Last week you helped me tackle our new fireplace (the painted white bricks won out by overwhelming majority, so I'll be posting my "after" photos, once complete!) This week, I'm sharing my inspiration for our family room and, once again, soliciting your much needed design advice. So, here we go.
To refresh your memory, here's what the room looked like when we moved in. NAST.
Mustard yellow paint will be replaced by a pale gray. Something like...
...or even a smidge lighter.
Along our east-facing wall (where the monstrosity of an air conditioner currently resides)...
...we're building floor-to-ceiling bookcases, with a row of vented cabinets along the bottom that will act as storage and conceal our radiator. The new air conditioner will be cleverly hidden behind a built-in door within the bookcase.
The inspiration:
Our first purchase for the room was this plush Lounge couch from Crate and Barrel in chocolate brown:
Time for some floor coverings. How 'bout a jute rug with a smaller blue ikat thrown on top? I like this one by Madeline Weinrib.
Another option would be a faux sheepskin throw over the jute, as seen here. Which do you prefer?
For side chairs, I'd love two metal Bertoias with cream faux sheepskin throws, though I'd prefer a bucket shape to the signature diamond. Know any good knockoffs?
Now that we're all assembled, we need a spot for our drinks. I inherited two wooden nesting tables from my grandmother, but I do need a coffee table. Should we go with an open white-lacquered table...
...or two storage cubes that double as additional seating? I think white would look nice against the couch and bookcases. Thoughts?
...or two storage cubes that double as additional seating? I think white would look nice against the couch and bookcases. Thoughts?
This image was my inspiration for a TV console. Since we have a flat-screen, I may mount it on the wall.
Now, let's light this puppy up! Luckily I have two beautiful brown glass lamps from Design Public, which my mother-in-law gave me for my bridal shower. See?
Now, let's light this puppy up! Luckily I have two beautiful brown glass lamps from Design Public, which my mother-in-law gave me for my bridal shower. See?
And to accent our vaulted cathedral ceiling? A CHANDELIER! Given my neutral-bohemian-with-a-touch-of-glam style, my heart literally ached when it saw this beauty...
...as did my wallet. Perhaps a flea market will have something similar and fab?
I love this globe pendant, which comes in clear or gray glass...
...though a more substantial lantern, like this one from Thom Felicia's house tour (or an even larger and more modern version) might be nice, too.
Toss in a variety of blue accent pillows (and maybe a yellow for good measure).
Some interesting wall candy (I spotted this stag-human-antler-sculpture-thing at a small Governor's Island exhibit in September. Wish I'd noted the artist's name.)
And, finally, the window treatments. I love plush, velvety drapes, but I'm not sure what color to get, given the chocolate, indigo, pale grey color palette I have going. Plus, I don't want to cross over into Rainbow Brite territory. Maybe a rich green like sweet Sara's?
...as did my wallet. Perhaps a flea market will have something similar and fab?
I love this globe pendant, which comes in clear or gray glass...
...though a more substantial lantern, like this one from Thom Felicia's house tour (or an even larger and more modern version) might be nice, too.
Toss in a variety of blue accent pillows (and maybe a yellow for good measure).
Some interesting wall candy (I spotted this stag-human-antler-sculpture-thing at a small Governor's Island exhibit in September. Wish I'd noted the artist's name.)
And, finally, the window treatments. I love plush, velvety drapes, but I'm not sure what color to get, given the chocolate, indigo, pale grey color palette I have going. Plus, I don't want to cross over into Rainbow Brite territory. Maybe a rich green like sweet Sara's?
WHEW! So. Whaddya think? Have I gone off the deep end? Would love your input and any additional resources you might have that would keep me from going broke.
Many thanks, my dears, and have a happy Thanksgiving. See you Friday!
P.S. Any photos I didn't credit belong to Domino.
36 comments:
We used a great neutral gray called Passive from Sherwin Williams. Some grays can come off blue, green, or purple, but this one was pretty neutral.
Target sometimes has velvet curtains. If not, we got some from Pottery Barn (but it all depends on how much you want to spend).
Also, overstock.com is a great resource. You should check it out for some of the textiles and furniture. We bought 6 leather chairs and barstools and paid a total of $2 in shipping!
Love your ideas!!
Wow, really? Thanks Abbie...I need a neutral gray and I will definitely check out Overstock. I usually think of it as just a place to get linens, but clearly I need to look at the furniture.
Oh, and any excuse to go to Target!
I also think this is an awesome rug from IKEA (in the blue/white) and won't break the bank!
Love your bits of inspiration and I can't wait to see the fireplace.
love the gray with your brown sofa and the white fireplace.
will the door for the air conditioner slide in?
how do your dogs feel about the sheepskin?
i like the coffee table and the cubes, just greedy ;)!
i like those globe pendants a lot, but they might get kind of dusty. the lantern would be nice since you're in the country. it has nice clean lines, but i love chandeliers.
the velvet is nice, just don't have it 'puddle' on the floor. yes, again, dust is an issue.
sounds like fun, get busy so we can all have a virtual tour, soon.
I would definitely go with a blue and white rug -- of course, the Madeline Weinrib if you can swing it!
I like the white open coffee table.
And if you need an accent sofa, I'm loving this one: http://tinyurl.com/5dqmz7
[ See, I really want it for myself. But we have no room. So I'm trying to live through someone else. And today, that's you ;) ]
I would go with the faux sheepskin rug. It has much more of a chic feel to it. I think it looks nicer than the blue and white one. I love the ideas of the blocks that could double as seating! They would go great with the chocolate couch as they look fun and playful. I agree with others about Target and IKEA. I found a lot of great deals on lighting from IKEA so you may want to check that out. Everything is coming along beautifully! Have a happy thanksgiving!!
Oh how I love your new decor!!!!! I really like your grandmother's tables. I think they'll look beautiful! I also love that you are going to paint the walls gray.
Happy Thanksgiving :)
Great ideas and I can't wait to see it put all together. The chandelier is to bark for (woof woof! I love it.).
Happy Thanksgiving!
oh..i love rainbow brite. hehe
all your ideas seam awesome i can't wait to see!!!
awesome inspiration, i cant wait to see the end result!!!and velvet curtains is simply lush!
you are so organized in your thoughts. at our
house(s) i would always punt and then change it here and there- can't wait to see it.
loving the rugs- two different vibes- so, it depends what you're going for.
Love it all, Bee! Can't wait to see it finished!!!
Also, you might want to check out the round Bertoia chair knock-offs at Urban Outfitters right now. They had sold out for a while, but now they are back online!
Have a happy Thanksgiving, dear!
It's Thanksgiving today. I just wanted to stop by and wish you a happy Thanksgiving. And a happy, happy year in your new home. Blessings on you and yours.
My precious Bee! I am so INSANELY jealous of your bookcase to be. As well as your paint color, couch, sheepskin throws, etc. Can't wait to see it when it's all finished!
Happy Thanksgiving!
xoxo
Your ideas to hide the air conditioner and radiator with the bookshelves is brilliant. I really can't wait to see the after photo on that one. All your ideas sound perfect ...maybe a brown hue {as the couch} for the heavy curtains and a soft blue for the day/sheer curtains {when the sun comes through it will add a blue hue to the room which is nice} ...also, I think I like the coffee table over the stools ...the stools get annoying after a while ...but maybe as extra seating and storage off to the side ..so, you should get both :)
Love all your lighting options. Try to find a vintage chandelier?
Can't wait to see the end results!!!
Oh, I wish I had a house to decorate right now!
your plans are fantastic...i'm a fan of an ikat rug myself, sheepskin looks good but is a pain (vacuum, clean, etc...)! especially if you have pets. good luck with everything...i'm sure it will be a beautiful room:)
Wow, that's amazing - you know exactly what you want! All best with achieving it.
Have a good weekend.
oh, and ps--try 1stdibs.com
too - it can be pricey but there are great investment pieces.
Ok you're asking my opinion so this could be a long one. I love the gray paint and the idea of the jute with the blue rug on top. If you're going to do the sheepskin I would save it for the chairs. I really like the lacquered table with the open shelves because I like all of the stuff you can do with it. For the chandelier and I'm sure you can find something boho-glam in your price range [ebay my dear].
My favorite are the built in bookshelves, I'm totally jealy! They will look great.
Love everything! Especially that pale grey wall color. And of course, I long for Bertoia chairs but am settling on the (almost-as-cool, but definitely less-chic) Urban Outfitter De La Tour Chair. Your color palette is lovely and I am so happily jealous over the wall of book-shelves. Can't wait to see the finished product!
i have the last pic saved also. one of my favorites!
I think yout have fabulous taste and am loving all of your ideas! I loved the idea of pale gray paint, yes, yes, yes! I love the faux fur rug, the laquered white coffee table, and florr to ceiling book cases.
I la-la-love that white coffee table. Please get it and let me be happy that someone bought it when I was silly enough to go for something else that I HATE. Totally eyeing that chandelier too! Hoorah!
Guys, thank you all so much for these suggestions...many of which are way cheaper than my original inspirations. I can't wait to get this room done and post the "after" pics!
um, wow! I can't wait to see it finished :) You've got such style...
If you're willing to go w/ a glass or crystal chandelier, eBay has a ton... especially if you're willing to go up to $500. Here are a few lower priced ones.
http://cgi.ebay.com/9-LIGHT-SILVER-FRENCH-EMPIRE-CRYSTAL-CHANDELIER_W0QQitemZ330286236431QQcmdZViewItemQQptZChandeliers?hash=item330286236431&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318
http://cgi.ebay.com/ELEGANT-Chandelier-Multiple-Glass-Prisms-8-lights-EXCEL_W0QQitemZ310104858703QQcmdZViewItemQQptZChandeliers?hash=item310104858703&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318
http://cgi.ebay.com/CHANDELIER-LIGHTING-CRYSTAL-CHANDELIERS-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ350132578937QQcmdZViewItemQQptZChandeliers?hash=item350132578937&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318
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yes to all those built in bookcases...i love them and i know they will look amazing in your space. So much to do Lil Bee but i am so excited for you. This is the fun part of owning a home, decorating it as you please. Sending you love...xoxo v
Ohh thanks for keeping up updated! LOVE the gray color - ok yeah pretty much love all your ideas - can't wait!!
The stag-human-antler-sculpture-things are hilarious. I found this artist on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5501066 that might could make something similar for you. Her animal heads make me smile. :-)
I want that bed!
Saw this and thought of your post...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=fp_feat_3&listing_id=17912703
I love all of your inspiration photos! I can't wait to see how it all turns out.
We used Benjamin Moore's Plymouth Rock in our house. It is a really nice shade of grey. There is anothe BM color, Pigeon something or other that is really nice, too.
Abbie, I am sitting here browsing eBay and am SO getting my chandelier here, thanks to you! I can't believe how great those three were...and they were all so inexpensive. Thank you again:)
Your ideas look so cool! I would maybe get solid red curtains if your getting a patterned rug just for a pop of contrasting color. It might be fun with other accents too. That is a really fun idea about the bookshelf hiding the air conditioner, how is that going to work though?
Help me out! Do you have any idea where the white coffee table (the "open white-lacquered coffee table" you referred to) can be found? I know it's from Domino magazine, but I don't know whose home and (much more importantly, of course) the manufacturer, style name, or where to purchase. Do you have any idea? I'm going crazy! :)
PS How did your work turn out?!
Erin, you know, you are actually the second reader to ask about that coffee table and I'm so sorry to say I don't know where it's from! I did this post before Domino folded and have since become MUCH better at crediting every little design detail...but since the mag folded, I can't refer back to check for you. I've seen some similar versions at West Elm, but nothing that fits the bill exactly.
Good luck in your search and sorry I can't help more!
Oh...and as for our work...well, it's still in progress. Once I put the final touches on it, I'll be sure to post. Just a bit busy with the new bebe these days:)
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