Tuesday, October 5, 2010

My New Living Room




One whole room is finished and I actually like how it turned out. (Shocker, I know.) Shane and I wanted to incorporate colors that were really "us" (don't worry, lot's of yellow in other rooms) and make it feel like a comfortable place to relax. I still have a few things I'm going to change. I'm going to have a green plant replace the flowers on the small table. Also, we have to work on a way to hide the electronic equipment on the mantel.  And I want a really cool upholstered chair in the open section. But other than that, it works. Especially compared to the "before" pic.


Another possible arrangement. (Rug will be centered if we go this route.)

Which one do you think?


Sorry these pics are a little dark. I am in a photography funk right now.

Like the big painting on the wall? I had a basic idea of what I wanted there, but I couldn't find it. So I bought a large canvas and painted it.  I'm no artist by any stretch, but it's kind of fun to have something "original".


One more angle.  

Scroll down to the next post to see how we did the canvas wall.

That photograph in the corner was the first piece of "art" Shane and I ever bought. At an art fair in Salt Lake City. We were newlyweds and the $65 price tag (unframed) was huge for us, but we loved it and decided in years to come we would be happy we bought it. We were so smart.

Room for our books.


My Modern Bird Studios piece has a place.



Finally a place to put our Smashing Pumpkins tribute. Signed by the entire band. I should say "my" tribute, since I was the one who met them backstage. Shane was so mad when he found out I didn't invite him, but we had only known each other a couple weeks at that time. (And inviting him might have tipped him off that I was secretly in love with him, and I was playing that fact close to the chest.)


Bought a new rug. The colors were so perfect, I couldn't resist. 



My new shelf from OldNewAgain. Saw it on Peppertowne and fell in love.



My last living room was all about the family photos. This time, I am limiting it just a couple. Of course, the hallway is going to have a ton. :) That will be my next project....

14 comments:

Dave and Abby said...

Which set up do I like? Well, my first reaction was the second one - more openness. But then I thought about having uninhibited access to the big window, something I love, and thought the first one might be better. The second does leave more room for the kids to play though... I think I would go for the one that feels more open when you are standing by the "coffee table." Unless you want closed-off cozy, then the first set-up is obviously the right choice. Did that even make sense?

Jessica Kok said...

the second. definitely!

Cari said...

The second is more inviting, rather than one feeling the need to stand behind and rest against the couch, they have no option but to walk in and sit right down...

Anonymous said...

Your living room looks fabulous!

I agree with the others, I like the 2nd layout best.

Unknown said...

I like the first one.... so cute!

Sarah Larsen said...

Whatever you do, it's going to look great. Good choices Natalie!

Anonymous said...

Can you turn the rug so that it is not under the couch. It is such a cute part of the room I hate to see any of it hidden. Other wise I go for the second. Both choices are still adorable. Mom

Kathleen W. said...

It looks lovely! I really like the rug, the colors are perfect.

I like the first option, though it's probably easier for traffic flow to go with the second option, especially with kids.

TGS said...

I like the first one. I like neat arrangements for furniture, not all shoved up against all the walls. Almost a pet peive. Yes, said in a snobish decorating voice (if there is one).

Anonymous said...

I really like the first one best. It seems more "feng shui". If you scoot the loveseat to the left a little to open up the walkway. In the second pic,the people sitting in the loveseat will have to strain their neck to watch TV. Just my two cents! You decorate fabulously!!

April said...

Does the TV have to be in that room??? LOL

ok so here is my opinion-

what is your focal point? The fireplace? Usually the fireplace is or should be- minus the TV. LOL. For this reason I like your first set up. Just ask Emily- I have issues with TV's being in the living room. But Boise doesn't have basements- so I understand.

I think your bookcases need to be put together- too narrow standing alone- and since the rest of your furniture is dark, I would paint them a funky color- or even white like your mantle- make them pop- Your mantle is standing alone for the time being- you need a white throw or something- and although I LOVE LOVE your rug- I think it blends too much with the rest of the room. Your awesome chest behind the couch looks like the same color as your couches- I would spray paint it...but that is just me.

The picture you and Shane bought needs to go above the couch I think- or is it too small for the space? I can't tell- and do you happen to have more Modern Bird pictures of Collin? I love it by the way. It is kind of floating- a stack of three would be cool or 2 of him and 2 of Lydia in a quad stack.

I think you only need one ottoman- and if funds had no limit :) I would get a ottoman that was a different color than the couches- is it kind of squishy? If it isn't too soft maybe a pop of color on it with a cool tray that holds books or something.

I am jealous that you met the Smashing Pumpkins- I think the frame needs to be updated- chunky "ier" and maybe even orange- ironically enough- plus it would bounce off the little bits of orange you already have.

I love your pillows- and the room looks really inviting- a great place for conversations. Love the big windows- keep those curtains OPEN- unless you have close freaky neighbors or something.

ok got to go- girls are killing each other- see you next weekend.

April said...

I wasn't coming across harsh was I? Oh please- I have struggled with my living room for what, 3 years now? I love opinions and different ideas to shift my thinking-

anyway, it's obvious you've always been a person of style

Unknown said...

Could the bookcases go somewhere else? They take away from the cool canvas wall and all those other cool art hangings...

Jenn said...

Oh it's so great! I love it! I love the rug and the paintings--you have always had good taste and the bookshelves are fantastic! Wish we could come for a visit!

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