Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

#ProjectLivingRoom: The Reveal

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This has been – by FAR – the best project I’ve ever undertaken. 

I’m feeling pretty fortunate. After all, it’s not every day that you have the opportunity to work with one of your favourite brands. As a self-professed Urban Barn junkie, I’ve coveted their furniture from the moment we signed the purchase agreement for our home. (In fact, I *think* I actually buggered off work for the rest of the day so I could pop in to a nearby store.) Regardless, when I think of my home, I think of Urban Barn. And my Yoshi Bedroom Set. And my Groove Chair… Lucent Round Damask Mirror… Umbra Wall Clock… City in Motion Collage… Aldo Bar Stools… London Bedding Collection…

(Today, I can add Carradine Leather Sofa Chaise, Strike Coffee Table and Benito Floor Lamp to that list.)

Let’s rewind. If you remember, I posted about my #ProjectLivingRoom a few weeks ago. Essentially, I was looking to breathe life into the room; after my recent Reno-cation, I had rearranged the furniture to make the space more “livable”. Trouble is, I had a few thorns in my side:

A) The light fixture that Ryder has tried to topple 36 times. I’ve always managed to catch him in time, but now that he finally understands he’s not allowed to touch it… the appetite for destruction is alive and well in his little brother (who laughs like a maniac as he tries to bring it down).

B) The shifting glass coffee table from hell. Seriously, it can take someone’s eye out. Again, a B.C. (before children) purchase; we generally have it moved off to the side and balance our drinks on our laps instead.

C) The area rug that doesn’t show dirt. Cause it looks dirty all the time, obviously. Husband loves it – I’d love to leave it on the curb next garbage day. #notmycupoftea

D) The mass-marketed sectional, that has required servicing twice in two years for wear and tear.

But if I get down to the real reason I wanted a makeover, I suppose it comes down to this: all of the above items were purchased in a vain attempt to duplicate a designer living room… while sadly falling short of the mark. However, it’s one thing to emulate a “look”… quite another to match the freakishly high quality and styling of Urban Barn furniture.

This is where the aforementioned “fortunate” part comes in.

When Urban Barn realized that their number one #fangirl was pining away for a new living room, they delivered – brand new furniture, that is.

Yes, they are AWESOME. And so, here it is!

My “After” – 

Our new Carradine Leather Sofa Chaise  ($3299.00) is much sleeker and visibly less bulky than our old sectional, giving the room an airy, open feel – kind of lofty, no? It lends a touch of modern flair while being comfy and inviting; the perfect place to lounge and watch television with the family. Luxurious in rich chocolate brown leather, the Carradine has minimal steel legs and base frame that adds a touch of shine and a beautiful accent to this piece. Did I mention that it is made of American cowhide leather, has commercial grade seat and back webbing and a close-grain hardwood frame? Oh yeah. It’s quality – and then some.

(Urban Barn furniture carries an enviable warranty – inquire in-store for more information.)

My husband, who is endlessly arrogant selective when it comes to a couch’s comfort, thought the Carradine to be a no-brainer – looks and lounging rolled into one. In fact, on any given night once the kids are in bed, I can see his feet poking out from the chaise. Couch potato-enabler? Hell yeah.

Speaking of watching television, #ProjectLivingRoom got a much appreciated (and thoroughly awesome) boost from Toshiba, who sent a new 55″ Passive 3D HDTV with LED backlighting and a 3D Blu-ray Player for our enjoyment (and review – to follow!).

More on the awesomesauce that is Toshiba to come.

You may have noticed from the photos above that the “rug that shows no dirt” lives on… much to my husband’s delight. However, I MUCH prefer its new home: our clean sitting area. I say “clean” because it’s usually on-like-Donkey-Kong if anyone but a guest goes near it. I do love how the spotted pattern of the rug makes the white leather chairs pop.

And, did you notice our AMAZING coffee table and accessories?

The Strike Coffee Table ($499.00) is my new best friend; easy to clean, made of durable fiberglass, 97% child-proof and stylish as hell. In fact, I had been on the lookout for a kid-friendly coffee table for the last THREE years; both boys managed to draw blood from our older pieces. I love the unique styling (including round indents at the top which jazz it up) and the fact that it fits seamlessly with any decor (‘cept maybe your Nana’s Chesterfield circa 1936). For moms that have been looking for a table that is functional and safe for wee ones, I urge you to stop what you’re doing and grab the Strike coffee table. You will NOT be disappointed.

The Benito Floor Lamp ($199.00) is as described – tall, slim and gorgeous. Much sturdier than our original wobbly lamps, we give it full marks for having a perfectly positioned lamp shade for imparting just the right amount of mood lighting.

Not to be missed: White Fava Leaf Pillows (available in store) and Purple Tira Glasses Vases ($32.00 short; $40.00 tall).

We LOVE our new living room. Gone is the clumpy sectional better suited for a basement than civilized coziness. The entire room has a measured contemporary feel while injecting comfort, practicality and a touch of decorative style.

And that’s truly what Urban Barn is all about; the ideal mix of value, quality and great design.

My profound appreciation to the good folks at Urban Barn who gave this #fangirl the gift of style. With holiday entertaining right around the corner, is it time for your own #ProjectLivingRoom?

Click here to discover Urban Barn.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. Jen

    I love love love Urban Barn ever since seeing it on your blog! The furniture you picked is great and so stylish. Quality is obviouslyly there too.

  5. Lina @ Baby Alerts

    Lena, I love the new amazing strike coffee table! Unfortunately my husband didn’t like the price… ( I agree very child proof friendly. I also prefer the new Benito floor lamp. We are in the middle of renos and just painted my feature wall in the dinning area that amazing same purple. Both the purple tira glasses vases and coffee table would look fab in our lounge. Thanks for the inspiration!

    • Lena

      Thanks Lina! I can see why your husband may not be too fond of the price – BUT, I can tell you this: before having it in my home, I likely would have balked at the price tag too. However, now that I’ve seen how easy it is to clean, the fact that the boys can actually sit on it and I don’t have to freak out (I do anyways) and that there are no sharp edges… not to mention it’s uber stylish… I’d have to say it’s worth every penny. Yes, I would buy this if I had need for another one.

      I would love to see pictures of your finished space! I need some inspiration for my dining room too! Good luck!

  6. Yolanda

    Oh Lena, I love your post and your awesome new living room. Looks very cozy and stylish! A perfectly coordinated and sharp living room!

  8. Carlee007

    Done and done! I saw the Strike coffee table from one of your tweets weeks ago and showed it to my husband. He thought it looked nice but said he couldn’t picture it in a room. So I just showed your blog post to my husband and you converted him! Sold and sold! We’re going to go pick one up this week. I had been counting the days to your makeover and it came at a perfect time, just like you said before holiday parties! Thanks Lena!

  9. RubyRed67

    That is quite the living room Lena! I love Urban Barn too (we live right around the corner from the King Street location) and I’ve been very interested to see your reveal. I am a fan of their sales as I can usually pick up a nice item at an affordable price.

    • Lena

      Yup, I’ve had my eye on some of their sale pieces too. Wonder if they do a Boxing Day event? That would be sweet!

  11. Ella Pretty Blog

    The reveal was worth the wait – everything looks so chic. And I know from personal experience how comfy your Urban Barn leather sofa is – I felt like curling up and taking a nap when I was over LOL!

    Am not currently in the market for furniture but am ALWAYS looking for good accessories and accents. I’m definitely going to Urban Barn to check out their throw pillows – yours are so cute!

    • Lena

      It is SO comfy! I love that it’s so squishy cozy even though it looks very streamlined and modern. And yes, I’m an accessories girl too – we should go Urban Barn shopping together!

    • AlexandraSD

      I saw it in store today and its much more comfortable than it looks, which is a huge benefit because you don’t have to give up comfort for looks!

    • Lena

      Thank you! Do check it out – and, they have over 40 stores across Canada; perhaps you don’t have to wait until your next visit to TO ;)

  13. Bianca

    A wonderful choice of furniture for renovation! I’ve never been to Urban Barn before but from what I see in the lovely pictures, a trip before the holidays is a must!

  14. AlexandraSD

    Wow, Lena, it looks sensational. First I thought so what, they’re both sectionals but you can clearly see the difference in quality even from the photos. Not to mention the stylish features too. Will be heading to the Kamloops store before the holidays for sure, and I’ll be looking at the Carradine in further detail!

    • Lena

      Absolutely. In fact, I was a little peeved at my husband for choosing another sectional (I was thinking sleek 3-seater) but I can’t deny that with two little boys – and definitely the need to unwind when the day is through – a sofa chaise just fits our lifestyle better. We love it! And yes, the quality is evident for sure!

      • AlexandraSD

        I popped in the store today and took a look. It’s a lot lighter in person than in your photos but it’s a nice, rich cocoa brown. I am really considering it for my family room.

  15. Maria

    It’s gorgeous! I am so tempted to do a makeover of my living room. The existing furniture and decor that we have is not very appealing. If only I could convince my husband…. Will definitely work on it. Thanks for posting the before and after pictures Lena.

    • Lena

      Aw, thanks Tammi! So happy that you approve of my choices – I know you’ve got quite the eye for design, so it means a lot!

  18. dannyscotland

    Drool. Even if I got all new furniture, my pack-rat husband would still manage to find a way to cover every flat surface with his stuff. This living room looks amazing. I would love one of those couches with the relaxing, feet up spot. Can’t think of the word. Pregnancy hormones have removed it from my brain.

    • Lena

      I’m lucky that my husband is the opposite; the less, the better. In fact, he cleans more than I do! Enjoy those pregnancy hormones (congratulations!) You’ll miss them when they’re gone, LOL.

  19. AC

    Great job! It’s like I’m looking at pages out of a home decorating magazine. If you have time from your busy schedule, may I hire you as my interior designer? |-)

    • Lena

      LOL! Nope, for guests above the age of 14 only – otherwise, they look quite striking on my fireplace mantle!