A Little Living Room “Je ne sais quoi”
I find some of the most difficult decorating to be for rental apartments. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you aren’t allowed to make bold moves and big (possibly permanent) decisions. In this makeover, I have a few tricks up my sleeve for adding some flair in a French flea market meets Shabby Chic style, giving this room a little much needed je ne sais quoi.
The room is a respectable shade of neutral beige and even has some nice features like crown molding and a gas fireplace. What it’s lacking is some softness around the edges and focal point to draw you in.
All of the updated rooms feature a similar theme. This includes: (1) covering the pink chairs with something off-white, (2) soft window treatments and (3) adding a big and bold accessory.
French Country
In this scenario, I took all of the elements in the original room and simply blew them up to a larger (and more dramatic) scale. Notice the huge clock, urn overflowing with ivy and the window pane mirror. The window is softened by burlap curtains and the overall look is tied together with whites, beiges and neutrals. However, the pièce de résistance is definitely the new white mantelpiece, which can be easily installed over an existing fireplace.
Traditional
For something more traditional, but still comfortable, a casual black and white toile hangs out with some oversized gingham and a cushy plaid throw blanket. The huge floral wall mural really draws your eye into the space and keeps the room from looking too frumpy. Also, this fabulous mural is actually removable, making it perfect for renters! Lastly, despite the gas fire, a well-curated basket of logs really gives this room a cozy seasonal elegance.
A Little Romance
Again, this room is overwhelmingly bright and neutral, but stays fun with a playful mix of patterns and textures. And if you happen to be a single woman, why not take the opportunity to add a few girly touches that a male companion might not tolerate? (Although no judgment if you men do like some feminine flair.) In this case, that translates into some dainty flower prints mixed with a muted zebra rug and accented with crystal lamps and chandeliers. To keep the room from looking too cutesy, try a large architectural detail like the vintage villa doors. And don’t forget a touch of color – included here as a cool foliage wall.
This nice living room is so close to living up to it’s French flea market dreams! Just a few well-placed accessories and a creative new focal point and–voilà!
Room Details
French Country
- Burlap drapery panel (Ballard Design)
- White mantel
- Ivy Garden (Ethan Allen)
- Table roses (Ethan Allen)
- Schoolhouse antique window mirror (Etsy)
- Oversized French clock (Etsy)
- Vintage French linen pillows (Restoration Hardware)
Traditional
- Toile curtains
- White peony mural (Murals Your Way)
- Checked pillow (Country Curtains)
- Alexis table lamp (Pottery Barn)
- Throw Blanket (Bodmer)
A Little Romance
- Crystal candlestick lamp (Target)
- Linen window panel, silver gray (Target)
- Cabana stripe pillow
- Vintage villa mirrored doors (Cottage Haven Interiors)
- Green wall (Wally pocket)
- Lolita crystal chandelier (Cottage Haven Interiors)
- Bust of David (Restoration Hardware)
- Safari Rug (West Elm)
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Mochi Home is the best! Thanks Carly! You always provide inspiration.
I love A Little Romance….