How to Refresh Your Living Room Built-ins Without a Big Renovation: Sources Included
- Burcu
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 9
Wondering how to update your living room without tearing down walls or spending a fortune?
As an interior designer in Marietta, GA, I hear this question all the time from busy families who want their home to feel fresh, cozy, and functional, without the mess and stress of a full renovation.
Project Griffin is the perfect example. This vibrant family (two toddlers, one dog, and a very full calendar) wanted their living room to feel renewed, stylish, and inviting. The twist? We achieved it with full refurnishing + a “mini” renovation—what I like to call a facelift, not a full reconstructive surgery.
And the star of the show? A major arch makeover for the living room built-ins—curves and shapes are one of my signature design loves.
The Secret to a Big Impact with Minimal Renovation
With this Marietta living room, we kept the bones of the space but made thoughtful, high-impact updates:
Library Built-ins Facelift: Kept the cabinet frames, but reframed the top with a graceful arch opening for added character.
Cabinet Door Upgrade: New doors + modern hardware for an instant refresh.
Lighting Update: Brass picture lights over the built-ins for warmth and sophistication.
Fresh Paint: A coat of Sherwin Williams Snowbound to brighten and unify the room.
Curated Accessories from Shop DNC: Pillows, vases, art, and decorative accents to tie it all together.
Furniture That Works for Real Life
When designing for busy families, style and durability must work hand-in-hand.
For Project Griffin, we chose:
A deep, cozy sofa for movie nights and family time.
Two olive green swivel bouclé armchairs for a pop of earthy color.
A charcoal loveseat for contrast and extra seating.
A patterned rug that adds subtle texture while staying cohesive with the overall palette.
Playing with Color and Pattern
We kept the color story earthy, warm, and timeless, but brought in a little drama with greens and layered textures. The olive bouclé armchairs, mixed with the patterned rug, gave the room depth without overwhelming the calm atmosphere.
The Final Result
A warm, inviting, and functional living room (perfect for an active family) with zero walls taken down. This Marietta living room refresh proves that with smart updates, a few statement pieces, and a clear design vision, you can fall in love with your home all over again.
Scroll for the before & after—the transformation is too good not to share.
Sources
Wall Color: Sherwin Williams Snowbound
Decor:
Lighting:
Furniture:
If you love the look of earthy, cohesive interiors with a mix of modern comfort, we’re currently booking projects for fall. Whether you’re in Marietta or anywhere in the Atlanta area, let’s bring your dream living space to life.
Our Design & Curations team can help you reimagine your space—whether it’s a quick seasonal refresh or a full redesign. We specialize in creating warm, elevated interiors that feel personal, functional, and timeless. Let’s bring your vision to life. Book a Call with us to chat!
We treat all of projects with passion and compassion like it is our home.
Reach out to us > LINK
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