Mar
24
2011
24
2011
Living Room Love
Filed under: House Tour, Life in Longmont
I know many of you have been patiently (and some not so patiently 
) waiting for more photos of our house in Longmont. We’ve been slowly making it HOME and I wanted to share a little tour of our living room with you. We have plans to paint the bedrooms and bathroom soon…and I will continue to post more photos as we get those rooms finished.
I love the fireplace and mantel! One of my favorite memories so far has been lighting the fire and snuggling in for the night with my loves while snowflakes came down outside. The Arian Armstrong print reminds me to be content and to remember that “where my treasure is…there my heart will also be”.
Every time I walk into our living room, I get happy.
**You can click on these photos to enlarge them.
Posted by Sara @ 12:13 am | Leave a Comment
24
2011
I think I could happily snuggle with my loves in your living room! Such prettiness. I love your attention to detail. Thanks for the tour of your living room.
24
2011
Beautiful, as always!
24
2011
It looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing it.
24
2011
so colourful and happy!
24
2011
So pretty. I LOVE your love of COLOR!!!
24
2011
Beautiful! I love all the colors! It would make me so happy to be in such a bright and colorful room!
24
2011
Oh my goodness! Can you come decorate my house?
24
2011
Also, I looove the two large prints over the fireplace, the flowery ones, where are those from, if you don’t mind?
24
2011
The large prints are from Marshall’s. I had tried several different things before I found them and as soon as I saw them I knew they would be perfect!
24
2011
it’s beautiful – you have such a great sense of style. I love the prayer flags over the fireplace wall – can I ask where you got them from, I think they are really lovely ?
24
2011
Hi Jules…
Over the fireplace is a string of outdoor colored lights from Target and the paper rainbow flags are from a store in Boulder called Momentum.
xxoo
24
2011
Always so colorful and well put together. I love your style girl.
24
2011
I was trying to be patient.
The room is so pretty. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I also love the two large prints above the mantel and wanted to know where they came from.
24
2011
Thanks! They are from Marshall’s…
24
2011
Love it! I appreciate the bright colours – so cheering and warm.
24
2011
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! Wish I could see it in person!
24
2011
Yes yes yes! Let’s plan a trip for you soon
24
2011
I love it! Looks very warm and inviting. I would love to peruse the books on your bookshelf!
25
2011
I love looking through other people’s bookshelves!
It gives me new ideas for books to read and tells me a lot about what they are interested in. xxoo
24
2011
You make every place you live so cheerful and happy – I always love your house/RV tours!
24
2011
I’ve always wanted a living room that is painted a bright green color (like your blog background!), but after seeing these photos I’m definitely rethinking. I love having colorful furniture and decorations, and love the idea of a muted tone to spruce up! Thanks for the inspiration!
24
2011
You know, I NEVER would have picked grey as a living room color, but it was painted like that when we moved in and I’m kind of in love with it!! Now I’m starting to see grey rooms everywhere. I heard on a home improvement show that grey is the easiest color for our eyes to see…so it’s nice and relaxing.
24
2011
Love this so much! Such pretty, happy colors! Inspiring me to redo my living room!!
24
2011
I love the unique artsy touch!
I’m trying to get away from my living room looking like a hotel lobby! (so generic) You’d think that since I’m an artist, I could get it together!
24
2011
I’ve been watching your blog for years, and I have to say, it’s funny how trendy you are, how pricey many items are, how much stuff you really have, all the while touting simple Christian living. The cost of that flat screen tv in your living room could feed a village…
24
2011
Almost everything in our house is second hand/Craigslist/clearance and the TV was a gift. Each person has different priorities in their life and has the right to make choices that they feel reflect their values. I’m sorry that you feel the need to judge my lifestyle without actually knowing me.
25
2011
After years of disclosing so much detail about yourself, your family, and your life via these blogs, you can’t really say people don’t at least know a fair bit about you. You preach simplification, living lightly, being a Shane Claiborn-esque Christian… yet how much money have you spent on trendy hula hoops? I can’t help but see that you’re a living contradiction, basking in your “fame.”
25
2011
Another Sarah,
If you don’t like what you see on any blog, you can stop reading it. I notice you don’t leave a link to your personal blog and thus don’t open yourself to similar scrutiny. Be fair.
25
2011
Simply because I do not have a blog.
25
2011
I have to agree somewhat with Another Sarah. There have been many things that you’ve sang the praises of and then I will click the link and be shocked at the price. We live on a very modest income and try to keep earthly possessions in check, and because of that simple living blogs, especially those of Christian women, are always encouraging to me. I was pretty excited about hoola hooping, too, until I saw the price and that popped that balloon!
Your finances are for sure is no one’s business but yours and your husband’s, but I’d have to agree that on the surface it really doesn’t fall inline with simple, reverential living.
Looking at the room as a living room, it is very colorful, fun and pretty and has lots of good ideas, even if it would take me a year to collect all the parts.
25
2011
“Your finances are for sure is no one’s business but yours and your husband’s, but I’d have to agree that on the surface it really doesn’t fall inline with simple, reverential living.”
—ON THE SURFACE…that’s exactly my point. That is all anyone can see and make judgment about. You have no idea about how we spend our money or even if I spent OUR money. Many of the things we have are gifts or thrifted. You don’t know what we give to our church or to missionaries, etc.
Bottom line: You don’t know.
And this is the problem that happens when we judge others. There is no way to EVER know unless you walk a mile in their shoes. To even comment about such things is not “expressing concern”, it’s judgment.
25
2011
Sara,
We all have opinions. Every single other commenter on here has given you their opinion as well. You talk a lot about community and diversity – those are both areas of extreme opposites of opinion at times. Just because it’s not high fives and ooos and ahhs doesn’t mean it’s judgemental and mean-spirited. So no one can comment on your posts unless they’re in agreement with everything you put on here? I enjoy many of the things that you post but I didn’t know that I couldn’t differ in opinion with you.
And the term “passing judgement” can be used way too loosely as a way of saying, “I can’t handle that you disagree with me.”
25
2011
Jen…
Readers are welcome to disagree with me.
However, it’s common conversational etiquette to speak about the topic at hand. In the case of this post, to “disagree with me” would be to tell me you don’t like the color of my pillow.
Or another way to look at it…it would be similar to someone walking up to a group of friends having a lighthearted conversation at a party and looking at the host and saying “I think you are materialistic and hypocritical” and then walking away.
I posted about decorating my living room. You and Sarah responded with accusations and assumptions about my lifestyle.
If I passed you on the street, I wouldn’t know you. That basically makes us strangers.
If one of my closest friends came to me with concerns about my character or decisions, I would consider their words with care. But when someone I don’t know comes out of the blue and says “I’ve been watching you and I here’s where I think you are flawed…” and does so in a public forum– it doesn’t feel very honorable on their part.
A more appropriate approach would be to email me privately to voice concerns so we could have a proper conversation.
I’m done talking about this now…as I have a house full of flu and need to focus my energies elsewhere.
much love
xxoo
25
2011
Sarah,
Again, I would like to point out that you don’t know me. You know what I choose to put forth on my blog, which is about 50% of me. The things I write about are meant to inspire others and spur them on in their journey…and I would hope that those people who read my blog can take what applies to their life and leave the rest. That’s the joy of the internet! It allows us to peek into other people’s lives who may not have the same priorities as we do…and we can glean useful information from them and then move on.
I have never said I wanted to live an exceedingly simple life…one without creature comforts, TV, or even live like Shane Claiborne. He is simply inspiring and I love his mission. I read about minimalism and simplicity because it inspires me to make changes, not because I want to live with 100 items.
What it truly comes down to is not a judgment call on each item in my home…it comes down to how many people can I reach with the love of Christ? Creating a warm (and very SMALL!) inviting home to bring family and friends into…to feed them…to nourish them physically and spiritually…isn’t that what it’s all about? I know without a doubt that Jesus is doing a work exactly where we are…in our hearts and in the lives around us…and that is something that you can never judge by looking at photos of someone’s living room.
I could certainly dissect your life and find things that I don’t agree with. I could do that with anyone! But I don’t want to do that. I know that each person lives differently based on where God has placed them and what convictions and priorities they have. It doesn’t mean that one is better than the other, it simply means they are different. Each will reach a different part of the population of people in their own way for Jesus.
Regarding my “trendy hula hoops”…most of my hoops were gifted to me, traded, or made with raw materials by my loving hubby for less than $5 per hoop. Much cheaper than a gym membership. Please don’t speak of things you don’t know anything about.
I’m sure you won’t have any problems finding other bloggers to read about whose lives are more pleasing to you and whose possessions aren’t so troubling.
Blessings and love to you in your own journey…
25
2011
So eloquently said…yet another way you inspire others : )
25
2011
Very well said. It is sad that some people have to be so cruel and judge others. Have a great day!
24
2011
Where do you get the super fun pillows?? I am always looking for fun pillows– but they are always so cray expensive.
25
2011
I LOVE fun throw pillows! It’s such an easy way to brighten up a room. I find them on clearance at World Market and Marshall’s. Almost all were under $7! Check thrift stores too…throw them in the wash and they’re good as new!
24
2011
Your living room is so colorful and expressing. I love it! Nevermind the comment of judgement on your lifestyle. I too try to live a simple life and like you said… everyone’s idea of how to live is different and have different priorities. Lovely home, sara!
http://www.thesimplefamilyproject.blogspot.com
24
2011
Oh…I love it all! Your style is what I have been trying to accomplish in my living room, but it seems to fall short – I think I lose the details. Any chance you do decorating consulting by e-mail and photos? i.e., just give tips and suggestions for things to add??
25
2011
Hi Ellen…
I actually have done long distance consulting before…email me for more info! janssenfamily@gmail.com
xxoo
24
2011
I LOVE your home. I must confess I was a regular reader but took a break for a while since our RV journey did not work out. We had hoped that Father would sell our business and we could travel but after almost a year we closed that chapter in our story. The treasures were great though during that year of waiting.
24
2011
Thanks for letting us in your lovely home – you have done a lot in a short time! My fireplace looks so much like yours (I think the mantel may be exactly the same), that I was curious to see how you would decorate it. Thanks too, for the great post on house churches – I really enjoyed it and I’m still reading the comments and thinking about it.
25
2011
Thanks Beth! I love the architecture of the fireplace…so lovely. So glad you liked the house church post. xoxo
25
2011
Sara,
I have read your blog for a long time, but I’m not always good about commenting (sorry!). It amazes me to see how you have been able to transition many pieces from home to home and have it all look amazing. I love your colorful rug! My life is very different from yours (not married, no kids, etc) but I feel like I learn a lot from your posts.
I know in one of the previous comments you said that the gray paint in the living room was already there – do you happen to know what color it is? I love the look of the muted walls with the pops of color.
As to the nasty commenter above – get a life and stop judging people!! Sara, I wish that I could as eloquently respond as you did, it shows that you have a lot of class.
25
2011
It is beautiful!
25
2011
To the people complaining about hula hoop prices: Hmm, $100 a month for cable for $40 for a hoop that will provide thousands and thousands of hours of entertainment? And… you can get the material to make 10 hoops for about $25. Stop yer gripin’!
25
2011
Please don’t feel you have to explain anything to anyone, your life is sure inspiring! This doesn’t mean that I agree 100% with everything you post here, but that is so not the point of what we’re all about. To me, the fact that you’re sharing your living room just means you’re sharing somewhere where people feel invited to share Jesus. If someone cares about your TV, well that sure isn’t your problem! People are quick to judge, I know what that’s all about: we work at church and people are very quick to judge if we go somewhere or buy something… and many times it’s where they would also go or what they would also buy! (If you know what I mean.) It’s sad to read comments like the one above, at least for me.
I enjoy your blog bec I enjoy your honesty and your passion. God’s light shines through you!!! Thank you for sharing with us! xxxx
25
2011
Thanks Suyai…your kind and encouraging words are a balm to my weary heart. Have a great weekend…xxoo
25
2011
It amazes me that a few are so quick to find fault in something as simple as posting a pic of a living room. For those of us who have followed Sara for years most of the items in her home have been used from place to place. The cute rug has been in one or two apartments and at least one RV, the red couch was in her first tiny apartment back five yrs ago, the star was from Bozeman if not earlier, her quilt on her bed (although not in this pic) she’s had for years, etc etc. She is just really good at placing things to give them a new look. Many pieces of artwork are from her good friend Catina, envelopes off letters she framed, etc. OK now I sound like a “creeper” for remembering all that LOL LOL.
25
2011
You’re one observant mama!
Thanks Melissa. xxoo
26
2011
Also, that wheat grass thing in the rectangular white container on the top left of the fire place mantel has been in all of her places since at least the upstairs apartment! I think she said her mom gave it to her.
Now, I don’t really understand what it is, but it sure seems to make Sara super happy =)
27
2011
LOL…I love that grass!
It’s just fake grass that looks real. Makes me happy!
25
2011
The living room looks like a very happy place! I too noticed the TV, only because you *seem* like the non-TV type. The judgments from people based on your TV make me really sad.
25
2011
It’s funny the things we assume about people, right?
I LOVE my TV. It gets watched mostly after the kiddos are in bed when Matt and I enjoy some of our favorite shows together. Right now, it’s American Idol. Oh how I love it! We love movies too 
26
2011
What are some of your other favorite shows that you watch after the kids go to bed?
Also, that is the perfect spot to put a TV in that built-in cabinet! perfect place for it =)
27
2011
I love Income Property and Dear Genevieve on HGTV. We also like to watch “House” together.
25
2011
awww, finally! the living room tour… love love love it – so warm & cozy! i may not mind having the flu in such a lovely space. can’t wait for the house tour!
p.s. i am IN LOVE with that blue pillow!
26
2011
If you have a nice home you must be living a lifestyle of excess. WHAT??? Have these people never heard of the clearance rack or birthday gifts? If you have a vitamix, just maybe you saved a little here and there, everywhere you could until you had enough money to purchase it!??!! Wow, girls you are jumping to a conclusion based on nothing more than a photo with a FEW words attached !!! THAT could be considered un-Christian if that is indeed what they claim to be, if not, it’s just ignorant any way you look at it. Sara, you speak in many of your posts about how careful you try to be with your family’s money. I guess they missed that part. Based on your blog, your ENTIRE blog, I would gather by looking at your photos and your posts about things you have, that you saved for them, that you considered the purchase after you had the cash to make it and decided it was right for you. I don’t know how anyone could read your words and think any other way. They’re probably just Trolls. You know, the people who like to stir the pot to get a debate going. It just doesn’t make sense otherwise.
26
2011
Hello Sara! I adore your colorful and cozy style. I’ve pinned so many of your pics on pinterest
I have been inspired the past couple of years (since I started reading your blog) by your joy for life and simple approach to living. Good stuff. I love the living room and can’t wait to see more 
Question: any tips on finding affordable/fun window treatments? And can you share where you got the ones you had in the RV and now the curtains in this room? We moved here 6 months ago and our living room windows are still bare with just blinds. Help!
Lots of love to you. I appreciate your openness here. It has inspired me to feel free to share more of myself on my own blog and in life in general <3
Happy weekend!
Lisa
26
2011
Hi Lisa!
Thanks so much for reading and for your encouragement. Window treatments are one of those things that people get really freaked out about and instead of making a decision, the windows sit “naked”
I’ve found that it’s often more economical to just purchase curtains instead of buying the fabric to make them. It just depends on the size of the curtain and the thickness of fabric. For small curtains, sewing them yourself is usually a bit cheaper and you will have a greater choice of designs.
My “go to” stores for curtains are World Market (my current living room) and Urban Outfitters (the RV living room). I have also found nice designs at Target.
My feeling is that curtains are one of those things that you can splurge on…they completely change the entire look of the room and you can take them with you if you ever move or move them to another room. Or make a dress out of them
Plus, if you purchase “cheap” curtains, they usually look like it.
Hope this helps!
26
2011
You know what I love…everything bright and beautiful about this room and the family it comforts. You know what else I love…being happy for the little joys and WAHOO moments in a loved one’s life, because I know what it is like to have a friend or love one be excitied for me when I enjoy a blessing. It feels good when God will bless us (with whatever) and someone else says, “Yes, you deserve that earthly blessing. I’m happy you are able to enjoy that small comfort. Now, do you mind passing the pop corn and starting netflix cause I haven’t seen Eat Pray Love yet.”
Love to you Sara and your family.
27
2011
Thanks Samarah! xxoo
26
2011
I have a long empty wall in my living room too. Trying to decorate i thought, “what would sara do?”
I can’t say I’d put flags up like that though, I just don’t think it’s my style. Though I like the ones over the fire place.
In the very first picture you posted after moving into Longmont, the room looked purple but it must have just been the lighting. Painting a room gray is something I have never thought of before. Something to consider for sure.
I can’t wait to see the rest of the rooms =)
26
2011
Sara,
Thanks for sharing pictures of your homes over the years. I am always inspired and get great new ideas from you. Years ago, you visited our tiny home in NY and gave me some tips for small spaces. I’ve got my trays up in the kitchen and fabric hoops on the wall with lots of tall, floor to ceiling storage. You’ve always got good ideas. I love, love the gray in your living room. Would you mind sharing the color with us? My dining room is in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint and nothing was striking my fancy until I saw your photos. Thanks and be encouraged, sister.
27
2011
Dorothy! It’s so great to hear from you!! I was just thinking of you the other day because I have that photo of our girls in their princess outfits in the driveway on my desk. Love it.
I actually don’t know the color because the previous tenant painted it that color. It’s definitely more of a “green grey”…maybe if you tell the paint people that they could help you pick a great color! I truly love it!
27
2011
Sara,
I offered up my comments publically, and I will also offer up my apology publically. I realize after spending time reflecting on what I wrote to you, that I was focusing on the wrong things. Like you said to someone else, it’s easy to pick apart another’s life. It’s definitely the easy way to go, and I’m sorry that I chose that route. It was wrong of me. I let my critical spirit loose. I’m sorry that I did not exercise better judgement regarding my own behavior.
You open yourself up willingly to others, and that can also open yourself up to scrutiny. I’ve realized that I have the option of doing that, but I also have the option to be thankful for what you offer and cast aside what I don’t like. Life’s too short to focus on the negative, and that’s what I’ve done here. I’m sincerely sorry.
27
2011
Jen…
I hope you’ll stick around. xxoo
Thank you for the apology. All is forgiven with no hard feelings
28
2011
Wow. Who knew living room pictures could inspire such Jesus-really-dwelling-in-us teachings. Thank you Jen for your courage! Thank you Sara for your readiness to forgive! Much love!
27
2011
LOVE the living room photos!! They are magical and beautiful and inspiring!!! Wonderful things can be done on a budget. I love that you give us ideas how!!
27
2011
kudos to you, jen–i admire a person who can give a real apology when it is warranted. that is a rare thing these days, unfortunately…too many “i’m sorry if you are offended” or “i regret any pain my actions may have caused” type non-apology-apologies. blech. good on ya, jen.
27
2011
I LOVE your living room! It’s so bright and lively but still relaxing.
29
2011
I’m sorry to come back and comment again. The first negative post sure was nagging at me and I was surprised to come back and see it had continued a bit.
Jen, it was so kind of you to leave your apology publicly for all of us to see. Thank you.
Just because Sara is sharing bits of her life with us does not mean she is asking permission from us for the choices she makes for her family.
And
I hardly think that what we are seeing in those photos of her living room is extravagance. What I believe we are looking at is a few very well thought out items that Sara and her family want to have in their lives. I know that when and if they decide those items no longer serve their purpose, they will pass them on to bless someone else.
Sara, thank you for everything. I’ve been following your blogs for years and though I make very different decisions in my life and for my family, I have enjoyed following your on your journey and I hope you continue to share it with us.
30
2011
First of all, the room is beautiful Sara. I would have never thought of gray with crisp white trim being such an amazing background for vibrant colors, but it looks rich and inviting. Definitely something I would consider using in my home now.
My daughter learned about hooping from your blog- we had never heard of it before. We live in WY and don’t know of anyone from our area that hoops, but my daughter has purchased several DVD’s and watches videos of other hoopers endlessly on the web. She has a room full- all made cheaply from materials from Home Depot. I did buy her a clear hoop for Christmas from a seller you posted online and she is hooping up a storm with it.
She tries to stay motivated during the cold winter here, and I have many hoop marks on the walls and ceiling- but she is looking forward to the summer and taking it back outside. (me too!) She feels so alone though in our area- I’m hoping she’ll teach a couple friends and then she’ll have company! But she’s a little self conscious about showing others her talent.
As far as the judgement goes- that is truly sad. I have followed your blog for a couple years, and many items in your home I have seen reused over and over again. I have never seen you living in a McMansion with granite countertops and an in-ground pool, driving an expensive car, dripping with fur and jewels. From what I have seen, you live pretty simply compared to many people out there. There is no shame in enjoying life, and taking pleasure in beautiful items if it’s not excessive. I’m always amazed by the items you find used on Craig’s List. As far as the comment about your items being too expensive- maybe they are out of some peoples price range. But if a person is careful with how they spend their money, it makes more sense to buy fewer items, but things that are better made. And sometimes that means more expensive if they are quality. Most of the time that is better for the environment too as they will last a long time and won’t need replaced so soon. I don’t think you live an extravagant life at all- it looks happy and colorful to me! And I appreciate all of the photos that you post so that we can all share in it too.
30
2011
Vicki…
Thank you so much for your encouragement and love. I agree wholeheartedly with the comment about buying high quality and lasting longer. Our wool rug in the living room is so hard-wearing it’s amazing.
Regarding hooping…where are you in WY? I have a friend in Cheyenne who hoops! And I think there is a group there.
xxoo
sara
30
2011
Aww, thanks Sara. We are in Lander- about five hours from Cheyenne.
But I told my daughter to keep her eyes open for a Hoop Camp, or something like that and we will try and make sure she can go to it. What an experience that would be for her. 
30
2011
Hello! I have been a follower of your blog for years now, and I just peeked into your comments to see if anyone else had ask you a question..( someone else had already asked and you answered!) anyway.. after laying down with my little girls for a nap.. I couldn’t get those negative comments that where posted on here out of my head! If my heart was aching from someone posting that to you, I can’t imagine how I would feel if that was directed at me! My heart was leading me to write to you and thank you for everything you share with the world. When I think of coming to visit this blog I think of family,friends,beautiful photography and a woman who knows her Jesus. So many times I have had a hard day with the kids, or just feeling down . I ‘ve come to this space and have been cheered right up. You have a gift of radiating beauty and love. I also love reading about your wonderful relationship with your husband. It’s so refreshing to read about a woman only saying positive things about her husband, it inspires me to be a better wife. Thank you again and God bless.
30
2011
Thank you Michelle!! You made my day! xxoo
30
2011
I LOVE your living room! And as a long-time follower I too have noticed how you’ve creatively incorporated items from previous homes into this new cozy space. And I’ve always adored your rug…
I’m sorry people choose to judge you based on what they think they know of you. We too have a cozy home filled with things we love and most every item was given to us or found used. Just because a home is beautiful and cozy doesn’t mean that a lot of money was put out for it!
Arrggh, you handled all that so gracefully!
30
2011
Thanks so much for your comment Corey…I actually find great joy in re-purposing decor items in a new space. Keeps it fun!
6
2011
i just flat out love you girl!!!!!
6
2011
And I love you!
15
2011
Sara,
I just read this string of comments. As a peaceable person I would like to share some much valuable advice that my husband learned through publish relations.
Never, never, never, ever defend yourself with a critic. Never apologize for who you are and what you do.
It’s your business and no one elses.
Never respond a critic. Because that’s what they are wanting you to do. Once you go on the defensive they have won. Simply ignore them and move on.
Simply…Don’t try to win over the haters, because you are not the jackass whisper.