Cassie Bustamante

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My Home Style Blog Hop: The Evolution of My Living Room

September 16, 2016 by Cassie 53 Comments

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You guys, I am so excited to be participating in a ridiculously fun (if slightly embarrassing) blog hop today hosted by the fabulous Stephanie of Casa Watkins.  All week long bloggers have been sharing before & afters of rooms in their homes to show how their styles have changed.  If you are stopping over from Willow Street Interiors, Welcome!  Don’t you just love Laura’s classic, approachable, and fresh style!  Today is my turn on the “My Home Style Blog Hop” and I wanted to share the evolution of my living room and how I’ve come to define my style as “earthy, vintage, eclectic.”

(Hover over the photo to shop the items you see)

I am going to go all the way back to almost exactly 5 years ago when we moved into our home.  I could go all the way back to when I started blogging in January of 2009 to our living room in our old house, but why would I want to shame myself with that atrocity? Oh you know you want to click on that…. it’s terrible.  You’ve been warned.  Instead of totally embarrassing myself, let’s just go back to the beginning of this particular living room, OK?  I am not even going to edit these crooked and terrible photos because no amount of editing can make this look good. And, aaaw, there’s my Charlie laying in the sunlight…living-room-original-2011As you can see, we had just moved in… moving boxes and weird electronics on the floor.  But I had found my Halloween decorations, thank gawd!

When we first moved in, I already had plans in place for this space- two opposing West Elm Henry sofas in dove gray, a pair of table to use as a coffee table in aqua (I had painted those while we were waiting to move in), and loads of gray, white, and more gray and white, and some aqua.  I executed that plan, and to be honest I can’t even tell you what style I was going for…. a bit modern and comfortable, but also mostly bland and boring and flat.gray-white-aqua-living-room

Well, it felt lifeless so I tried adding color and painted some bookcases in gray with orange backings.orange-gray-bookcasesI brought in more color in a blogging challenge, and clearly my coffee table styling skills were spot on at this point.  Oh, and I added a new rug, because the first new rug had a dog incident.  It was also too small, so I found something larger with blue in it.  I actually still really love this rug and found it on overstock for a good deal.colorful-living-roomAfter I added all of this color, do you know what happened?  I began to twitch… I am NOT a bold color person.  I am a neutral, earthy and blues person… what was I thinking???

This room has since gone through many transformations which have led to where it is today.  I’ve gone through several coffee tables (3 besides those pictured that I can recall!); painted the fireplace black; added a vintage sofa, industrial pipe built ins, blinds, and a new midcentury desk for Chris; moved the bookcases and then removed them; and added some modern art from minted; oh, and I changed the rugs again and layered two.  I think the absolute key to making it feel right for me thought was adding in more natural elements and plants…. those items breathe life into a space!

All of these changes have led to where we are today, I can honestly say that it won’t be changing much from here on out.  I am sure I will tweak things, but I feel like it’s finally 100% me and it suits our family’s needs perfectly now. modern-boho-living-room-black-white-blue-fall

Shop the Look

It now has the earthy neutrals and blues I adore and is a far cry from that first rendition.  The color comes from the freshness of the plants, which I was afraid of before.  I thought I was destined to kill them, but I have discovered that I am actually not bad at plant care.  I’ve lost some little guys along the way, but all in all, I’ve got loads of survivors.eclectic-modern-vintage-living-roomAs you can see, it’s taken me 5 years of trying different things to finally “get it right.”  But after that time, we have a space our family can all relax in together.

bright-white-modern-boho-living-room

Putting this look together took me understanding what the key elements of my style were.  Once I figured that out, the rest was history! I’ve created a collage of my style’s key elements for you below, and you can click on the icons to shop directly.

Like I said, it’s taken me time to get to where I am today, and I am always moving forward and evolving to suit my needs and moods.  My style will keep on changing…. Don’t get frustrated if you aren’t where you want to be in your home.  Remember that your home is your place to express who you are, and not necessarily what you see all over Pinterest. Don’t be afraid to try new things, and keep on trying until you finally have that moment where you sit back, look at your space and say, “Yes!  This just feels right.”

Now head on over to House Full of Sunshine to see the evolution of Karen’s master bedroom!

And if you want to feast your eyes on a load of amazing before & afters, here’s the entire list from the week.  Enjoy!

MONDAY
Casa Watkins Living
Polished Habitat
Lovely Etc.
Blue i Style
Organize Nashville

TUESDAY
Roots North and South
My Life From Home
Monica Wants It
The Striped House

WEDNESDAY
Pocketful of Posies
Up To Date Interiors
Copper Dot Interiors
Swoonworthy
PMQ for Two

THURSDAY
The DIY Mommy
Boxy Colonial
The Happy Housie
Domicile 37
Willow Street Interiors

FRIDAY
Cassie Bustamante (here!)
House Full Of Sunshine
Farmhouse 40
Iris Nacole

This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for your support!

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Filed Under: Bohemian Style, family room, Living Room, making our home

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Comments

  1. [email protected] says

    September 16, 2016 at 7:38 am

    You just have the perfect mix going on right now and I loved seeing how it all started. Happy Friday my friend.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      thank you so much, julia! it was embarrassing to share those befores, but also really funny. and funny trumps embarrassment any day!

      Reply
  2. Aniko @Place of my taste says

    September 16, 2016 at 7:48 am

    Oh Cassie! I love that early on coffee table styling:-)) We get better with age, right? It’s amazing how our style gets better and better over time. It took me forever to find my true style. Love your current situation very much, it reflects YOU! Have an awesome weekend!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      from now on it’s bowls of lemons everywhere!!!! 🙂 thank you so much, aniko! i hope you have had an awesome weekend! loved your latest family photos. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Kelly Elko says

    September 16, 2016 at 8:26 am

    I love that your before pic has a “beware” sign on the mantel! I see your decorating manta was “when life hands you lemons, put them in a bowl on the coffee table”! Seriously – love your style and how you’re not afraid to take risks and try new things!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:55 pm

      oh it was so terrible before! but i think it’s fun to look back and have a good laugh at myself!

      Reply
  4. Caroline says

    September 16, 2016 at 8:41 am

    Love your style and the transformation of your space!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:55 pm

      thank you, caroline!

      Reply
  5. Brynne | The Gathered Home says

    September 16, 2016 at 9:28 am

    I love this Cassie! It’s so inspiring to see the way your style has evolved! I think your living room is absolute perfection now!

    You know, this series is making me wonder where we’re all going to end up style wise a few years down the road? I kind of love the way preferences change over time! Although I doubt either one of us would end up being a minimalist 😉

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:54 pm

      oh i know, i think about that, too! i don’t think either of us will ever be minimalists either, but it really is interesting! i love vintage because it’s more unique and less store bought feeling and i think i always will.

      Reply
  6. Iris Nacole says

    September 16, 2016 at 10:29 am

    I love it, and I’m happy to know that I’m not the only person with an aversion to color in my home. I mean, I like it in small doses, but it wouldn’t sit well with me, just as you experienced. The room is gorgeous now, and I can see why you wouldn’t want to change it drastically anymore. I wouldn’t either, with those treasures! Happy to be a part of the hop with you!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:53 pm

      i know- i just can’t live with bold color! it’s not relaxing to me!

      Reply
  7. Tania says

    September 16, 2016 at 10:42 am

    I love your space Cassie! I think our decor is always evolving and changing, mine is right in the middle right now, I am slowly adding more earthy bohemian touches like yours so your rooms are always inspiring to me :o)

    I’m curious, have you ever done any posts about your outdoor spaces? I’m starting a redo of my back patio (stenciling the concrete with an ikat pattern today) and would love to see yours!

    Tania

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:53 pm

      thank you so much, tania! yes! i have posted about my outdoor spaces. This link has a lot about my porch, and this link has the gardens. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Jessica says

    September 16, 2016 at 10:50 am

    Cassie, I did not know you started blogging back in 2009…yes, I clicked that button. I love what you have done with your space. It feels so cozy and very much earthy. I think the earthy feel and look of the space fits your personality an does your home good! I love it!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:51 pm

      HAHA! it was SO scary back then!!!! thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Linda Z Braden says

    September 16, 2016 at 11:09 am

    Beautiful! It feels like you! 🙂

    Oh, and be careful. Never say never! Trust me. My home has gone through many transformations — and I think I’m ready for another one!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:50 pm

      oh i know! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Catherine says

    September 16, 2016 at 11:29 am

    You have one of my favorite living rooms ever! The blue velvet couch and all the plants are my favorite.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:50 pm

      thank you so much, catherine! i think it’s funny that i was so scared of plants before! i mean they pretty much let you know when they aren’t doing well…. how hard can it be, right?

      Reply
  11. [email protected] says

    September 16, 2016 at 11:32 am

    Love your living room so much–it’s such a cozy, awesome space! It’s a good thing I didn’t go with “vintage” as one of my words like I was thinking I would at first, or we would have matched 2/3 and that might have been a little weird ;).

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:49 pm

      haha! i think we appreciate so many of the same things!

      Reply
  12. Melissa George says

    September 16, 2016 at 8:44 pm

    It’s so cool that you have photos to document the whole evolution of the space! I’ve been dreaming of painting our brick fireplace black and seeing yours making me want to do it RIGHT NOW.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:48 pm

      it’s also a little frightening… 😉

      Reply
  13. Karen @ a house full of sunshine says

    September 16, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    Oh, my – that blue couch!! Gorgeous!! You’ve created such a relaxed and inviting space! xo

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:48 pm

      thank you, karen!

      Reply
  14. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    September 17, 2016 at 8:27 am

    So fun to see the evolution all in one place, Cassie! Looks like the perfect room for your fam now!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:48 pm

      thank you, heidi!

      Reply
  15. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    September 17, 2016 at 9:13 am

    I totally remember it from back then! I think we were doing the same color challenge at the time. I remember adding (unsuccessfully) hot pink to my dining room 😀 I shudder at the thought of it now. What a transformation this room has made! What I love so much about your style is how you bring in vintage pieces, but you keep it looking so fresh and new. Hats off, my friend.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:47 pm

      i love that we both are neutral loving girls and we tried bold feminine colors that were just not right for us! and thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Amy @ My Life From Home says

    September 17, 2016 at 9:57 am

    What a great mix! I love the plants and the hanging planter is awesome!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:45 pm

      thank you so much, amy!

      Reply
  17. [email protected] says

    September 18, 2016 at 8:32 am

    I love the mix that you have right now! Like I want it to get in my house right now. =) The before coffee table styling… cracks me up! =)

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      thank you so much, ashley! a bowl of lemons and calling it done. 😉

      Reply
  18. Laura @ Willow Street Interiors says

    September 18, 2016 at 7:08 pm

    Cassie, I LOVE how you define your style! And I also love how cozy and fun your home is! Great job with all the tweaking. It’s amazing!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 18, 2016 at 8:39 pm

      thank you so much, laura!

      Reply
  19. Kathy says

    September 18, 2016 at 10:50 pm

    I love that your style features neutral colors (and I totally consider blue a neutral!) but it’s full of warmth and personality. So much fun seeing the transformations.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 19, 2016 at 10:03 pm

      thank you, kathy! blue is my neutral!

      Reply
  20. Jen @ The Striped House says

    September 18, 2016 at 11:42 pm

    Love this room and how you mix materials and finishes 🙂 That coffee table makes my heart sing! I’ve always wanted a lucite table!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 19, 2016 at 10:03 pm

      thank you! that table was a lucky auction find! it’s vintage glass and i got the nesting end tables, too!

      Reply
  21. Ariel says

    September 19, 2016 at 8:43 am

    I love that you had your Halloween decor out before the boxes were un-packed! Looks like something I’d do! HA
    As always, great style, and such cohesion!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 19, 2016 at 10:00 pm

      haha- i had my priorities!

      Reply
  22. Jessica | Petal + Ply says

    September 19, 2016 at 2:29 pm

    The room is so you now! It’s been fun to see the room progress as you’ve honed in more and more on what you like and what works for your family. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 19, 2016 at 9:54 pm

      it was scary 5 years ago! thank you, jessica!

      Reply
  23. Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living says

    September 30, 2016 at 1:10 am

    Spectacular style Cassie! I love how you have transformed your home and was flabbergasted to see the befores. lol!! You totally have defined your style and its so evident in every corner of your home. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      October 3, 2016 at 4:28 pm

      haha! the before was pretty funny!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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