From Builder Grade to Cottage Warmth: Our Living Room Makeover
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Friends, today I get to share a project that has truly transformed the heart of our home. We moved into our new home this past July but we have had our construction contract since summer 2024 and I could always see the potential right away. We absolutely LOVE our floor plan and upgrades we added but I also pictured a room that felt timeless and collected, with layers of character that made every corner feel inviting. And now, standing here in our almost finished living room, it feels like that dream came to life.

The Doors that Changed Everything
The biggest shift came with our four custom barn doors from BarnDoorz. I wanted something cottage inspired with a hint of elegance and these doors did exactly that. They added warmth, texture, and architectural charm in a way I could have never created on my own. The craftsmanship is unbelievable and being able to customize them to my exact style made all the difference. They truly feel like a built-in piece of history, which is exactly what this room needed.

Creating a New Backdrop with Lowe’s
Once the doors were installed, the rest of the room started coming together. I painted the space in Evergreen Fog by Sherwin Williams, a color I ordered online from Lowe’s using their easy curbside pickup. Evergreen Fog has this calming, earthy tone that instantly grounded the whole room. It is soft, cozy, and makes the perfect backdrop for seasonal decorating.
To elevate the walls even more, I added wainscoting panels from Lowe’s, also ordered online. This simple addition added depth and dimension, giving the room that classic cottage feel I love so much without a major renovation. Sometimes it is the smallest architectural layers that make the biggest difference. Shop my Lowe's Storefront for all of the details on this project.


A Room that Finally Feels Like Us
What I love most is how all of these elements work together. The custom doors. The moody green paint. The paneling that adds just the right amount of charm. It feels curated, inviting, and so very “Krystle”. This space finally reflects the story we are building in this home, one thoughtful layer at a time.

If you are dreaming up a winter project or looking to add character to your own builder-grade home, I hope our transformation inspires you. With a little vision, a few custom touches, and the convenience of Lowe’s online ordering, you can truly change how a room feels.

More updates are coming soon, but for now… I am soaking up every second in this new space.