This Colorful Living Room is like Walking into a Scandinavian Meadow

Abigail Sawyer | 23 Oct 2018 | Shutters

Who else but Brittany Jepsen, of The House that Lars Built, could turn a dark basement apartment living room into a light-flooded botanical wonderland?

Floral Living Room Makeover with The House That Lars Built

We've been working with artist and color-lover Brittany to give her windows some polish as she's refreshing the rooms in her Utah home.

In case you missed it, be sure to check out Brittany's adorable nursery with hand-painted fruit tree murals and charming navy kitchen.

Brittany and her family have lived in their Provo, Utah basement apartment for several years, but she hesitated to put her stamp on it completely, not knowing how long they would live there. However, now that she'll be staying put for a few more years, she's making her botanical dreams for the space come true!

Woman holding baby boy in colorful living room in front of large window with white plantation shutters

The inspiration for the room started with this Scandinavian-inspired floral wallpaper. Wallpaper might be intimidating to some homeowners, but today's options are much easier to apply and remove. Plus, they're the perfect starting point to inspire a room's color palette.

eclectic living room with floral wallpaper, yellow and orange accessories and large window with white shutters

Once Brittany had the wallpaper selected, it was time to think about window coverings that would bring in natural light and offer privacy.

Brittany Says:

"I live in a walkout basement apartment, which means natural lighting is a hot commodity and hard to come by. We have a large front-facing window in our living room and we get some foot traffic so it needed the ability to have privacy, but since it’s our only light source for the room, it needed to be functional."

bright colored living room with grey couch, mustard yellow velvet chairs and bi-fold shutters on window

Brittany Says:

"Previous to this, I had replaced the vertical blinds that the apartment came with curtains from Ikea. I had actually sewed two curtains together so that they would be heavier and you couldn’t see through them. Ha! Although they were an improvement from the vertical blinds, they were difficult to slide in and out and felt unprofessional. I was aching for some lovely treatments that were also functional."

Before and after shot of living room with green couch and white walls vs after with grey couch colorful accessories

Brittany worked with Blinds.com designer Danielle and selected Premium Wood Shutters in Off White. Shutters never go out of style and pair perfectly with the cozy cottage feel of the floral wallpaper.

Brittany Says:

"I’ve always been a big fan of shutters and didn’t know if it would be possible in our apartment, but talking with their designer, Danielle, she affirmed that it would not only be a good choice but the best choice. I wanted something where it would darken the room well but also allow us to control the lighting at different points throughout the room. Plantation shutters do just that. I was giddy throughout the entire installation process. They made an immediate impact."

apartment living room with grey couch in front of white plantation shutters and floral wallpaper

Per her wallpaper installer's instructions, Brittany re-painted all of the trim in a softer white that coordinated better with the paper. The hue also matched the off white color of her new shutters.

Living room with colorful floral wallpaper and faux fireplace mantel leaned against wall with mustard velvet chair

She finished off the space with a classic grey sofa, upholstered chairs in mustard velvet, and primary color accessories to coordinate with the wallpaper.

Living room corner with small print floral wallpaper in primary colors, window shutters and orange and yellow vintage lamp

Small rattan table with blue and white ceramic lamp and picture frame with vintage portrait

Get the Look!

Want to turn your home into a botanical wonderland? Find all of Brittany's sources and a special Blinds.com discount at The House That Lars Built.

Brittany ordered Blinds.com Premium Wood Shutters in Off White with a 3 1/2 Inch louver.

Grey fabric couch with pink and yellow pillows in front of large window with plantation shutters

See More from The House That Lars Built:

The House That Lars Built Brightens up a Dark Kitchen with White Wood Blinds

Botanical Nursery with Embellished Draperies from The House That Lars Built

Upscale Office Makeover With Modern Roller Shades from The House That Lars Built

The House that Lars Built Studio Gets Light (and Shade!) with 2-in-1 Motorized Shades

  • About Author

    Abigail Sawyer is the Manager of Social Media Marketing for Blinds.com. She's a home improvement junkie who is currently restoring a 1972 cottage with the help of her husband and goldendoodle, Biscuit. Walking in the footsteps of Martha Stewart, she’s happiest when she’s crafting or whipping up a new recipe; although nothing beats curling up with a good book and some Girl Scout Cookies. Follow her on twitter + instagram at @whatabigailsaw