Living Room Drama


Hello my friends.

As most of you know I have been struggling with trying to make my very small square living room serve both as a living room and also a dining area.  It has been a real learning curve on what will work.


This was my living room dining room set up.   Loveseat facing the TV and a comfy chair in the corner for reading.   Terry's recliner off to the left corner of this room facing the TV over the mantel.

 I was on FB Marketplace and I found a Pottery Barn Comfort Slipcovered sectional up for sale.  It had a brown slipcover on it but I knew I could reach out to Lisa from Fabric 8 Slipcovers and she could work with me to make a new slipcover.  I have used Lisa's services for slipcovers for many of my past furniture pieces.
I love working with her.  She has sewing magic.

This is the Pottery Barn Comfort Slipcovered Sectional like the one I found on FB Marketplace.  Pottery Barn is one of the few companies that make sectionals that have the one seat on the one side.
This is what the FB Marketplace person was selling but with a dark brown espresso colored cover.

Drama Story Below!

I was very excited to see this $4000 sectional that was only a few years old up for sale for $400.  I jumped on it and the lady said yes she would sell me the sectional.  I told her that I would have to sell my living room set to make room for the sectional.  This was on Friday and she said no problem.
I have been selling my white cottage pieces in storage that do not fit in my new house on FB Marketplace. 
I have a very nice clientele and one of the ladies that buys from me said if I ever sell my RA loveseat she wanted me to let her know.  
I contacted her and she said she would buy both the loveseat and the chair.  She told me she would be able to pick them up on Sunday.
I contacted the lady selling the PB sectional to me and told her that the person buying my furniture was picking it up on Sunday and I would like to come get the sectional after they pick up my furniture.  She said yes and said she would get back to me with a time to come on Sunday.
I was so excited and contacted Lisa to start getting a quote about making a slipcover for this new sectional.
Sunday came and I had been trying to get a hold of the lady selling me her sectional and she was ignoring me.  I began to get a very bad feeling about this.  
I did not hear from her all day on Sunday as my living room was empty with no furniture and my pretty RA Loveseat was now gone. 
 Finally at 7pm on that Sunday night the seller contacted me and told me sorry but I cannot sell you the sectional until I know the new furniture I am buying will fit through my door.  WHAT?!!! 
You told me I could come and pick this up on Sunday.  You did not say anything about not selling it to me until you knew if your new furniture would fit!  
She knew I sold my furniture and would have no furniture.  Now you are telling me this.  
I had a melt down and Terry told me to hang in there that once the furniture company comes out to measure her doorway she will find out the new stuff she bought will fit.  Most furniture companies do not make furniture that cannot fit through the doors of homes.
I was so beside myself that I sold my fave loveseat and chair and now had nothing.  
I began to search frantically for something else.  No other PB or sectionals for that matter with the one seat side were out there anywhere!  
I was not going to go to PB and order a new $4,000 sectional and wait 6 to 8 weeks for delivery with no furniture in my living room.  I was in full panic mode.
 I said to myself pull it together and have a plan B just in case this women's new furniture does not fit and she keeps her sectional she sold to me.  
Then I said to myself ok what is the plan B going to be?!!!!!


 I came across this sofa with a chaise on Hookedonhouses.net and pinterest of the Ikea Ektrop sofa and chaise.  I thought maybe a chaise instead of a one chair seat sectional would work and feel bigger in my living room.

Here is how she dressed it up in her sunroom.  She used green and yellow and I said hmmmm I could do my blue and white for my living room.
Off to Ikea I went to find this sofa chaise and lay on it and sit all over it for comfort evaluation.
I also had picked out a couple of sofa chaises at a furniture store.  If I chose one of those I figured Lisa could make a slipcover of one of them if the Ikea was not comfy.
Well it was comfy in fact more comfortable than the more expensive sofa chaises I tested out at the furniture stores.

Since the Ikea already comes with a slipcover I contacted Lisa and asked her if I could send the slipcover to her and would she consider making a custom skirt for the sofa chaise set.  She said yes and I am going to send her the slipcover and she will make it look custom with sewing in a new skirt.


These next few pictures are from my pinterest board of slipcovered skirt ideas.  This is a box pleat.  I think a box pleat would be less feminine and still give me a cottage look.

I think this would be a very good option.

Remember my Ikea Chairs that Lisa made the custom ruffle on  the slipcovers.  This is a choice for the new sofa chaise to.


I like this small ruffle along the bottom to give a hint cottage chic.

I
will be excited to show you what ruffle I chose and how Lisa does her magic and makes it all come out so pretty.  I am sending off the slipcover to her and hopefully in the next few weeks she will return it and I can show you how it all comes together now in my living room.
Have a great rest of the week and weekend.



40 comments

  1. OH MY........

    You sold that RA love seat! Kris, what a drama indeed, but Lisa will make the most beautiful slipcovers for that sectional! I believe I've seen this at our IKEA and I know you will love it! My friend, that had to be such an emotional rollercoaster for you! Wow....

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  2. What a disappointment! but glad it worked out in the end. AND you get the slipcover thrown in to boot!! Have a happy weekend Kris! xoxoxox

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  3. Kris,
    I'm so pleased that the sectional sofa (which I thought would be too big and bulky...and structured) for your living room, turned out to not be available...and for a good reason! I think the chaise sofa from Ikea would be so much more "quaint and feminine" for your home, plus the new skirt made by Lisa (she has made a couple slip covers for me, bc I found her here on your blog:-) will be just what it should be for your charming decor style. I'm happy it turned out this way for you
    XO, Mary~

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  4. What the !?!? How inconsiderate of the woman. I would of had a meltdown with you! Goodness! That said, I know people who've bought IKEA and they loved it plus it has held up very well. I wish they'd been around when we were looking for furniture. Love that you can have the slipcover cottaged-upped! Can't wait to see how it all turns out! Fingers crossed it works out just as you imagine!

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  5. Drama for sure but it all worked out. I like the chaise on the end. It's more feminine and I believe will be comfy. Looking forward to seeing your slipcover.

    Have a great weekend!

    Cindy

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  6. Wow Kris, what a drama story with the couch. I love how Terry calmed you down. I like the IKEA sectional and I know it will look so beautiful with the new slipcover. I am so glad it all worked out for you. Enjoy the weekend.
    Julie xo

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  7. i hope you did not let that gal know you were not going to wait for her.if and when she calls you say oh i am changed my mind and leave her hanging.you will be fine with your new beautiful sectional

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  8. If your living room had a head it would probably be spinning from all the changes! But I know you will finally get the look you want and it will be beautiful.
    Brenda

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  9. I am so sorry this happened to you with this woman, Kris ~ but if anything is for sure, you know how to turn lemons into lemonade! Your living room will look fantastic with this new IKEA sofa. xoxo

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  10. It's going to be lovely. Facebook marketplace is a good source but can be chancy. Good solution.

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  11. It's going to be perfect, I can't wait to see the room finished with your new furniture!

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  12. I would have had a meltdown too!!! I'm glad it all worked out in the end though. I can't wait to see the sofa with it's new beautiful skirt. So exciting!!!
    ~Des

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  13. Yikes!!! I'm glad it is all working out for you now ~ can't wait to see it when it all comes together ~

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  14. Oh Kris, I am so sorry you were put through all that! I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason. You will love your new piece more It looks so relaxing and the slip cover will be awesome!
    I received the girlfriend give away yesterday! I actually screamed when I opened it! That in a pikle bag full of emergency needs is the neatest thing! Great idea! I will definitely be buying some for gifts! I am also going to use your coffee cup with a Starbucks card idea as well. Such a cute way of giving a coffee gift card!
    I wanted to thank you so everyone can see it in the comments. Ladies..Kris is so GENEROUS and such a kind and giving person.
    This package arrive yesterday, the day after we were told my MIL has at the maximum two weeks to live, so this gift felt even more special. God bless you Kris and thank you so very much!

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    1. Oh no I am so sorry. You are breaking my heart that you have to deal with this. I am glad winning the gift and receiving made you feel a little better. I am saying prayers for MIL and all your family. This is such a heart wrenching time for all of you. Big Hugs.

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  15. Wow. That's outrageous...but it's Ikea to the rescue!! It's beautiful and Ikea really does make very comfy furniture. I love the lines of it and all that room to stretch out looks wonderful. I can't wait to see how it looks with the slipcover. I'm sorry there was so much drama on the road to your new living room, but in the end I know it will be beautiful.

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  16. So sorry, Kris! Buying and selling online is one flaky business. We've had our share of these types of experiences. Some people are so inconsiderate!

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  17. Oh my! One never knows what Kris will be up to next! Can't wait to see this iteration. At least Terry still has a chair to sit in.....for now. :O

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  18. Truly I think you might stop changing and learn to live with something for a change....I am sorry to be a downer about this and am in awe your husband tolerates all the constant change.... I know there will be backlash from my comments.

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    1. Hi Ginni,
      Since you are a no reply blogger I have only this way to address your comment. I would have prefered to address it in a private email. I am sorry it upsets you that I have been very challenged with trying to make this small living work. Never once has my husband felt upset about any of it. He lives here too and knows what a challenge downsizing has been in this small home. My blog is about decor and change and it sounds like my blog upsets you. After all this is my home and not yours so I am confused on why this is so upsetting to you to see us go through this process of change and getting things right. You do not live here and the changes have not affected your living so not quite sure why you are angry in your comment about my challenges and changes. I am positive with our challenges and changes and not on my blog to complain or feel sorry about any of my changes. I am sharing what a challenge it has been to get a dining space and living space to work. I would hope that others would enjoy seeing us make this space work. With all of this said I feel my blog is not the place for you to visit. It is about changes, challenges of small living and decor. If you are so upset with my changes maybe you should not be rude with your comment and just move on. What did you think you were going to accomplish by lashing out at me about my home or my challenges. I have always welcomed questions or concerns that someone might have of a blog post but I certainly will not entertain rudeness or assumptions of what my husband or myself think about our living here. Backlash only happens to people that are rude or mean. People that are kind in criticism or address it in a private way usually do not get the backlash. Like I mentioned maybe my blog is not a place of enjoyment or friendship for you. Time to move on and not be here if this upsets you that we are living through changes and challenges. I have been blogging for over 9 years and the people that are friends and follow me enjoy seeing the changes in my decor. So moving on for you sounds like it would be a great choice. Sorry we could not do this privately and you could find friendship and my blog posts as a good thing and not something that is upsetting to you. Good luck and thank you for spending time up until now to enjoy the blog.

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  19. That must have been so stressful! I love the Ektorp sectional...I hope it will be the perfect answer for your space!

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  20. We never did hear if the lady selling the brown sectional ever got back to you! If she did, she must have had a rude awakening when you told her you had already moved on to something else! Online buying and selling CAN sometimes be a real headache. We are having to trust strangers. I love the idea of the chaise lounge. My sister has one at the end of her couch and loves it. I love the look with a throw tossed over it too, so a soft blue throw would look so pretty! Am anxious to see it all with the box pleated "ruffles" which I really like. Take care....Marilyn

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  21. As I was reading this, I couldn’t help thinking that sounds like something that would happen to me !!! Sounds
    like it all is working out for the best. Can’t wait to see what the finished product will look like. Also wanted to
    mention that I enjoyed the post that Brenda at Cozy Little House did on your home.

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    1. Thank you Cindy for your sweet comment and taking time to visit. Thank you for liking the post Brenda did too. Living small can be so rewarding but at the same time challenging.
      Have a great Friday and wonderful weekend.
      Hugs,
      Kris

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  22. Kris we have an Ektorp sectional in our recreation room! And, we love it, its so comfortable and the slip covers fit perfect, and can be washed. We are planning on buying a second one--for upstairs or the sofa and another separate chair. Happy Ikea owner here...!

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  23. I'm sorry for what you went though, but it seems as if the alternative will be wonderful!
    Dolly

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  24. What an ordeal. I can clearly understand why you were so upset. After selling your own furniture and then hearing what that woman said is so rude on her part. It looks like all is working out ok. The new sectional is lovely and I love the chaise. We have two sectionals in our home and one has a chaise. A great place to stretch your legs. Sorry you were so stressed Kris. Enjoy your weekend. Hugs.

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  25. Kris,
    Looking forward to seeing exactly what you end up with in your pretty Living Room as I know it will be stunning!!
    Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  26. Oh my gosh Kris, I'm so sorry, what a bummer - that's not right, there should be a code of ethics!!! I look forward to seeing what you do with the new piece....sheesh, it's never easy, is it?

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  27. Hi Kris, I agree with Debbie, there should be a code of ethics. Goodness, what poor manners!
    I am excited for what you have have planned. Good Luck and looking forward to the rest of the story.
    Love, Carla

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  28. Oh dear.... a bit of a drama Kris, but it sounds like it all worked out for the best in the end and Lisa will make your IKEA sofa extra lovely.
    I'd like to commend you on the way you have dealt with a rude comment from Ginni Wells. You do not deserve that kind of negativity on your beautiful blog. When I receive these comments on my blog, I simply delete them. People like that just want attention and are a blight on our positive and happy blogging world.
    You and Terry bring so much happiness to your blogging community, so please keep on doing what you both do so well xx

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    1. I should have let this go but when she brought Terry into it I had to say something.  Now I am letting it go.  In a world of hate and violence I think showing kindness and encouragement of others is better.  I feel bad for her since she probably has more going on in her own life.  We all need to support each other and most importantly have manners.
      Thank you for your comment and always being so supportive.
      Hugs,
      Kris

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  29. Kris,
    Ditto...what Kerryanne said! We love you and what you do!
    Terry is a sweet and loving man. You two are a blessing to all that come to your sweet blog!
    Big hug!!!

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  30. Bless your heart. I'm glad you found another piece to love. I'm dying to know if the lady called back saying the couch was ready only to hear you didn't want it anymore. She should have done a better job of planning on her end.

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  31. Oh my goodness, Kris! You held it together, and found an end to the drama better than I would have. You and Terry accomplish so much in such a short time, it's amazing!! Looking forward to seeing everything all together and looking gorgeous! Have a great week. Smooches. Debbie xo

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  32. Hey, Kris. I thought I had commented on this post already but guess I didn't. As I was going through the comments to see if I had, I couldn't help but notice the one from whoever that woman is, I won't give her the time to mention her name. I feel for you my friend because I know that was hard for you to write but I'm glad you did. No one should ever say that to someone else, no matter how they feel. I guess because she is a no comment she thinks she is safe from repercussions. As for me, you know how I feel about all that you do, and love to hear about it always. Your Terry is a man among men and I say that because I have one too so I know about those things. Maybe that poor person doesn't know the feeling of having the support that we all need from someone who cares about the things that we do. Enough, I can't wait to see the new look, my sweet friend..xxoJudy

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  33. Ugh, so much drama. But I think that often when glitches happen, it is meant to be.
    I haven't been following much. Just kind of in a funk. But am eager to see your new room seating and Spring decor.

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  34. I am so excited for you and your new piece of furniture..can't wait to see the look. That is so mean to not keep one's word when you put it out there..sorry that did happen to you, but this may have been meant to be..I have always dreamed of a chase lounge. Good for you. Staying tuned!!!!!!

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