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#livein: Rage Against the Blueprint

April 27, 2014 By Lena

It’s probably one of the most ambitious things you can do in life: purchase a brand new house off a blueprint. 

Think about it. You’re asked to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars for your potential dream home – based on a smooth flyer that features a two-dimensional layout. Sure, you have measurements, and if you’re really creative, you can picture where your furniture will go. You can almost see it. A cozy family home which is everything you wished for, and more.

But then, blueprint becomes reality. And your dream home looks *slightly* different than you had envisioned.

I’ve been there. In 2006, my then-fiance and I purchased our very first home together, in an up-and-coming subdivision scheduled for occupancy the following summer. I remember pouring over blueprints in the sales office, certain that I could easily fill the home with gorgeous-yet-functional furniture. In fact, so confident was I in my interior design capabilities, I completed shopping for the major furnishings before we took possession. And once inside, I was pleased that my eye for style was bang on, reveling in the way my brand new furniture filled my brand new house.

Yet something was off. 

My main floor, an open concept layout, was adequately sectioned to create “rooms” based on the blueprint. A living room upon entry, followed by a cozy dining area and then a long, spacious family room. However, just six months in, we quickly realized that although our home was furnished, we spent 100% of our time at the back of the house in the kitchen/ family room area. The front – designated for a combined living and dining room – was absolutely, completely wasted space. We were not living in our home.

livein Living RoomThe funny thing? It actually never occurred to us when initially purchasing our decor to make the most of our living space. We decorated based on what the blueprint told us to do; hence, if our living room was 15.5ft x 9 ft at the front of the house, that’s what we assumed it was – not thinking that a living room not lived in would be a colossal waste of effort. A bar area? Puh-lease. We rarely drink! 

livein Bar AreaThe bar area blended into our dining room, which was completely ornamental. Oh wait – it *did* have a use – to collect junk mail, bills and shopping bags as they made their way through the front door. In other words, our dining room became a mess room.

livein Dining RoomAnd then one day, I came to my senses. I decided to rage against the blueprint and redesign my home in a way that made sense to us. Hence, the dining room became the living room and the family room became the dining room and the living room became the family room. In other words, we played musical chairs with our layout, and everyone won.

House Layout livein

In fact, if you’re a faithful reader, you may have caught my family room makeover. Courtesy of Urban Barn, our new Carradine Leather Sofa Chaise is sleek and sophisticated, giving the room an airy, open feel. It lends a touch of modern flair while being comfy and inviting; the perfect place to lounge and watch television with the family.

(And since I know you’ll ask, the Strike Coffee Table ($499.00) is easy to clean, made of durable fiberglass, 97% child-proof and stylish as hell. 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.)

livein Urban Barn

livein Urban BarnFinally! We were living in our home! The comfy sectional provided the perfect television viewing experience, and we began to spread out on our main floor: myself in the kitchen or reading a book in a comfy chair; the boys watching their favourite movie on the couch; my husband tapping away on his laptop at the dining table.

Of course, our decision to live in our entire home was mirrored by Candice Laughlin, architecture & home design expert, Urban Barn. If you recall my #livein: The Evolution of the Home post, her #1 tip –

“Rethink your room: Set up your furniture in a way that caters to your family’s personality and needs – you don’t have to stick to the traditional floor plans, styles or colour schemes. Do what works best for your family and you will get the most from your space.” Done and done!

Speaking of colour schemes – at some point in 2012, I got a little adventurous and painted an accent wall for the “sitting room” –

livein Living RoomSo what about the dining room? Well, even though the physical location moved, the furniture was too mod, too stuffy for our new “lived in” house. The fact is, my husband still yelled at the kids when they streaked a car across the tabletop, and I counted to ten every time juice was spilled on the white chairs. But could we do it? Could we really #livein our entire home?

Stay tuned as I reveal my brand new dining room, courtesy of Urban Barn.  

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #livein, contemporary furniture, design, home decor, Urban Barn

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michael

    April 27, 2014 at 8:02 pm

    #winning

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 4:18 pm

      Hahaha you WOULD say that!

  2. A.Smith

    April 27, 2014 at 8:25 pm

    I kind of have the same problem in my home. The rooms look the way I want them to appear, but they aren’t really ‘lived in’. It does seem like an awful waste of space. I love your bold accent wall – I always chicken out when it comes to really making a statement like that.

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 4:22 pm

      It took me a LONG time to feel comfortable enough to paint it such a bold colour, and in fact, I’m thinking of a more muted colour down the line :)

  3. Tricha

    April 27, 2014 at 10:04 pm

    I was going to ask, how do you keep your home so neat and clean with two little boys then read where they do spill juice on the chair and play with their toys on the dining room table. It does make more sense to design your home based on your family need and not what the builder had in mind. Looking lovely and can’t wait to see the dining room makeover.

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 4:25 pm

      Hahaha to be fair, my home was camera-ready for these photos – it’s not always this clean!

  4. heather robbins

    April 27, 2014 at 11:56 pm

    Love your colours!

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 4:25 pm

      Thanks Heather!

  5. Soozle

    April 28, 2014 at 9:03 am

    Lena, you have such an eye for design! Gorgeous!

    Kudos to you as well for taking the chance to ‘redesign’ your home in a way that made sense for your fam :)

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 4:52 pm

      Thank you Soozle!

  6. Victoria Ess

    April 28, 2014 at 10:06 am

    I love the accent wall! You two certainly have a great eye for interior decorating :)

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 4:52 pm

      Thanks Victoria! Appreciate it!

  7. Crystal

    April 28, 2014 at 11:14 am

    I rearranged the layout of my dad’s house for this very reason. When he put it on the market, stagers and agents told him to put everything back to original floorplan specs so potential buyers could “see” themselves in the space. The original plans were silly. I can’t wait to buy my first home and figure everything out!

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 4:53 pm

      I wonder if we’ll have to do the same thing when we sell – but kudos to you for allowing your dad to #livenin his home!

  8. Flora M

    April 28, 2014 at 6:04 pm

    Had a good giggle Lena – your original furniture is definitely “pre-kid” era ;) I know when I had kids and pets my furniture style changed drastically – I looked for something that could stand up to the wear and tear (and pet hair). I have 2 dogs and my grandkids like to visit, so I still have the “durables” in my home.
    I can’t wait to see what your new dining room looks like :)

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 5:08 pm

      Thank you Flora. We actually already have the new dining table and it is standing up to the kids’ abuse!

  9. Darlene Schuller

    April 28, 2014 at 7:43 pm

    Similar thing happened with one of my friends. LIke you, she has a skill, talent for decorating and such.

    Beautiful Lena!

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 5:09 pm

      Thank you Darlene :)

  10. Lynda Cook

    April 29, 2014 at 9:08 am

    Love your decorating skills so beautiful, and yes the after blue print looks a lot better and functional :)

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 5:18 pm

      So happy you agree Lynda! It’s a much better use of our space.

  11. Judy C (Judy Cowan)

    April 29, 2014 at 10:28 am

    Great way to re-use the space! I so agree it is better to live in your house and use the rooms!

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 5:21 pm

      Absolutely! Thanks Judy!

  12. sarah sar

    April 30, 2014 at 11:17 am

    Love this post! Very inspirational. I don’t think I “live” in my home either….we certainly don’t utilize the entire space. I agree on not having to follow the blueprint…our dining room is a home office right now but I really need to change that and move it upstairs. Spending so much money on a house and then not living in it? Silly!

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 6:26 pm

      Completely agree Sarah! Thanks for sharing!

  13. nicolthepickle

    May 1, 2014 at 11:45 am

    We’re in the process of designing and when I walk through the still empty rooms I can see us living there. We did start from a blueprint book though. The only thing that I’m scared of if that the kitchen is a bit small and that we’ll need a new dining room table. Oh well, happy shopping for me.

    Your modifications just seem way more practical. They just make sense.

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 6:28 pm

      Happy shopping indeed! Good luck Nicoline!

  14. Carlee

    May 1, 2014 at 4:20 pm

    Beautiful décor! You have quite the eye for design!

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 6:28 pm

      Thanks Carlee!

  15. Melinda L.

    May 2, 2014 at 9:24 am

    We had the blueprint in hand…but basically plopped all our existing furniture into wherever it would fit and have barely moved it since…well when we moved in 9 years ago. We definitely need to re-organize and actually put our first floor to better use

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 6:29 pm

      Sometimes just plopping all the furniture down is the best way to go, Melinda!

  16. MrDisco

    May 3, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    love the white sofa and chair set

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 6:29 pm

      Thanks!

  17. AlexandraSD

    May 3, 2014 at 4:19 pm

    Proud of you for raging against the blue print! Looking forward to seeing your new dining room.

    • Lena

      May 3, 2014 at 6:29 pm

      Thank you Alexandra!

  18. Nicky

    May 4, 2014 at 11:25 am

    always interesting to see how others lay out their home furnishings. thanks for the story!

    • Lena

      May 10, 2014 at 6:42 pm

      You’re welcome!

  19. MrDisco

    May 4, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    The new layout is much more in-tune with bacon-shui.

    • Lena

      May 10, 2014 at 6:42 pm

      Ha! Yes, I agree!

  20. Julia

    May 11, 2014 at 10:47 pm

    Can’t wait to see it!

    • Lena

      May 12, 2014 at 7:00 am

      Thanks so much Julia!

  21. Doris Calvert

    June 2, 2014 at 10:58 am

    But you have the skills for decorating and some of us like me do not, or lack of imagination I call it, I think you you start a small business helping those who lack it out!!! I am good at decorating the walls and tables but that’s it!

  22. kristen visser

    June 2, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    i love it ! what a nice and easy change that makes all the difference

  23. Brooke Takhar

    June 2, 2014 at 1:46 pm

    I love an accent wall – the crazier the colour the better. One day when we don’t rent, I will be going BUCK WILD in Shermin Williams.

  24. caryn s

    June 2, 2014 at 2:41 pm

    I love the accent wall and hope you keep it Lena!

  25. DebH

    June 2, 2014 at 3:00 pm

    love the little sitting area

  26. sonia P.

    June 2, 2014 at 5:32 pm

    I love too the sitting area.

  27. Kristine Ewald

    June 2, 2014 at 6:54 pm

    I love the sitting area, what is your favourite place to shop?

  28. ginette4

    June 2, 2014 at 7:04 pm

    I love that sitting area, you hit the nail on the head…my parents house was designed the same.

  29. Heidi C.

    June 2, 2014 at 10:48 pm

    Love that accent wall! I wish I was that bold and creative!

  30. Tracy

    June 3, 2014 at 2:16 am

    i love those 2 armchairs

  31. angela m

    June 3, 2014 at 10:48 am

    I love your style , looks like it should be in a magazine :-)

  32. JaimeeM

    June 3, 2014 at 10:49 am

    Love the bar area. So chic and nice

  33. Florence C

    June 3, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    Love the post and the changes you made.

  34. DH (DEE)

    June 3, 2014 at 1:13 pm

    Raging against the blueprint is a great idea!! Going to keep that in mind for my next move.

  35. Yuen C

    June 3, 2014 at 7:47 pm

    I love the bar area!

  36. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    June 4, 2014 at 8:39 am

    very interesting ideas

  37. Crystal Leier

    June 4, 2014 at 3:44 pm

    Thanks for the inspiration…… loving the bold accent wall!

  38. Suzanne G

    June 5, 2014 at 11:54 am

    I like your family room as it looks very inviting and I love the accent wall.

  39. Eldon

    June 5, 2014 at 11:33 pm

    I love the clear glass table in the sofa room!

  40. Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews)

    June 6, 2014 at 9:28 am

    We bought off a blue print too and we turned out “family room” into a gym for the husband :P Sometimes it can be difficult to look past what someone else is TELLING you the room is supposed to be used for! It’s kind of the same mind games that staging a house plays ;)

  41. vivian

    June 6, 2014 at 9:38 am

    Loving the bar area.

  42. Debbie S.

    June 7, 2014 at 12:06 pm

    I love all the rooms pictured above, beautiful. Loving the bar, and it doesn’t take too much space either. I love the red wall, I also have some bold colors in my home. Simply beautiful Lena! Enjoy your lived in home!

  43. Cheryl Almas

    June 8, 2014 at 8:41 pm

    What beautiful rooms.

  44. Lindsay C

    June 9, 2014 at 6:39 pm

    I would definitely have trouble buying a house that wasn’t yet built. I need to see each room and how the whole place “feels.” But you’ve done a fabulous job creating a gorgeous home!

  45. Stephanie LaPlante

    June 10, 2014 at 9:56 pm

    You have a beautiful home

  46. Alayne Langford

    June 11, 2014 at 3:36 pm

    I love your home and wish I had time to be so creative! we purchased off plans and now can say this is not our dream home! But one day we will get there! thanks Lena!

  47. Rob Brydon

    June 11, 2014 at 11:34 pm

    Lena, I like your red wall. I’ve scene bright orange used before but I like the red better and its an attention grabber in an open concept

  48. Darlene Schuller

    June 12, 2014 at 10:14 am

    I love the “AFTER”!! Awesome Lena :)

  49. shane

    June 12, 2014 at 2:10 pm

    looks great! i say go with the layout that works for you who cares what the builder says

  50. Rick F

    June 12, 2014 at 9:51 pm

    I didn’t like the black & white.

  51. NT

    June 13, 2014 at 12:30 am

    I love house blueprints! I look for those with large family rooms and no formal living rooms. Open concept.

  52. Jeannelle

    June 13, 2014 at 1:44 pm

    I love your living space!

  53. Lisa H

    June 14, 2014 at 7:51 am

    Great story. Live and learn, right? I like the intial look of your living space but what you’ve done with it is really great!

  54. Jenny

    June 14, 2014 at 4:51 pm

    I love the story, it’s so true that blueprints and model show homes tend to push people into thinking that their homes should be decorated a certain way

  55. stacey dempsey

    June 14, 2014 at 6:52 pm

    You did a great job and you are very brave having any white furniture lol

  56. Vesper

    June 16, 2014 at 5:32 pm

    we have always arranged our homes to what we want – at the moment one of the bedrooms is actually our sitting room, another bedroom is my closet and downstairs the sitting room is only used in the summer. This usually happens when you have lived in your home for a while to find out what is working and what isn’t

  57. Janice

    June 16, 2014 at 7:15 pm

    I saw that coffee table a couple of days ago at Urban Barn! I think the kids would like playing with the divets on it. It might be a little too modern for us though.

  58. jan

    June 16, 2014 at 11:09 pm

    I am horrible at design without the actual items in the space.

  59. Elaine Buonsante

    June 17, 2014 at 1:22 am

    What a great job of reorganizing your living space so creatively! It makes me wonder what to do with our very large “dining room”, currently office/play room when my young granddaughter moves into her new place with her family this year.

  60. Nicole W.

    June 22, 2014 at 2:46 pm

    Love the sectional and the red accent wall!

  61. nicolthepickle

    June 23, 2014 at 11:19 am

    Your home is beautiful, and those chairs are lovely.

  62. nicky

    June 24, 2014 at 12:42 pm

    very nice – i love the colours you chose!

  63. Tara E

    June 24, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    we’ve lived in our house for 9 years…. we’ve slowly been doing renos over the years as we find out what we need. if we would have done everything when we first moved it…. it wouldn’t be what we need today.

  64. Renee LeBlanc

    June 24, 2014 at 9:38 pm

    It’s nice when you an turn wasted space into usable lived in space. I have a few spots that are wasted that could use some revamping so we can use it. Nice to get the most out of your home

  65. Maggie C

    June 25, 2014 at 7:56 pm

    love the bar set!! Nice touch!

  66. Crystal Englot

    June 28, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    I love your taste in furniture! You and I are very much alike when it comes to interior decorating, I even have that exact same color of your accent wall in my living room, except 3 of my walls are that color not just one :)

  67. Suzie M

    June 28, 2014 at 7:48 pm

    you have wonderful taste

  68. Carol M (Lushka S)

    June 29, 2014 at 9:02 am

    Very good re-use of the space.

  69. julia g

    June 30, 2014 at 2:19 am

    That is a great sectional.

  70. Bons

    June 30, 2014 at 12:09 pm

    Great bar area. Wish I have one too.

  71. Jeannie

    June 30, 2014 at 1:21 pm

    Great colour choices!!

  72. Anne Taylor

    June 30, 2014 at 1:40 pm

    Your home is my dream home! lol

  73. Cathy C

    June 30, 2014 at 4:26 pm

    My parents have switched several times a sitting room for the diningroom. The sitting room at the front near the door makes way more sense than a diningroom that is only ocassionally used.

  74. Leslie W-H

    June 30, 2014 at 5:40 pm

    My mom switched out furniture and room arrangements almost weekly when I was growing up. My dad wasn’t too thrilled about it when he landed on the floor in the dark, not realizing she had moved the bed when he was working late.

  75. Karen E. Hill

    June 30, 2014 at 9:45 pm

    I much prefer you place the way you have it set up now.

  76. Lyn

    June 30, 2014 at 10:22 pm

    We built a new house three years ago, and it was and amazing and nerve-wracking experience. I also planned our wedding the same year, so it was a crazy and beautiful time in our lives!

  77. Randa

    June 30, 2014 at 11:48 pm

    I agree, the after makes a lot more sense. We were building back in Alberta, but now that we’re in BC I think we’re going to hold off for a few years until we know where our “forever home” will be.

  78. Emilia

    January 20, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    It takes me about a year to figure out how to arrange the furniture. I like the vibrant artwork you choose. If I had money I would invest in art.

  79. kathy downey

    June 22, 2015 at 9:26 pm

    Omg,what you have done is amazing,you have an eye for style

  80. kathy downey

    November 29, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    Its been a try week i would love to curl up on this couch with a good book

  81. Debbie White Beattie

    August 19, 2016 at 5:28 am

    I love your furniture especially the white stuff but your arrangement looks great.

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Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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