Last year I asked for a wee bit of interior design help (photos included). We made small changes. And while I’d love floor to ceiling curtains, I’m so much happier with this room, as is. Could it use a proper large square coffee table, yes. Could I live without the sponge paint walls, oh yes. But you know what? Overall, big picture, I’m really happy in the room. The pale blue sofas are deep and comfortable (and guaranteed against stains). Just thought I’d follow up with the changes…
And here it is today…

living room after… with more images in my galleries.




December 23rd, 2009 at 5:26 pm
that tree looks like the trash tha’ts thrown by restaurants in N.Y.C. too much crap!
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phil Reply:
December 24th, 2009 at 10:55 am
What on earth would cause someone to put down someone’s Christmas Tree? Happy Holidays.
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helen Reply:
December 24th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Your tree is very blingy..I like it.
No human contact, specifically sexual relations with opposite sex, or the same sex, what ever lights your tree, lady-causes tree haters.
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Cynda Reply:
December 24th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
….If ya can’t say something nice….don’t say anything at all…
Stephanie and Phil, the room looks lovely, before-and after. Merry Christmas, and Happy Hannuka to you and the tots!
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Marcus Reply:
December 24th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
If they ask for comments then they ask for comments, if someone
doesn’t like the tree they should say so, if Phil and Stephanie
only want compliments then they should say, “Everyone compliment
our tree” otherwise, don’t post that you want advice.
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December 23rd, 2009 at 5:36 pm
i luv the room! And I love your mantle! So dear. Love what you did too coordinate different vases.
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December 23rd, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Looks beautiful!!! Where are the couches from?
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December 23rd, 2009 at 9:08 pm
wow i love it
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December 23rd, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I think it looks lovely! The changes you made make it seem warmer, more full, and more like “home” without becoming busy. I notice you have the exact same “displays” in your bookshelves though (eagle eye) — changing that up a few times a year might keep things more interesting
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December 24th, 2009 at 12:49 am
It looks like a catalogue advertisement. Perfectly nice but unlivable.
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Stephanie Klein Reply:
December 25th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Totally livable. We live in this room. Every day. Just as it is. You know, aside from the tree.
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December 24th, 2009 at 10:46 am
I kind of agree that the tree looks like a pile of trash, in a very esoteric way, but I kind of like it like that!
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December 24th, 2009 at 11:01 am
For someone who has some sense of style regarding clothing, you do fail with home decor. Looks like some stuff that was on sale at either Target or Pottery Barn. Love that you think you are so highbrow, then post these photos. Too funny.
Actual advice: the cabinet under the TV is too small – needs to be wider and the ceiling fan – replace that cheapo one with a high end one w/some style.
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December 24th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
the room is beautiful and the colors give a warm feeling to it I love it!
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December 24th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
room looks great and the tree lovely. the only suggestion i would give is to have some throw pillows made that pick up the colors in the rug/wall and blue…kinda tie it all together. did tom pitt build your home? i live in the area and we have strikingly similar homes. merry holydays to you, phil and the precious wee ones.
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December 24th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
I think the room looks beautiful, TREE AND ALL!!! Happy Holidays!
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December 24th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
lol nice, merry christmas
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December 24th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Stephanie & Phil – room looks good! The blue sofas really work. What does “guaranteed against stains” mean? I need more of that in my life/home!!
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December 25th, 2009 at 1:05 am
I can’t get over that you’re Jewish and celebrate Christmas.
The room is very pretty and comfortable looking at the same time. I liked the before just as much though. It was a touch more urban, but both are very nice.
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C.C. Reply:
December 25th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I believe there is a blog post on this past (extensively) covering this topic. She does both b/c her mom is of Greek heritage and dad is Jewish. Although typically Jews I know (and a large bunch of Israeli friends) consider you Jewish only if your mother is a Jew- well, I think it’s a matter of exposure and all of that. And it doesn’t seem SK is hardcore into either religion (i.e. regularly attending temple or church services) so it’s kind of laid back. At least that’s my impression from reading this for a while…
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LolaD Reply:
December 25th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
True.. but then again, I also know tons of people who were raised in 100% Jewish households (Mom and Dad both Jewish) and still celebrate Christmas.. Christmas carols, Christmas dinner, Christmas cookies, the whole shebang!
P.S. Hope you and your family are having a very Merry Christmas, Stephanie!!!
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December 25th, 2009 at 1:08 am
I think the room looks beautiful and I like the tree very much. Very twinkly.
The only thing that distracted my eye was the light switch (or whatever it is) to the left of the TV. Can’t you paint it the same color as the wall so it doesn’t stand out so starkly?
Other than that….great room. Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah!
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December 25th, 2009 at 3:48 am
Paint the walls if you are not fond of them! Easy make over. What color are you thinking?
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ubers Reply:
December 25th, 2009 at 11:31 am
love the changes, especially the sofa and the ottoman. i agree with Amy–paint the walls!
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December 25th, 2009 at 4:39 am
nice
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December 25th, 2009 at 6:44 am
it looks like a dentist office
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December 25th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Thank you! I really enjoyed the galleries. I hadn’t even noticed that section of this site! I was missing a whole part of your blog world!!! Merry Xmas Stephanie.
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December 25th, 2009 at 11:00 am
My Christmas tree is up and my daughter decorated it while I baked homemade chocolate chip cookies yum. I have a Christmas wreath on my door but I do not have any decorations outside.
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December 25th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Love the room! What a comfy place to enjoy a Christmas morning! Hope Santa was good to all of you
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December 25th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I love and miss you terribly.
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December 27th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
It’s beautiful. I couldn’t envision the blue and white you posted earlier mixing with what looked like warm walls and wood you were starting with, but it really works. It looks so much brighter in there now. Good job and good eye!
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December 28th, 2009 at 12:30 am
It is also everyone’s right, via free speech, to comment negatively on anyone’s outfit, hair, exterior home decor, etc. — but most people with social skills choose to use the manners their parents taught them growing up and keep their mouth shut.
Constructive feedback (i.e., “great tree — might look even better if it was more minimalist”) is helpful. Rudeness never is…and it’s also just plain mean. The internet doesn’t excuse bad behavior or rudeness.
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December 28th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
The tree is beautiful and I love the changes you made to the room! I would never have thought that light blue couches would work in any room but the color looks great. And they look so dam comfy!
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