Here we go again
I think I’ve changed up the look in our living room four times now in four years. (Is that a lot? I feel like it is!) I honestly don’t know what it is about this particular room that stumps me! If you’ve seen my lamps, my dining room and my bedroom, there is a certain look that I’m drawn to, definitely something along the lines of these two inspiration projects below (which I am probably trying too hard to mix):
…Sir Elton John’s L.A. living room
The Tides South Beach…
Do you see where I’m going with this, or is it all in my head? I love the idea of making it glam but also warm and beachy, as I do live in Southern California and I grew up in Hawaii. But I really don’t want it to appear “themed” so the beachy has to be implied, not obvious…if that makes any sense at all! And I am terrified of it looking too Crate & Barrel…eek!!
There are many factors I can’t/won’t change: a large charcoal gray sectional sofa, walnut floors, a white leather pavilion chair, blah beige wall color (we’d have to repaint most of the house). I’m waiting for the shag rug to arrive that I recently purchased (on Hautelook!); the lamp from Lamps Plus is fine for now; I really love my ellipse side table from Modern Chic Home; and the sunburst mirror from Amazon and box-weave hurricane from West Elm still work, I think.
Here’s what I’d like to add:
Abstract Artwork: I’d love to find a large version of something similar to this gorgeous “Sunset 23” painting by artist Vanessa Briggs. Of course if I don’t find it, I could always attempt to paint something myself (it’s been years, but I could tear myself away from the computer!)
Accessories: perhaps a vase from Z Gallerie and an onyx object from Home Goods? (the least of my concerns!)
Coffee Table: I’ve been contemplating this Milo Baughman table from a vintage shop. Another option would be to keep my glass top/chrome x-base table.
PILLOWS!!! So my husband says I have a “pillow problem” (air quotes) and I can’t deny it really — they’re such an important part of the room! In my scheme above, I threw in a bolster from West Elm and the “Richter” print from Studio Bon, mixed in with Kelly Wearstler’s “Sea Urchin,” and a Sferra pillow that I don’t believe is available anymore. Some other Kelly Wearstler for Sferra options include:
I certainly don’t want to fight with my charcoal sofa, but I like the idea of lightening it up, hence all the off-white options.
Am I completely overthinking this? Sigh…
This looks great so far and I don’t think it’s C&B at all! The artwork will be key. What about pillows that have both charcoal and white in it, rather than just white? Even sea urchin in black/ivory? DwellStudio has some nice (cheaper) options too.
p.s. love the KW drift pillow.
Thanks Kat, I will mock that up!
Hey girl – as I said yesterday, I love your house and your blog. My next look is going to be the exact same! I got a Beni Ourain moroccan rug, have a mirrored credenza, chrome Milo Baughman chair, lucite desk, and Kelly Wearstler throw pillows and sheets! I love your pieces – if you are looking for something to add, I think maybe you could do with another mirrored thing, or murano glass, or gnarled wood floor lamp or petrified wood stump. One more texture or material…love it!
Elizabeth (modern24seven.blogspot.com)
Elizabeth, that’s so funny! I need to see some of your ideas! I’m happy to hear I’m not crazy with my “vision” ;o)
I love it. And not too C&B at all. Not sure what your LR looks like now but this is gorge. Esp. love that painting. Would she do a custom larger size for you? Or maybe you could do a grid of a few? Just fyi: the link isn’t working. xo
Hey Bentley thanks for the heads up. Yah, not sure what’s up with her site, I think it’s down. Anyway, I hadn’t thought of the grid …that is a great idea!
Awesome! Glad I could contribute to your vision :0)
Absolutely! Your blog rocks!