Living Room Tweaks
Until recently, our living room looked like this.
And I liked it. I thought it was mostly finished.
But then my mom gave me a beautiful leather sofa that was a much better fit for this room size-wise. I liked the darker color of the sofa in the room too; it seemed to ground it. So I sold the old estate sale sofa on Craigslit and replaced it with this one.
Not long after, we were having some siding replaced on this side of the house and – with all the hammering – one of the three mirrors above the fireplace came crashing down. I liked the three mirrors up there so I did some searching online to see if I could replace the broken one, but had no luck (not surprising since these were Hobby Lobby clearance aisle purchases from several years back).
I replaced the mirrors with three pictures, which were also hand-me-downs from mom (does she pass down the best stuff or what?) and I was surprised at how much I liked them in here.
Then, a couple of smaller changes: I took down the white, sheer curtains that were hung too low and on rods that were too small.
And I also made a change to the candles in the fireplace. For years I’ve had a black, iron candelabra-type thing in there, designed just for putting candles in fireplaces. But I wanted to try something more informal using different sized candles.
So for quite a while I was on the lookout for varying sizes of candles (white of course) and eventually I had enough to pull out the old candelabra thing, scrape all the dried wax (and a few dead spiders) off the bottom of the fireplace, and put the new candles in.
I’m loving the simple, organic feel of candles placed directly in the fireplace so it seems that the hunt for white candles will be an ongoing one.
Finally, from the time I brought them home, I felt that the cushions on the chairs I had recovered earlier this year looked a little flat. I called Chuck, my top notch reupholsterer, and he said “bring them on back!”
He priced a feather wrap for me, but I ruled it out due to the cost, so he added more of the original filling (so not the right word) and now they have the fuller look I was after.
Grant, my college student, has requested that things “quit being changed” when he comes home. I remember my daughter, Lindsey, making a similar request when she was in college.
Silly kids. Not gonna happen.
This post is part of Metamorphosis Monday and The Scoop.
really liked your room before but love the new look. What if anything did you put under the candles in the floor of the fireplace?
Hi Sheila, I didn’t put anything under the candles. I put them right on the fireplace floor.
I have 2 chairs almost exactly like yours. Not the fabric. Wondering what your upholsterer charged per chair to recover. I am getting all kinds of estimates.
Dianne, these were done so long ago I honestly don’t remember the number. It was fairly expensive, however.
Julie, I noticed your blog entry about Bunny Williams book , An Affair With A House. Did you know that Sothebys Auction House has been holding auctions of her interior furnishings, artwork, and assorted other items? Go on to the website, and you can see all of the items. The New York Times states that the auction has brought in about 150 million for her artwork alone! Thought you would enjoy reading about the auction.
Hi Sherri, I have seen that auction, but actually that’s Bunny Mellon, not Bunny Williams. How many women named Bunny can there be, right? 🙂 Thanks for the heads up though.
Julie,
Love all the changes you made!!! The candles look so good in the fireplace!!! I like the pictures above it better than the mirrors, but the mirrors were nice as well.:)
You are such a good decorator and I enjoy your blog!
Happy Holidays and Blessings!!!
Happy holidays to you too, Shelly!
I love the chairs in your living room…. would you share the name and source of the plaid fabric they are covered with. Also, we are in the KC area….. who did the upholstery work for you? Thank you!
Carol, I ordered the fabric from Country Curtains. It doesn’t look like they carry it anymore. :/ My upholsterer is Dela Studios in Olathe. http://www.delastudios.com/page/
Your room has so many pretty touches. I especially like your fireplace and the dark marble surround. I actually think that the pictures added visual weight and they look good.
You are a lucky daughter. Your Mom just knew how great that sofa would look in your space.
Remind your college student that the room may change but the family will not. They’ll still be there.
You’re right, I am a lucky daughter, Connie. And you’re right about the family staying the same. I think that college students just want home to be the same home they left, kind of like the kid on the IKEA commercial. 🙂
Your chairs are perfect, and it all works together to make a cozy, beautiful room. Now, enjoy!
Thank you, Leslie Anne. 🙂
Julie, I just found your blog looking for posts about Nell Hill’s. I’ve been devouring all of your posts. What a wonderful blog 🙂 It’s inspired me to make some simple changes and keep working on the look we’re going for. Thank you!
Paula
Paula, what a nice comment. I’m so glad you’ve found the blog helpful. Happy new year to you!
I like what you did with your living room. Can you tell me what is the check fabric on the chairs? I have similar ones needing to be recovered. Thanks.
Hi Char. I ordered that fabric years ago from Country Curtains, which I believe is no longer in business. Sorry I can’t be more help.