A bright idea at the #preppyhollowhouse

#preppyhollowhouse
Written By Elizabeth Fair

The original living room at the #preppyhollowhouse had a lot of great features to work with: vaulted ceilings, double windows, and a fireplace; however, there was a wall between the living room and kitchen that made the room feel closed off, and the finishes were in need of serious updating. To remedy this, we removed the wall between the two spaces, allowing light to stream in from both the front and back of the house, and creating a more open floor plan perfect for entertaining.

 
 

After photo of the living room

 
 

Before photo of the living room

We opted to remove the fan-shaped window from the living room to create a more modern look. We also updated the existing fireplace with a new white fireplace surround featuring a more minimal design. Wide plank white oak hardwood floors and fresh white paint also made a dramatic impact, making the room feel much larger and brighter.

 
 
 
 

These updates made the space feel like a blank canvas, so we brought in some darker wood furniture to balance out the lighter tones. For the main seating area, we found a vintage rattan couch, loveseat, and coffee table, which we reupholstered with a large-scale green and white gingham. Blue scalloped throw pillows add contrast and a dose of playfulness.

 
 
 
 

The color scheme for this room was inspired by a vintage portrait by A. Mondello featuring John F. Kennedy on the beach in Hyannis Port in 1965. We originally came across this art print at Seacraft Vintage, but it was not for sale at the time, so we scoured the Internet until we found one.

 
 
 
 

A vintage Aloha Dixie faux bamboo credenza provides functional storage and serves as a welcoming spot when guests first enter the front door. As this property was designed as a short-term rental, we added a lacquered tray to store remotes, information on the house, and snacks for guests. A blue bobbin mirror and milk glass lamp with a colorful striped shade provide for the finishing touches.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

As the kitchen only has an island, we added a vintage rattan dining set to the front windows, creating a sunny spot for eating breakfast and playing cards. A bold periwinkle blue bamboo étagère holds vintage book inspired board games, as well as other decorative items.

 
 

Before photo of the dining area

 
 

After photo of the dining area

 
 

Étagère (similar style found here) / Bowl (similar style found here) / Ginger Jar / Small Seashell Box (similar style found here) / Large Seashell Box (similar style found here) / Flower Arrangement / Board Game / Board Game / Board Game / Board Game /
Cane Tray

Removing the wall between the kitchen and living room made a dramatic impact and created a more welcoming space. A combination of fresh paint, vintage furniture, and colorful accents transformed the living room from dark and dated to bright and airy.

Sources

Living Room
Wall Paint: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65
Flooring: R.L. Colston 3/4 in. Select White Oak Unfinished Solid Hardwood Flooring 5 in. Wide
Couch: Vintage (similar style found here)
Couch Fabric: P Kaufmann Seaside Celery Buffalo Check Upholstery Fabric
Pillow Covers: Scalloped Pillow Covers
Pillow Inserts: Utopia Bedding Throw Pillows
Coffee Table: Vintage (similar style found here)
Dining Table: Vintage (similar style found here)
Dining Chairs: Vintage (similar style found here)
Credenza: 1950s Vintage Dixie Aloha Faux Bamboo Triple Dresser (similar style found here)
Scalloped Tray: Large Green Lacquer Scalloped Tray
Speaker: onn Small Rugged Speaker with Bluetooth Wireless Technology
Coasters: Rattan Coasters with Coral Lacing (similar style found here)
Mirror: Vintage (similar style found here)
Lamp: Vintage (similar style found here)
Lampshade: Handmade (similar style found here)
Étagère: Vintage (similar style found here)
Bowl: Vintage (similar style found here)
Ginger Jar: Honeybloom Rattan Jar
Small Seashell Box: Vintage (similar style found here)
Large Seashell Box: Vintage (similar style found here)
Flower Arrangement: Carruth Hydrangea Floral Arrangement in Vase
Board Game: Sorry! Vintage Bookshelf Edition by WS Game Company
Board Game: Scrabble Bookshelf Edition by WS Game Company
Board Game: The Game of Life Bookshelf Edition by WS Game Company
Board Game: Monopoly Bookshelf Edition by WS Game Company
Cane Tray: The Container Store Large Albany Rattan Cane Tray Natural
Fireplace Decoration: Driftwood Sculpture
TV: Samsung 43" Frame TV
TV Bezel: Samsung 43" Frame TV Bezel in Modern Teak
Digital Art Print: Coastal Landscape Art for Samsung Frame TV
Art Print: Vintage (similar style found here)

Get the Look

Elizabeth Fair
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