Living Room Design Ideas – Pick My Presto

Hey there, and welcome to our very first Pick My Presto post!

I had an absolute ball putting this presto chango together, and I look forward to posting lots more of them (on a somewhat regular basis) throughout the year. (So keep those photos comin’!)

I received a lot of pictures of living rooms, and this week I chose to work on one sent in by a gal named Tracey who writes a blog called Make Room For. Move your cursor on and off of the photo below to see the photo she sent me switch to the inspiration drawing I created…

(Note: My drawing is for inspirational purposes only, and the ideas suggested are just that. Spontaneous, flexible, just-for-fun, ideas. And since this is a just-for-fun-photo-consultation and not an actual-and-perfectly-to-scale-virtual-consultation, I have no idea if the furniture and accessories I used would actually fit or look right in this room. Boom.)

I was feelin’ the idea of a textured wall to break up some of that drywall, so I clad the one on the left in white-painted board and batten. I love the freshness it brings into the room, and taking it up to the ceiling (and adding crown molding) makes the room feel a little taller too. Bonus!

I also used a big, wood mirror to open up that end of the room a little more.

I spread colors like sand, sage, smoke, russet, ivory, and espresso all around the room for an earthy-meets-electic vibe.

A variety of textures and finishes give the room a cozy feel, while raising the window treatments up and out will continue that feeling of added height and expansiveness.

If you weren’t able to view the presto chango in action above, here are the still images…

Tracey’s photo:

My inspiration drawing:

Thank you for the opportunity Tracey! And thank you to everyone who submitted photos this week. I look forward to randomly selecting another one soon!

Wanna submit a photo for our Pick My Presto series?

Send an email to PickMyPresto [at] aol [dot] com titled, “PICK MY PRESTO”. Make sure to include your name, your blog name (if you have one) your design likes & dislikes, and one photo of the space in question. (No links please.) It should be clear, and measure at least 400 pixels high x 600 pixels wide. (In other words: 4″x6″) Make sure it’s a photo you’re comfortable with me showing and writing about on our blog. Then, whenever I’m feelin’ the urge, I’ll randomly select someone’s email and have a little fun creating some presto-chango/cottage-style inspiration. Oh, and since I love surprises, I probably won’t email you to let you know I’ve “picked your presto” unless I have a specific question for ya about your space.

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90 Responses to Living Room Design Ideas – Pick My Presto

1. Katherine C says:

   Feb 2, 2011 at 10:55 pm

   I just love these “Pick My Presto” features! You always do a beautiful job and I seem to draw inspiration from each and every one you do!

   

   Reply
2. Megan {Honey We're Home} says:

   Feb 2, 2011 at 10:59 pm

   What a great change! It’s so cool to get to SEE the room all made over virtually!

   

   Reply
3. Yanet says:

   Feb 2, 2011 at 11:03 pm

   Oh wow! How very cool. I’m so sending you a pick of my place(s) I need help with! Would you do a kitchen?

   

   Reply
   • Layla says:

     Feb 2, 2011 at 11:04 pm

     Absolutely!

     

     Reply
4. a paige in history says:

   Feb 2, 2011 at 11:08 pm

   I love your inspiration room! It makes me want to add window treatments that look just like that to our living room. So pretty!

   

   Reply
5. MotherShip says:

   Feb 2, 2011 at 11:11 pm

   What fun! I always love your ideas.

   

   Reply
6. Jeannie Smith says:

   Feb 2, 2011 at 11:12 pm

   This looks so cozy!

   

   Reply
7. Amanda @ willful/joyful says:

   Feb 2, 2011 at 11:12 pm

   Love this series! Now if only you could make renovating, painting, shopping, and staging go that quick too

   

   Reply
   • Kevin says:

     Feb 2, 2011 at 11:17 pm

     Amen sister! I’m with ya on that one!

     Kev

     

     Reply
8. Linda says:

   Feb 2, 2011 at 11:12 pm

   Love the presto chango photo!!!! and your new look is fresh !!!!

   

   Reply
9. Cynthia says:

   Feb 2, 2011 at 11:15 pm

   Wow, that is amazing!

   The color scheme is great and I would love that wicker chair! Great job pulling that look together

   I will definitely be sending in a picture soon

   

   Reply
10. Sandra says:

    Feb 2, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    You did a fabulous job. Love it. I need to send pictures of my rooms your way!

    

    Reply
11. Sharyl@Thelittlebrownhouse.us says:

    Feb 2, 2011 at 11:20 pm

    What a great idea!! I will have to send you a pic of my family room! If I include a picture of myself can you make me over too???

    

    Reply
12. Tracey says:

    Feb 2, 2011 at 11:40 pm

    Oh yes, yes, yes, love, love, love! The colors are us, and I love the flooring and the idea for the walls and banisters. Can’t wait for my man to see this so we can get to work. I’ll send you photos once we make some changes.

    Thank you for picking my presto!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Feb 2, 2011 at 11:46 pm

      You’re welcome Tracey! I can’t wait to see what you guys do!

      Lay

      

      Reply
13. Kimberly says:

    Feb 2, 2011 at 11:42 pm

    What a neat and unique feature! Love the idea of it, and I really am impressed with the changes you made to the room. Its a great room made much better with your input.

    Best,

    Kimberly

    

    Reply
14. Cindy K. says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 12:02 am

    You clever girl. She could arrange the current furniture to the chango design and get a feel for it right away.

    The rug is a good anchor. I’m big on mirrors. The one thing that makes a difference is raising the height of the curtains. It might even work to use the current set for now and add a stripe at the bottom to make up the new length.

    I like that cool shaped recliner in the corner of the original photo. I have a feeling you’d have a hard time talking me out of that one. And isn’t it a shame you can’t just spray paint fabric furniture?

    Still wish you’d come live with me and chango my place from top to bottom, Layla. *Sigh*

    

    Reply
15. Tonya says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 12:03 am

    It looks great! Love this presto chango thing…can’t wait to see the next one!

    

    Reply
16. DJ Conger says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 1:42 am

    The board and batten look is great. Any recomendations on tutorials or how-to’s on that?

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Feb 3, 2011 at 10:24 am

      There are lots of great tutorials all over blogland, one that immediately springs to mind is the one that Kimba did over at asoftplace.net here’s a link:

      http://asoftplace.net/2009/09/board-and-batten-a-tutorial/

      

      Reply
17. Rene@bargainhoot says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 2:13 am

    That is so cool! Love the presto!

    

    Reply
18. Ann says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 2:53 am

    I love the changes you’ve suggested especially on the wall change and window. It made the space look fresh and cozy.

    

    Reply
19. Kathy says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 4:06 am

    Layla, you are toooooo clever. Love your style girl and that big smile of yours. A beautiful idea to do that for people. Love your blog and work all the way from Australia. Kathy

    

    Reply
20. Marty Trout says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 5:28 am

    LOVE this! thank you. i’ll go take some pics now to send into you can’t wait to see what you’d do with a closet, turned office, which is now being made into a small laundry room!

    

    Reply
21. Becca says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 6:07 am

    Beautiful, Layla! This transformation is fab! I love everything about it … the colors, the textures … everything(!), and I’m sure the owners will recreate as closely as they can to your design! May I ask what software you use?

    And, continued positive thoughts and prayers with you and Kevin during your adoption process. My hubs and I adopted our son, Jax, now 4 (we were in the delivery room when he was born) … he’s our world! Thanks for taking us along on your adoption journey. xo *Becca* (www.adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com)

    

    Reply
22. 3ringcottage says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 6:24 am

    What a great idea for a regular series of posts and the transformation ideas are amazing! Hmmm, maybe I should send in a picture of our main living area. It’s a bit challenging for us.

    

    Reply
23. Jennifer says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 6:31 am

    LOVE it! That gave me some inspiration for my place!

    

    Reply
24. Mom in High Heels says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 6:38 am

    Oh, I love it! The board and batten wall is perfect.

    

    Reply
25. Jen says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 7:10 am

    A ~ mazing!!!!!!!!!! Love, love, love! Once I stumbled upon your website, I was hooked, and now, I’m going to be LOVING this new presto thing! My hubby and I just put on an addition, and it is a complete blank slate ~ I would sooooooooo love help on that! Of course, I have ideas, but envisioning it is always hard ~ one is a master bedroom (YAY, for us!) and the other is mudroom/bonus family room.

    AGAIN ~ LOVE your website!!!!!!!!

    

    Reply
26. Stephenie says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 7:13 am

    Great Job Layla! I love the new look – especially like the black banister (which we did in our house about a year ago). Can’t wait to see more!

    

    Reply
27. Lori says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 7:26 am

    I LOVE your presto changos! I need to take a good photo of our family room to submit. What kind of software do you use to make these?

    Looking forward to the next one!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Feb 3, 2011 at 10:32 am

      Hi Lori! I use photoshop to do these. Thanks for the kind words!

      

      Reply
28. laura says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 7:31 am

    What an excellent design. I have a corner fireplace and an odd window to the left of it and several feet of bare wall to the right of it. Always looking for inspiration to help me place my furniture. One day I’m going to send you some pics!~

    

    Reply
29. Jenny says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 7:54 am

    This looks awesome!:)

    

    Reply
30. Kristin Violi says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 8:06 am

    I love it! The colors are perfect!!

    

    Reply
31. jennibell says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 8:09 am

    Fun! I love the idea of hanging the drapes higher. . .

    

    Reply
32. IAMSNWFLAKE says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 8:16 am

    Excellent job! Anxious to see the “after” pictures and your next “pick my presto” post.

    

    Reply
33. Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 8:20 am

    I love it!! I sure hope that she implements some of your changes. = )

    

    Reply
34. carolinaheartstrings says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 8:20 am

    I love this post and your ideas. The colors are great!

    

    Reply
35. Megan D. says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 8:21 am

    Looks awesome! Question? Since you are picking at random can we send in more than one room for you to possibly presto?

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Feb 3, 2011 at 10:17 am

      Absolutely!

      

      Reply
36. Stacie M. says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 8:29 am

    I love the way you tied the board and batten into the crown molding. Great idea!

    

    Reply
37. Cheri says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 8:32 am

    LOVE the change — you did and awesome job! Since you have so many living/family rooms, now I wish I had sent in my kitchen. Can I change?

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Feb 3, 2011 at 10:16 am

      Yes!

      

      Reply
38. Sarah says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 8:40 am

    I love the change! There are many things about this room that I would love to incorporate in my home especially the colors!

    

    Reply
39. Amanda says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 8:43 am

    Love! This also helps to answer a question I had – we have an oak banister that we’d like to paint, and I never can figure out the most visually pleasing way to do the white trim/dark work trim combo. (The rest of our house trim is white).
    Yay!

    

    Reply
40. Jennifer Rizzo says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 8:49 am

    That looks great Layla. I think just the furniture placement alone will help a ton with the space, even if she doesn’t have the budget to buy anything. She has some nice pieces that space planning can make all of the difference for. I love this idea because I think you are going to give some great fresh ideas to people.

    

    Reply
41. Tiffany says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 8:55 am

    I love this. I’m going to submit my bedroom b/c it’s a blank canvas and I need help!

    

    Reply
42. denise sabia says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 9:03 am

    wow, that was quick! Lucky girl! It look great. Love the colors and taller version of the room.
    d e n i s e

    

    Reply
43. Design Love says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 9:08 am

    I am so excited for this new pick your presto! This is awesome for your readers Layla! I just sent you in a picture also!

    Cindy

    

    Reply
44. Paula in MN says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 9:10 am

    Great change – I love the dark wood floors, and changing the banister. Always a bonus when the client likes the changes, too!

    

    Reply
45. MommaHen says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 9:15 am

    The after looks amazing!

    

    Reply
46. Brandy says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 9:20 am

    Wow! That’s an awesome transformation!

    

    Reply
47. SheilaG says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 9:36 am

    Love, love, love! I really need to figure out a good angle to take a pic of my living room. Did I mention I love this?

    

    Reply
48. Fairfield House says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Layla,

    The board and batten wall, the painted banister, raising the window treatments — small tweaks with HUGE impact. I am trying to decide which room to send you. Perhaps I’ll send all sixteen!

    Your Friend,
    Deborah

    

    Reply
49. Kathleen says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 9:47 am

    Layla,

    What a unique series you started…. I ‘m really going to enjoy this. I love that most of your “prestos”( even the past ones done on your blog) include board and batten or bead board. These make for more cozy textured, interesting room. Love it!

    

    Reply
50. Gwen says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 9:48 am

    Awesome! This is one of the best. I haven’t been a follower for very long, but this will definitely keep me checking. Great job.

    

    Reply
51. beth says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 9:53 am

    Want to take a stab at my long room over the garage??? It needs help!

    

    Reply
52. Karen says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 10:09 am

    Hi Layla -

    I just wanted to let you know that your cottage look has totally inspired a girl who lives in the desert. I mentioned you on my blog today. Thanks for showing me your part of the world!

    

    Reply
53. Alima says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 10:23 am

    Wow! Great transformation! I love the window treatments and the wood floors! Just those two things make such a big difference.
    I want to send pictures of my bedroom so bad, but I’m almost embarrassed. It might be beyond help.

    

    Reply
54. WashingtonPharmGirl says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 10:47 am

    Looks sophisticate, yet relaxing. Every think of doing an in home makeover giveaway? If so, let me be the first to volunteer my loveable dump.

    

    Reply
55. Marie @ Sally Lee by the Sea says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 10:48 am

    Looks great, Kayla – love the balance you added to the space. You also gave it a more ‘comfy & cozy’ feel…well done!

    

    Reply
56. Beth@A2Z says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 11:03 am

    Amazing job as always girl! Love the combination of blue, red, and green and the staircase looks phenomenal!

    

    Reply
57. GinaE says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 11:39 am

    This makeover is just great! I really love your style and so glad PW posted about you and your site. I’m now a follower.

    

    Reply
58. Christine B says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 12:49 pm

    Ooo love the colors you picked!
    Form2form.wordpress.com

    

    Reply
59. Flower Patch Farmgirl says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 12:49 pm

    I could look at your magic ALL. Day. LONG!

    

    Reply
60. Sandra says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!

    

    Reply
61. Holly says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    ooh, looks awesome! Can’t wait to see the changes that Tracey and her man implement!

    P.S. I just sent my presto change in

    

    Reply
62. Kim H says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    I didn’t realize you did this for fun… I just can’t rationalize spending a few hundred dollars to get my room decorated in a nice way.. although your talent is worth that and more! I’ll definitely be taking a photo to send in! Beautiful redo of this room btw

    

    Reply
63. geri says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 5:48 pm

    Hi layla.
    beautiful “chango”.
    You make it look so simple.
    We all know though it’s not so easy breezy seeing
    our own rooms.
    I loved that I learned crown molding on a not so high ceiling would
    make it look taller.
    I only have 8 ft ceilings downstairs and even lower by a ft. upstairs.
    Will it still give the same look on ceilings that low.
    I can definaltely see the curtains adding height and really polishing the look.
    Are the shades/blinds hung above the window too to hide the space between.
    I am off getting by 4×6 out ASAP for some a layla magic. Happy wishes, geri.

    

    Reply
64. geri says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    ooppss…sorry I forgot to ask where
    did you find that fab rug.
    it is speaking to me. hehe

    

    Reply
65. Posh House Blog says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    Love “Pick My Presto!” It’s like an HGTV show in a matter of minutes… You don’t have to watch the whole show just to see the final product! I’m slightly impatient:)

    ~Katie
    http://www.poshhouseoriginals.blogspot.com

    

    Reply
66. Angela Cortis says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 7:35 pm

    I have been looking for curtains that color for EVER! Did you have a fabric in mind?

    

    Reply
67. Kristin S says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 7:58 pm

    Great window treatment choices. I love the curtains and roman shade combo.

    OK, the rest of the room is dreamy too.

    

    Reply
68. Karen says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    Very cool! love this feature

    

    Reply
69. Jenny B. says:

    Feb 3, 2011 at 10:45 pm

    Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!!! I love the wall treatment and the painted stair railing! It all looks SO good! LOVE the presto chango! ♥

    

    Reply
70. Glenda Childers says:

    Feb 4, 2011 at 8:49 am

    Really fun. Thanks.

    

    Reply
71. Michelle O'Neil says:

    Feb 4, 2011 at 9:15 am

    So cool! I look forward to seeing more of these.

    

    Reply
72. Shaunna says:

    Feb 4, 2011 at 9:51 am

    absolutely incredible, lay!!! So, probably going to be submitting a room…or you can tell me which one you’d like to get your hands on. Hope you have a good one, friend!

    

    Reply
73. Dana @ Cookin' at Cafe D says:

    Feb 4, 2011 at 11:49 am

    Oh, that’s fun!
    Wow, how detailed – there’s even a reflection in the new mirror!
    I really like your ideas.

    Hmm – I should submit a photo…

    

    Reply
74. Wendy says:

    Feb 4, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    Layla, this is beautiful! I’ve been intending to paint my banister from it’s current (I kid you not) pickled oak but I am paralyzed by paint color choices. Can’t seem to find the right paint color. I’ve been looking at blacks, then browns along the lines of espresso…can you recommend a color to get the effect you provided in this presto? Thanks for motivating me out of analysis paralysis…
    Wendy

    

    Reply
75. krystal says:

    Feb 4, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    You always post the neatest stuff…

    I just awarded you with the Stylish Blogger Award!

    I listed you as one of 13 of the coolest blogs I follow!

    You can go to my blog for details!
    Http://mymobilehomelife.blogspot.com

    Thanks for having such a cool blog!

    Krystal

    To Accept The Award you must:
    1.)Thank and Link Back to the Blogger Who Awarded You With
    2.)Share 7 Things About Yourself
    3.)Award 12 Recently Discovered Great Bloggers
    4.)Contact The Bloggers Inform Them of The Award

    

    Reply
76. Kim in MD says:

    Feb 8, 2011 at 10:21 am

    Wow…the transformation is amazing! I love the addition of the mirror and raising the curtains higher! It really does expand the room! Great job!

    

    Reply
77. destiny perkins says:

    Feb 8, 2011 at 10:49 am

    Love this change!! I’ve been wanting to change the railing on our stairs. It’s an orangey-colored wood like in the before picture. My jaw dropped when I saw the new one in your after picture! What would you do to change that? Paint? Stain? I was thinking about a distressed black.
    Thanks!

    

    Reply
78. Suzanne says:

    Feb 8, 2011 at 11:36 pm

    I love the idea for this series.

    And you did a great job with this room. The color palatte is so soothing that it makes me want to walk right in and gab with the homeowner over a hot cup o’ joe.

    

    Reply
79. BOSSY says:

    Feb 9, 2011 at 11:14 pm

    You’re brilliant. Amazing work on the after-drawing — and Bossy should know, she used to be an interior designer and often tried to render these unknowns. Just, wow.

    

    Reply
80. Tricia Embley says:

    Feb 14, 2011 at 9:29 am

    I have continually stalked your blog for sometime now.. I love all your ideas! And I love this new presto changes you have started. I love the wicker chair you put in this room.. any suggestions where I could get one similar?

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Feb 14, 2011 at 9:30 am

      Hi Tricia!
      The one in the photo is from Pottery Barn.

      

      Reply
81. Tricia Embley says:

    Feb 14, 2011 at 11:20 am

    Thanks so much Layla!! I love PB..but I haven’t seen that chair before.. hmm off to search PB now!!

    PS I can’t wait to see what you will do in a child’s room and I am so excited for you to be adopting. I am adopted, I have two nieces who are adopted and my aunt just adopted from Ethopia so I am big supporter of adoption!

    

    Reply
82. Jazmin says:

    Mar 2, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    WOW! this is super cute!
    Can you tell me where the rug is from? I would love that in my home!

    

    Reply