Hello, friends. Welcome to my living room. Last fall our formal living area got a bit of a makeover, but I got side tracked form sharing it with you. Today seems like a good day to take care of old business, right?
First and foremost, would you look at my fiddle leaf fig tree? It’s been alive for almost an entire year!?! (Knock on wood.) I can’t grow basil in an herb pot to save my life, but for some reason this gorgeous giant of a plant has held on. I’ve been sending loving vibes to him ever since I brought him home. Secretly I’m even scared to type these words for fear of some sort of black thumb curse.
I am really bad about taking “before” pictures of rooms in my own home, especially because I’m always “shopping my home” and changing things up. This room has been evolving for so long that I can’t even remember how far back I’d have to go to give you a true starting point.
THE PERFECT GRAY SOFA
The biggest addition to the room was this Freeman sofa by Volo. Yes, ironically it bears our last name. Maybe it was because I was cross-eyed from looking at umpteen gray sofas for weeks on end, but one night at 2am this seemed like an unavoidable sign that it was “the one”.
I picked it because I wanted something with clean lines, but not ultra modern. The fabric is so yummy and textured, so the color doesn’t feel too flat. I like that there is just one seat cushion too. So far it’s held its shape really well and avoids looking sloppy. It’s a fairly low backed sofa, which works well with the placement in the room, so it doesn’t block too much light from the window. I also considered a modern Italian sofa.
As far as comfort level, I’d rate it about a 7 out of 10. It’s great to sit on for a couple hours and read, however it’s not super conducive to lounging for longer spells, which we do A LOT around here. Fortunately we have a den with a very comfy sofa (read: slouchy microfiber), so I felt like this was a good compromise between style and comfort for the formal living area.
I replaced a sharp edged coffee table for a round ottoman with storage. This thing may not win a beauty contest, but let me tell you I LOVE it. A toddler can pretty much nose-dive into it and bounce right back, no tears involved. I picked it for its child-proof appeal, and it’s not letting me down.
PS-Closed storage ottomans should be somewhere in every home. Bold statement, I know. Honestly, they are SO practical for hidden storage, they can double as seating if needed, and easily convert to a table top space with a simple tray. I use them in clients’ homes all the time.
Oooohhh, the throw pillows. Let’s just talk about the throw pillows for a little bit, okay? I only played around with 300 different combinations, but this was the final cut. (Looking back, part of me wishes I had used the floral Designer’s Guild fabric with my large squares and green velvet as the lumbar. Then the other part of me (the part that pays the bills) says to shut up and love it.
I was drawn to the look of this open shelving unit when I found it on Overstock. I wanted something that would almost blend into the background and be visually light. I like how high it is, and the only downside is that the shelves are a bit narrow. I’ve restyled it 3 or 4 times since I wrote this post on styling book shelves.
The brown chairs were given to us a few years ago and had previously lived in our den. Now with a slew of toys taking residence in that room, the chairs were making things a bit cramped.
The original upholstery was a deep navy that had acquired more than a couple stains. I had them reupholstered in a bright ivory twill fabric.
I know what you’re thinking, “White? With a toddler? Are you crazy?”
Maybe…For sure. So far we’ve avoided any major Crayola attacks and juice spills.
STILL NOT “DONE”
I wanted to replace the drapes in this room too last year, but the budget went way too fast. I bought them on a whim 4 years ago, and they really aren’t large enough to fully cover the windows, which happen to be on the street side of the house. Lord knows what pedestians have seen through the window gape…
I’m not totally sure what direction I want to go with the drapes. Should I go bold with a black and white pattern? Stick with something solid but more color? I’m going to hunt for some good options and will probably be asking you guys to weigh in at some point.
A TOY-FREE ROOM
This room definitely feels the most “grown-up” of any in our house. It’s the one space where plastic toys aren’t coming out of every nook and cranny. I’m all for kid-friendly spaces, and designed this room to be safe for our toddler. But I decided that ONE room gets to be completely toy-free.
We read to Gemma, drink coffee, have “dance parties” (to JT and Usher. There’s nothing cuter than an almost two-year old dancing to “Bringing Sexy Back”)…and more than just a few glasses of wine have been enjoyed in my toy-free zone.
I’m sure some very opinionated mommy bloggers would say that this isn’t a really kid-friendly space if I have glass objects lower than 3 ft and banish all the toys. Oh, well. This isn’t their blog. Or their living room.
SOURCE LIST:
–Sofa
–Ottoman
–Bookshelf
-Pillows: floral, green velvet, black & white
-Mantel art: marbled paper art DIY, “Be True” print
–Flamingo art
-Wood chairs (vintage)
-Mirrored console table- (similar one here)
–Acrylic nesting tables
A Teen Bedroom Makeover
Introducing Anna: Organization Guru
DIY Faux Zebra Rug
My Classroom Makeover
Absolutely gorgeous and I have fiddle leaf fig envy!
Thanks, Julia! I feel like this tree picked ME instead of the other way around. Hah!
Heather, I love, love, love this room and could just move right in without changing a thing!
And I would welcome you in with a tray of brownies and a glass of wine:) Thanks, Kris.
I love the airiness of this space! It’s light, bright & lovely! I completely agree about storage ottomans being a must have! You can hide all sorts of toys, games, blankets, etc.in them. In a quick pinch, throw in all the clutter ftom the room and shut the lid! I have the same one (or very similar) and reupholstered it in teal velvet. It’s getting stains from being eaten on by my little ones so a faux croc vinyl may be in its future! http://Www.Designbyrobinsnest.Blogspot.Com
Yes, yes, yes!!! I like the sound of the faux croc vinyl…glam yet toddler-friendly (AKA: snot and juice proof). Thanks Robin:)
totally agree about covered storage. I have a rectangle shaped one in my living room and I had it reupholstered to a grey and cream twa (toile?) print…I have no idea how to spell that word…but you know old timey looking print just in two colors? anyway it’s the prettiest toy box in the world..just because we have kids doesn’t mean they run this house – nothing clutters my eye more than when I walk into a house and I am greeted by 2 million plastic toys and flashing beeping electronics…
Amen!! Yes,”old timey looking print just in two colors” (great description) is toile. If one more person tells me to embrace and learn to love the flashing, beeping toys “because some day you’ll miss them”, I’m gonna’ lose it. I will miss the sweet phase my daughter is currently in, but I will NOT miss the dang toys.
I simply love everything, Heather! The sofa is a great piece to build around and the round ottoman was a perfect choice, too. I love the mix of patterns and textures, and you gave me a few ideas for styling my coffee table, it’s been bare since Christmas! Oh, I have to look for the fiddle fig tree…please let me find one…it’s so cute! 🙂
When my kids were young, people often asked me how I managed to have plants, breakables and hard surfaces in my living room. Honestly, it never occurred to me “not to”. Like you, I didn’t allow toys in the room and the kids got bored! Simple! Yes, it’s your living room and your blog…you rock it!
Stop by sometime!
Jane x
I’m so glad you mentioned “coffee table styling” because I’m working on a post about that very topic! It can be tricky, huh? And yes, you’re right! She doesn’t want to hang around all day in room where the only she gets to do is read or dance. Thanks for stopping by. Heading to “your place” now.
It looks so pretty Heather! I wish I had just one room that was overtaken by toys and kid stuff!! Everything is so soothing and tailored and yet still has tons of personailty. I love those chairs- I need some people in my life that pass on things like that to me!!
Thanks, Beth! The chairs have become some of my favorite pieces. Thankfully the construction is sound, so I’m hoping to be able to give them a new fun “identity”/fabric swap every few years. Right now they’re in their minimalist phase;)
You have done such a beautiful job with everything. I love your sofa and that bookshelf is sooo very good! Love it my dear.
Thanks, friend:)
i have a toy free room as well, and it’s the best decision we made! we spend a lot of time in there as a family talking and playing music. your room is gorgeous! love all the pops of hot pink (especially that christmas cactus…how perfect!). your styling is impeccable, and your photographs are gorgeous! thanks for sharing…so inspiring on this gray day!
I never thought I’d use pink-especially in such a prominent space in our home! But I LOVE it now, and my husband hasn’t minded it. (Which means I get to do what I want:) Thanks for popping by, Emily.
I love it! Such a stunning space – it reads as very peaceful even though you have some bold color and pattern choices! And color me insanely jealous of your fiddle leaf fig skills – I haven’t managed to outright kill mine, but it’s truly pathetic!
The tree is a TOTAL fluke. I’m completely “skill-less” when it comes to plants. Thanks for the sweet words, Brynne:)
Gosh, I am just salivating at how gorgeous this is! My living room definitely needs your touch!
Soon we’ll get there!
Just beautiful Heather! Love how you pulled this room together and how nice to have an adult space to enjoy a glass of vino in!
Thanks, Melissa! You know wine never tastes as good as when in the absence of plastic toys:)
Your living room is so, so stunning. Volo should be paying you to advertise for them (if they aren’t already) because I think you have me sold on this sofa. It’s gorgeous. Love your throw pillow combo. And that fiddle leaf fig…. I mean, who are you?? I finally just threw mine outside (in freezing temps) because I was so tired of looking at its ugliness inside. It’s currently still rotting outside. I’m thinking of secretly buying a faux version… Thanks for the inspiration! You are fabulous, Heather! xo
Thanks Claire:) You know my thoughts on the VOLO sofa now. Maybe they’d refund my sofa now-hah! Ok, I have literally killed hundreds of plants but for some reason the largest plant I ever brought into the house stayed alive. It’s a mystery, and one I’ll never understand! I read somewhere to wait until the top leaves look “wilty” and only then should you water. Apparently that’s working. Oh, and I sing to him. Often.
Beautiful room! So happy I found your site 🙂 Would you tell me what paint color you used on your walls? Thanks!
Hello, Amy! I don’t have the exact formula (it was a custom color), but it’s very close to Benjamin Moore’s “In Your Eyes” (BM 715). Also, remember that photos and your computer screen affect how paint colors appear online. I also love Sherwin William’s “Sea Salt. I have that mixed at 60% saturation in my office. It’s a lovely blue/grey/green that has different dimensions depending on the lighting and time of day. Best of luck to you picking a paint color. Let me know if you need any more help!
Would you mind telling where you purchased the blue/green painting on the wall in between the two chairs. I love it.
Thanks,
Kathryn
Thanks, Kathyrn! Actually I painted it. Trying your hand at DIY art can be intimidating but SO worth the effort. I’m going to have a post about it soon and will use this piece as the inspiration.