A Room to Live In, a Couple, and a Bunny Named Todd
I sometimes find that decorating a room with good bones, nice windows and an already decent paint job is much harder than decorating a room with lots of issues or constraints. I think it’s because there are simply too many options and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of them. On the other hand, it can force you to really define the mood and feeling that you are looking for.
This reader has a lovely new home and wants to incorporate some color, texture and warmth for living. You can get some more context at their blog Bartley’s Run and some inspiration at their house blog House Stuff Works. Don’t you just love the cheery colors of the houses in their neighborhood?
Here’s the room now. Check out the cute ottoman that is a re-covered thrift store coffee table. So clever! While I didn’t include this ottoman in the makeovers, I think it could be re-covered to match any style. Also note that this room is a favorite hangout spot for Todd, the bunny.
First and foremost, I think it’s important to “own” the TV. Let’s face it, the TV is new hearth and there’s no sense in trying to hide it (unless you want to commit to a built-in or a TV cabinet). I prefer to set up a nice media center and establish some symmetry in the room. Purple is nice color choice to warm up a room without committing to something as strong as red or orange. White furniture with some pops of bright color keep it fresh (scroll to end for details).
This room is cozy and modestly sized, which I think lends itself well to a wallpaper accent wall. I like this organic red coral to give the space a little depth. The back wall looks great as a full media/accessory area. I combined two TV stands side-by-side for a built-in effect and topped it with some shelves. It’s very cozy and keeps all of the clutter and accessories neatly arranged on the back wall.
Lastly, a dramatic teal accent wall grounds the space without making it too dark. Teal is a great color. Much like purple, it is both warm and cool, creating a friendly yet soothing space. Another easy way to warm up a room is through warm woods, like the amazing chair with pinkish leather. Then, add a few punchy accessories for personality: a bright modern painting, a cheeky cardboard animal trophy and some truly disco gold leather pillows.
This room can so easily go from great to fabulous. I would focus on a few things (1) an intentional media area, (2) accent wall or a focal point piece of art, (3) full curtains. And then, you can accessorize around that. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Here are the details for each room:
Purple Stripe
- Farrow and Ball striped wallpaper
- Pottery Barn Cynthia Media Stand
- CB2 parlor chair
- Silk curtains
- West Elm watercolor pillow
- White ottoman coffee table
- Crate and Barrel Driftwood mirrors
- Shades of Light Trellis Linen lampshade
- Bromeliad plant
Coral Wallpaper
- Thibaut St. Lucia wallpaper
- Room & Board Zen media cabinet
- West Elm wall shelves
- Ten Thousand Villages inscribed vase
- Crate and Barrel Ainsley cream curtain panel
- CB2 small stool
- CB2 Makoda coffee table
- West Elm Ikat floor basket
- Room & Board Icon floor lamp
Teal
For this room, I found all of the furniture at a great store in Chicago, Dania.
- Benjamin Moore Bermuda Turquoise
- Entertainment unit
- Luna low back chair with ottoman
- Fairlane ottoman (used as tables)
- Modern art
- Gold pillow and Bolo pillow
- Drum lamp
- West Elm canvas window panel
- Cardboard Safari Longhorn trophy
Room 112 is the latest release from 112, and I can only think of one word to describe this CD… AWESOME!
Great decorating