Designing Domesticity: living room

Showing posts with label living room. Show all posts

Third Time is the Charm

I have exciting news: after what felt like years of casual searching, we've finally settled on a new (to us) rug for our living room. Ok, maybe it's only exciting to me…but I'll carry on. You see, two years ago when we first moved into our Charlotte home, we made use of a lot of our things from Chicago - one of them being a boring old neutral sisal, that really worked best for layering. It was huge and boring. Oh, did I already say that? Sorry, but it was. I immediately started looking for a replacement, but with our heavily patterned chairs, odd assortment of colors and bold foyer paper - I was pretty much stumped.

Then, in an unexpected whirlwind of activity, two rugs came within grasp. We wavered only momentarily and then made the plunge on a blue persian style, hand knotted 9x12 beauty. Unfortunately, it was a mistake.

A mistake that I knew the moment we unrolled the rug. Which, incidentally, was like 2 days after it was delivered. Surely, I already knew something was amuck - when have I ever waited 2 days to open anything home related?

It's a beautiful rug, there's no denying that, but it just doesn't work with the chairs in particular nor with the whole look and feel of the room.

Fortunately, the other contender was still available and we were able to scoop it up as well.

Obviously, it's not ideal to purchase two rugs in one go, but the blue beauty has found a temporary home in another room while we decide if we should sell her on.

I guess what they say is true, third time is the charm because we're head over heels for this rug. It offers color and pattern without overpowering our other fabrics, it's smaller size shows off the lovely hardwoods, and it plays so nicely with our console, too. Yes, I'm a happy girl. And so is my wallet because I got this butte for a steal at $200. Thank you very much, Move Loot.

until next time,

Chinoiserie Style in the Living Room

Introducing my own little bit of Chinoiserie style. Yes, I know I've started a collection of blue and white and have the odd Chinoiserie throw pillow, but this is my first true (large) commitment to mixing my fresh traditional style with Chinoiserie.

And I am loving it!

Like all good things, it seems, this piece came across my path when I was least expecting it…i.e. not looking for it and definitely not sitting on a pile of cash to make it happen. I knew I loved it right away, but let a couple of days pass until I made my first enquiry.

I'm sure you would do the same thing after a look at that amazing brass hardware. So, I did what any self respecting bargain hunter would do and negotiated a better deal that was more in our price range, braved a crazy storm, and brought our new console home. Then proceeded to sell half of my attic stash to make it work.

The proportions of this console work much better than the previous drop leaf table we were using as a TV stand. And it's so much more interesting to look at it that it helps distract from the big black hole of a TV.

Not to mention that it's a wonderful showcase for my favorite threesome of brass animals.

Sometimes you just have to jump on something that inspires you - even when the timing isn't quite right. I'm so happy we could make this work in our space.

until next time,

A Living Room Corner, Updated

One of the biggest take-a-ways I gathered from the book, Absolutely Beautiful Things, was the affirmation of the round side table. I've always loved the look, how it breaks up all the straight lines and the added height to the room - and now I'm happy to know I'm not alone.

Our off-white drop-leaf table was an eBay score back in Chicago and has been sitting pretty in this corner since we moved into the Charlotte house. But, for some reason, I always had one leaf down. Not for any reason in particular, it just was what it was. Until I read her book, got right up mid-chapter and pulled up that second leaf. It seems like a little change, but sometimes that's all it takes to transform a space. With so much extra surface space, it's time to get vignette-makin'.

Switching gears for just a moment, I have to tell you that I grew up in a beautiful home full of blue and white everything. Everywhere. And for that reason, I never wanted blue and white in any of my homes. Guess what? I was wrong. Blue and white isn't stuffy, boring, or too traditional. If the book doesn't show you that, I have no idea what would! Truth is, I've been coming around for awhile now, but after reading her book I am officially onboard.

And so my little blue and white collection was born. Well, truthfully, it started when my world travelin' husband brought back the Korean, hand painted, blue and white bowl. Details, details :)

To keep my collection from looking too traditional, I've opted to mix and match a variety of patterns, shapes and sizes. Seeing this little trio is making me excited to grow our collection...

To offset the traditional lamp and classic blue and white, I added something with a bit of quirk - the horse head. I like how the color brings in a touch of rosy glow and plays well with the lamp and couch. Having the colors link from the tabletop to the upholstery and fabrics helps to achieve a cohesive look.

Speaking of fabrics, I took another cue from the book by mixing patterns and ensuring they link to other elements in the room. The big change here is the blue animal print pillow, that I love and really offsets the orange and yellow in the ikat pillow. And who doesn't love a little faux fur pompom on their throw? No one.

Amazing how a couple of small changes all spurned on by one book has transformed the feel of one corner of our living room.

until next time,

Fresh Traditional Built-in Styling

In case you aren't already sick of this room, I still have more to share. The built-ins at the far end of the living room are a project that I've been working on since we moved into this house in September. Lately, I've been trying to interject a bit more of my fresh traditional style and I'm finally liking what I see.

Besides, if I waited to share these when they were perfect, I'd probably never share them…

When is anything ever perfect anyway?

I know a lot of people literally shy away from styling shelves, but I really enjoy it. Today, I thought I'd share some of the ideas I've used to style the built-ins with my new signature style, fresh traditional.

1. Symmetry.

Symmetry is super traditional, but I love it. I wanted to play on the idea of symmetry by mimicking shapes and patterns, but not necessarily using the same items in each built-in. This keeps the overall scheme traditional but with a fresh twist.

2. Cohesive color scheme.

To keep the built-ins from looking too hodgepodge I kept to a cohesive color scheme. In this case, I choose green, metallics, and a touch of black.

All green would seem too traditional, the black keeps it fresh, and well, the metallics are just something I can't get away from. I love to mix my metals!

3. Pairing traditional with modern.

Fresh traditional is all about pairing traditional items with more modern items to create a fresh look. In our built-ins I incorporated a lot of our existing items like books, vases, urns, finials, and architectural details - all of which are fairly traditional. Then, I peppered the shelves with more modern accents like the capiz spheres, the black and white vases and the brass urchins. Together they work to create the fresh traditional look.

I'm planning on leaving the built-ins for awhile.

How can you really tell how you feel about something unless you let it percolate?

Plus, John told me this room is risking over decoration.

Ah, the horror!

I have been concentrating the most on the living room,

(only need a piece for under the wall mounted TV)

a little break from this space will do us all some good.

until next time,

Leaps and Bounds

As most of you noticed from my fresh traditional tabletop transformation (here) post, there have been a lot of changes in our living room since I last shared this space with you.

I wouldn't want you to think I was holding out on you, honestly, the room has just come leaps and bounds in the last couple of weeks. Here are the details.

No. 1: Rug

Sometime in November, I stumbled across a 70% off sale on rugsusa.com and promptly settled into an impromptu 3 hour rug search.

Seriously, these guys have so many choices and run amazing sales. In fact, right now, they are running a 50% off sale with free shipping, so if you are in the market definitely check them out.

I finally settled on a wool moroccan shag rug, which I think is the perfect addition to our mostly traditional living room. I love it layered over our existing sisal, adding so much texture and interest while still remaining neutral enough to allow the other accents in the room to really shine.

No. 2: Accent Chair

Way back in October, I shared our new living room chair (here) and wondered if there could be room for two. Most of you urged me to double down and get the second chair, but it wasn't until we had a series of guests and not enough chairs that I finally did it.

I was really worried about the floral fabric and having a matching set - hoping it wouldn't be too boring, traditional and stuffy.

I'm pleased to report it's non of the above!

No. 3: The pillows

I've been looking for pillows for this space for quite sometime. Not seriously looking, mind you, but a passing stroll through the shops, a casual glance online - you know what I'm talking about. Needless to say, I was shocked to stumble across these big beauties at Marshall's last week.

I know I shouldn't even say this, but they were on clearance! What? No one wants two shades of orange in their ikat pillows? How interesting.

Truth be told, I brought these homes and left the tags on for a couple of days. I just wasn't sure. They didn't coordinate with the chairs at all, but then I decided to take a bit of my own advice and not make everything be so matchy-matchy. I love the pillows. They are staying.

By adding only a handful of fresh accessories, I think the vibe of the room has completely changed and I'm really happy with how the room is finally coming together.

Next up: The shelves. I've been working on them for a couple of weeks now, hoping for a reveal next week.

linking in with:

Savvy Southern Style

until next time,

Tabletop Transformation

Recently, I read an interesting article on coffee table styling using a quadrant format that I wanted to share with you, but after a very frustrating and unsuccessful search, I can't seem to find it!

I guess you'll just have to trust me that it was a good read because it got me to thinking about our living room coffee table.

It wasn't so much the formula for coffee table styling that inspired me, but the realization that our coffee table would be a great surface to start to interject more of the fresh french traditional style into our living room. (To read more about my style evolution click here.)

Here's a snap shot from awhile back to give you a sense of what this space has been looking like for the last 6 months or so.

And here's where we are now.

The jumping off point for the tabletop transformation was this quirky, vintage-inspired terrarium from West Elm I received for Christmas.

I love succulents and have had a lot of success with them over the last couple of years, so they were an easy choice for outfitting the terrarium. Really, I just transferred these from the other container I used previously :) Plus, at $3 a pop, if one goes it's not the end of the world.

Friends always ask how I can have a styled tabletop with little kids running around. One of my tricks is to include something small they like to play with so some of the bigger items seem less appealing. I mean, obviously, I'm not going to place a family heirloom or a really expensive item on my coffee table and stress about the kids touching it. Keep it inexpensive, fun for them and fun for me to look at, too.

Here, I've included a brass kaleidoscope that I found at TJ Maxx in the clearance section for a whopping $8.

Enjoy kids!

Books are an easy go-to and fun item to rotate in and out as your collection and interests change. I always try to include a couple different topics, a little something for everyone - travel, cooking, decorating, perhaps something seasonal.

Side note: I just ordered two new decorating books with some Christmas money I had - can't wait!

Also, this little dragonfly is from the Threshold collection at Target. Another kid favorite.

I've also kept the lines straight on this tabletop, which is definitely something new for me. Usually I am the queen of the angle, as John likes to tell me. But, I think the clean, straight lines help keep things feeling fresh and more modern.

I'm loving our new fresh design and how this room is finally coming together. More details on the room soon, as I am sure you've already noticed some of the changes we've made.

Hope you had great weekend!

linking in with:

Between Naps on the Porch

Savvy Southern Style

until next time,

Think Small

In this season of awe inspiring transformations including trees, wreaths, reindeer and a certain man in a red suit I wanted to remind you that sometimes it's the littlest details that can make all the difference.

Take this little corner of our living room as an example. It's a mostly traditional space with a couple more modern splashes thrown in to keep the the room from becoming too stuffy. We added the mother in law tongue plant, I love the spiky architecture of it, to fill out the corner and take advantage of the natural light in the window. I stuck it in this planter that I had and have loved for a long time, but in this space it just wasn't right.

In the back of my mind, I put a new planter on my list of things to look for, but figured due to the season I wouldn't find anything any time soon.

Earlier this week I was at HomeGoods, picking up a couple gifts and looking at storage vessels for a client project, when I noticed this paint dipped basket. Maybe it's not a traditional planter, but it could work.

$15 later this little corner of our living room is looking so much better. The basket itself is traditional, while the paint dipped bottom brings a modern edge. Perfect for my transitional living room.

Speaking of changes in the living room…

If you follow me on Facebook you probably got my update about the rugsusa.com promotion. 70% off during the cyber Monday special and now 50% off. Great deals are ready and waiting. But not for long, because people like me have already taken advantage. Can't wait to share all the details as soon as my special delivery arrives.

until next time,

Worth the Research

We all want our homes to look fabulous without spending a fortune, right? But sometimes the designer, custom look seems impossible without the matching price tag.

That's how I was starting to feel while researching new chairs for our living room.

(You may remember I sold our previously loved club chairs on craigslist before we left Chicago.)

Custom fabric from a big box store store was out of my range, finding a second hand chair to re-upholster wasn't working either. I started to downgrade my wishlist and look for a neutral chair that was more affordable.

Then I happened upon this chair. A custom look at half the price.

The modern nature print with blue background features corals, greens and yellows. Nailhead trim, tufted back and turned legs - I must have spent a fortune on this baby. But, I didn't.

It's like it was created just for me. I mean, how many people have a coral couch and a green chair in one room? The odds have to be pretty low on that one.

Honestly, I hadn't planned on loving this chair. Yes, I posted about it way back when (here), but that's before I saw it in person. Before I feel in love. I tried to turn away, I did. I left it in the store twice, but when I couldn't stop thinking about it and how perfect the proportions were for our small space, I decided it was meant to be. And, now I am wondering if I have room for one more?

Right here in this big empty space.

The room is coming along. A new rug, something with more interest is definitely on the wish list. Gotta get something on these walls as well. A console for the TV wall, the search is on.

It just goes to prove you never know where you'll stumble upon the piece that's meant to be for you...just gotta keep looking.

until next time,

A Green and Grey Living Room {Client Work}

What's the best thing about client work:

a. Trying out new styles?

b. Receiving candid feedback on your style choices?

c. Seeing your suggestion take a real shape and form?

d. All of the above?

Definitely d, and so much more.

I recently had the opportunity to work with a new client in our local area. A friend of a friend (aren't those always the best?). She has been living in her home for over 7 years and decided the time was finally right to tackle her front living room.

Jen was having trouble finding inspiration for her living room, but recently purchased a new couch, pictured above, to jumpstart the process. Otherwise, the room was a clean slate. The only parameters given were: she doesn't want to paint the walls, isn't sure about including window coverings, doesn't really want a rug or coffee table. Colors, style, patterns, furniture arrangement, etc were all up for interpretation.

So...

Here's what I came up with:

After taking a hint from her other spaces and some existing accessories, I decided to select furniture with modern, clean lines, incorporate a natural aesthetic, use minimal accessories and add green as the accent color.

Even though these clients weren't sure about incorporating some of the elements I've suggested on the moodboard, I went ahead and included them because I honestly feel they are essential to the room.

Rug: I choose a neutral rug that will blend seamlessly with their floors. It will ground the space, add the much needed sound dampening, and anchor the furniture arrangement all without drawing too much attention.

Panels: The window panels were included for much of the same reason. They are light and airy so they won't block too much light, but will go along way to soften the hard edges of their sunken, trim-less windows.

Table: Using a glass coffee table will add function to the space without taking up much visual space. It's practically invisible, minus that beautiful antique brass trim :)

Chairs: Because you walk right into the living room from the front door, I wanted to incorporate a low pair of chairs with an interesting back. Low, to keep the space feeling open and interesting from the back, because, well, that's what you see first.

Accent tables: I'd suggest the chairs flanking a small garden stool, like this one with an interesting texture and subtle pop of color. The low stature of the table will keep your eye moving straight across the space.

The chunky wood accent table, flanking the couch to the right, will help carry the wood theme from one side of the room (the chairs) to the other side. Due to size constraints I would suggest a simple apothecary style lamp to the left of the couch.

Thanks, Jen, this was a really fun project to work on and I look forward to seeing it come together!

If you'd be interested in my design services, please check out my Services page, by clicking here. This is an example of an hourly consultation, followed by moodboard design. To see an example of a e-moodboard design, please click here.

product and image sources:

Rug: Pottery Barn

Window Panels: West Elm

Chairs: Room and Board

Coffee Table: 1st Dibs

Garden Stool: Shop Ten 25

Wood Fluted Table: Room and Board

Apothecary Lamp: Ballard Designs

Floral Lumbar Pillow: Etsy, Couch Dwellers

Geometric Trellis Pillow: Etsy, Only Linens

Grey Ikat Pillows: Etsy, islimi

Platter: World Market

Terrarium: Urban Outfitters

linking in with:

Shabby Creek Cottage

Beyond the Picket Fence

Brambleberry Cottage

until next time,

Drop Leaf Breakdown

You know how sometimes a short work week can feel really long? Well, this week has been the opposite for me. Like super fast. Crazy fast. Despite one night with only two hours sleep due to an ear infection. Honestly, I had no idea they could be so painful. To be awoken by blood curdling screams is not something I'd like to repeat anytime soon.

On the other hand, moving the white drop leaf table to the corner of our living room is a move I'd do again and again.

(how's that for a transition?)

Previously, this corner has housed a constantly rotating collection of occassional chairs. The drop leaf table is a much better balance to the painted bar armoire. Don't you think?

Next step after placing the table in this corner was to style the space, obviously.

I switched out the artwork from across the room; I like how the darker frame and canvas contrast the lighter table. It's all about creating a balance, after all.

Following that thinking, I topped the table with the dark red lamp. Dark on light, you see.

A basket of toys stored below the table is a must in this all purpose family space. Besides, you know how I love the layered look.

I consolidated my silver frames from around the room and added one statement frame for a bit of interest. I used to love the look of all silver frames, but lately, I've been trying to mix it up a bit. More eclectic and collected looking. Only time will tell which look sticks.

I'm liking the casual, temporary look of framed art leaning against the hung art. Looks kind of spontaneous. Hours spent creating an effortless look, right?

And because you can just never have enough candlelight - a hurricane adds a bit of glam to any vignette.

There you have it, the breakdown of our newly styled drop leaf table.

linking in with:

Jennifer Rizzo

Brambleberry Cottage

French Country Cottage

until next time,

Table In A Pinch

Last year at Christmas time, we moved the white dropleaf table to make room for the Christmas tree. When the tree came down, the table did not make a return.

We liked the more open feel of the space without the table. So we left the space empty with grand plans of finding a suitable replacement.

6 weeks later and not having a place to set a drink was really starting to grate on the old nerves, if you know what I mean.

So, in a pinch I came up with this little arrangement. The garden stool is a fun, eclectic, pop of color that works well to place a drink when sitting in the chair on the right.

But, the more frequently used chair on the left, was still without a perch. The bent wood ottoman wasn't flat enough to keep a drink from toppling over. So, I placed an old silver tray on top.

I do live in a home with a 15 month old destroyer, so I left it empty for a couple of weeks just to ensure she didn't take an interest in knocking it over.

Keeping that in mind, I put this little vignette together without using anything too precious. A simple potted orchid, a candle, and a tiny ceramic bird...leaving just enough space to set down a drink. Ah, perfect.

A make-shift table in a pinch.

Hope everyone had a great long weekend. We spent ours in WI skiing and enjoying.

linking in with:

Met Monday

Cowgirl Up

A stroll Thru Life

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

until next time,

Switcheroo, Part 2

In case you missed it, last week we moved our harvest table into the dining room. Something we've been wanting to do since we moved into this house. To read more about it, click here. Unfortunately, this little move left a gapping hole in what was our media stand.

But fear not, because a little more furniture rearrangement and we came up with this solution. The former dining room sideboard, turned foyer sideboard, now media sideboard.

Although its a smaller surface space, we still have room for a little decorative touch.