Transforming Our Living Room: A Collaboration with Victory Colours

Living in a three-hundred-year-old Queen Anne barn comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. For over three years, we have dreamed of transforming our large, well-lit, yet tired-looking living room. Spanning 6m by 7m, it was no small task. We wanted to enhance the natural light, bring the outside in, and create a cosy atmosphere. Thanks to Victory Colours and some DIY determination, we finally achieved our vision.

Having previously worked with Victory Colours on my bedroom makeover, which you can read about here, I knew they would be the perfect partner for this project.

Here’s what the living room looked like the day we moved in.

Tackling the Fireplace First

The first step in our transformation journey was replacing the wood burner. The old one was leaking, and as we rely on it to heat the space, it was a priority. You can read all about how we revamped our fireplace for winter here.

Installing a Picture Rail

To make the room feel more intimate and suit the property’s age, we decided to install a picture rail. While we were quoted over £300 for the job, we opted for a DIY approach. Armed with a mitre saw and a helpful YouTube tutorial, we managed to fit the picture rail ourselves in about five hours. Once painted white from the ceiling down to the picture rail, the room instantly felt cozier.

Choosing the Perfect Paint: Elf Ear by Victory Colours

For the walls, skirting, and door, we selected Victory Colours’ soft green shade, Elf Ear, inspired by lichen. Elf Ear No. 72 beautifully blended the indoors with the outdoors, giving the room a soft, elegant look reminiscent of being surrounded by the garden. We kept the windows and French doors white to maintain a crisp, clean contrast.

Adding Textures and Accents

To enhance the cozy feel, we replaced the worn blinds and curtains left by the previous owners with floor-length green velvet curtains from IKEA.

We complemented them with fern leaf metal tiebacks from Amazon, which perfectly captured the natural theme. Additional lighting was crucial for the space, so we added seven lamps from La Redoute and Amazon, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

A Touch of Antique Charm

The final touch was a Facebook Marketplace treasure: a £30 court cabinet that tied in seamlessly with some of my grandmother’s antique furniture. It’s always satisfying to find pieces that combine both style and sentimental value.

What’s Next?

Although we’re thrilled with the results, the makeover isn’t entirely complete. Next summer, we plan to replace the moth-eaten wool carpet with engineered hardwood flooring. Additionally, our two well-loved sofas are on the replacement list—perhaps when the kids and dog have grown up a bit more!

Final Thoughts

Transforming our living room has been a rewarding journey. The collaboration with Victory Colours and a bit of DIY effort allowed us to create a space that’s elegant, cozy, and perfectly suited to our historic home. If you’re planning your own room makeover, I highly recommend Victory Colours’ paints for their stunning range and eco-friendly qualities.

Have you transformed a room in your home recently? Let me know your favourite tips and tricks in the comments!