This pandemic still seems surreal to me, a story that I’ll one day share with my grandchildren. I can think of many pros, but there are some: it can give families greater opportunity to spend time together.
Our homes are more than shelters now; they’re safe havens. For most families, the living room is hub where we congregate and relax. As it is such a central space to our daily living, it should speak to one’s personality and lifestyle.
Today, I’ll use Birch Lane to craft a picturesque living room, one that I would enjoy spending my time in.
The theme for this space is old world meets modern. I want to evoke cozy, lived-in, and relaxed. I use wood because it has a tone which adds warmth to a space.
In the following I choose elements to craft a living room which suits the mood I described.
Sofa and accent chair
A sofa is the biggest item in the living room. This is the kind of sofa I’d love to have in my own living room. I chose it because it has lightish, neutral tones that make it easy to decorate. It’s a blank canvas and your pillows dollops of paint. A blank-canvas sofa is a great choice for someone who enjoys lots of decorating options.
The white and wood tones give the coastal farmhouse feel I adore. It’s cozy, and laid-back.
Area rug
Area rugs are a must-have. They allows you to visually define activity areas.
Patterns are popular now. While patterns add interest, add too much at it will make the space feel busy. Limit yourself to a single pattern on a large visual item (e.g. the rug) if you’re unsure.
The rug should be proportionate to the space. You want either all the furniture or the front legs to sit on top of the rug. Click here for more tips.
Coffee Table
I chose a rectangle-shaped coffee table in natural. It brings a coastal vibe to the space and notice the eye-catching details on the sides!
Always get solid wood if you can. It costs more but it’s likely to be cheaper in the long run. You can refinish a solid-wood coffee table many times. I’ve refinished ours 3 times already and I could easily do it another 3.
Console Table
I chose a similar-style console table to maintain continuity and flow. It makes the room look cohesive and well put together. I lean toward lighter, natural tones to make the room appear larger.
This is especially important if your home has darker floors. The last thing dark floors need is dark furniture.
Lighting
Your choice of lighting sets the mood for the space. Table lamps have a wide variety of styles. I went with a terra cotta table lamp because I wanted to mix some rustic into what was otherwise modern. This adds soul. When things are too similar a space can quickly become bland and boring.
Accessories
A space with no accessories is naked. They’re absolutely necessary.
Pillows are my go-to accessory. They refined the personality of space and can be swapped out from one season to the next. Few accessories are as versatile.
I chose pillows with some patterns to transform a space and I love how you can change them up from one season to the next. I also like pillows that had some texture to visually stimulate.
My poor husband says I’m a 3. That’s how many stories up he could be and still safely jump into the pile of pillows we own, not my looks, Silly. 🙂
Throw blankets are another regular accessory in our home. I don’t like a chill, so when I take a nap or watch the telly I like a throw to be just in reach. I’m a comfort girl, if you couldn’t tell.
This rustic terra cotta vase is super adorbs. It’s worn, aged look adds so much pizazz to the overall feel.
Are you seeing just how much impact small details have on balance and mood? Every decorator is an artist — it’s just many don’t realize it.
Greenery
Do you love greenery as much as I do? I have 15 indoor plants in what is only a bit more than a 1500-square-foot home. That’s 1 plant per 100 feet! Just call me “Plant Lady,” if you like. My husband has the same taste; he considers greenery the accessory above all others.
If you’re unable to keep plants vibrant and healthy, you may prefer faux plants. I have a few myself. I like having more live plants; however, because it lends to the illusion that all your plants are alive. When the mind notices everything is fake it kind of dispels that illusion.
I love to use wicker baskets as planter to jazz up a boring plant pot.
This olive tree bring back memories of our trip to Italy. I’d love to have one in my backyard or maybe inside. I’ve noticed on Instagram they’re increasingly being used as decor. It brings a mediterranean feel to the space.
I hope I’ve inspired you to refresh and love your space even more.
The world has changed overnight. I hope it affords you more opportunity to spend quality moments with your family. We’ve tried to stay busy focusing on constructive, positive activities. I’m gardening a lot and the family, each of them at different times, has joined me in the dirt.
Jennabel
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