Living Room & Dining Room | The Sophomore House

The best dressed room in the Sophomore House so far…the living room / dining room!!

This room is LONG. When I told people I wanted to change it from being just a living room to a living and dining room, they didn’t get it. I kept saying, “Just wait until it’s done.” Now that it is done, it looks like it was always meant to be this way!

Similarly to the exterior of this home, the space didn’t require much actual construction. We just needed to bring it back to life and find some really cute furniture pieces (which we did – everything in this room is amazing).

This post is all about the living room and dining room at The Sophomore House.

BEFORE

AFTER

Before starting the restoration, I wrote down companies I wanted to “pitch” too and see if they would want to work with me on certain parts of the home. Kathy Kuo Home was one of my top choices on that list – their furniture is INSANE.

Every big furniture piece in this room is from Kathy Kuo and I knew it was good but, omg, it is even better in person!

This light fixture was actually one of the best “mistakes” we made in the house. It was intended for the kitchen, but it was so big that the electricians hung it up in the dining area.

Initially planned for the kitchen, its impressive size made it a perfect fit for the dining area, transforming the space into a warm and inviting environment for family gatherings and celebrations. The right lighting with cutting-edge designs for modern interiors can significantly impact the ambiance of a room, and this fixture exemplifies how a bold choice can enhance the overall aesthetic.

To achieve such harmonious lighting solutions, working with a skilled Minneapolis electrician is essential. These professionals not only understand the technical aspects of installation but also appreciate the artistry of lighting design, ensuring that every fixture complements the space beautifully.

If any part of your electrical system is damaged, you may need to hire an expert in residential electrical repair in Wayne, NJ to do the necessary repairs before installing new lights.

At first, I hated it hanging there, but the longer it remained, the more I loved it. It surprisingly became one of my favorite features in the house.

I also love the texture on this dining room table. It’s understated, yet beautiful. And the chairs – they make the perfect combination.

The crown molding in this room was all original. We added new base molding from Zuern Building Supply.

To give the room a unique touch, we painted the walls white (Chantilly Lace) and painted the crown molding, trim, and fireplace a beautiful light color (Taupe of the Morning).

We used Tricorn Black for the fireplace, which is by far my most frequently used black. It always looks good.

Also, check out those sconces on the fireplace! They cost only $60 on Amazon but look so high-end.

The green couch was remarkable. Every person who walked into this home exclaimed, “I want that couch!!!” (even the movers haha).

The gallery wall was a combination of $2 frames from thrift stores and some new ones. The mix of old and new gives this wall a beautiful touch. All the prints were purchased from Etsy for around $3. It’s my favorite place to find really affordable prints!

Kathy Kuo Home offers free consultations with their design team if you’re interested. We worked with the social team, who gifted us the KKH pieces, and they are absolutely fantastic. Click here to learn more!

DURING

It’s crazy to look back at pictures like this and see how much has changed. This room was really a lot of cosmetic changes that made such a big difference. It feels like a totally different space!

ROOM SOURCES