benches can elevate the overall look without breaking the bank.

You can view Jessica’s complete reveal and additional photos on her blog to appreciate the plank-work and all the finishing touches. Tell us what you love most about this transformation—perhaps the airy, coastal blue walls, the textured burlap curtains, the fresh white planked walls, or the comfortable sectional that finally fits the space.