Design Project: My SIL's Great Room

My brother and sister-in-law recently relocated from Belgium to Annapolis this past summer and moved into their newly built home (of their dreams) over Christmas.  My SIL has asked me to help her with the design of her family room which is a literally a great room that sits right off of their kitchen.  They are a very active family (she used to be a NCAA runner) and have two young boys.   I am so happy for them, but selfishly wished they lived in KY! :)

My SIL loves the color gray and likes things a little monochromatic when it comes to color.  She is a bit more modern and rustic in her taste of furnishings.  She has asked for my help because she has enjoyed seeing the progress in my own home.

Here is the inspiration I drew up for them:

I picked a warm gray for the walls (SW Intellectual Gray) which will contrast nicely with the PB ivory velvet drapes.  What you don't see is a fireplace that'll be flanked with two white built-in bookcases that they are having custom made (hopefully)!

The RH Belgian Wingbacks in sand linen (two of them) will flank the fireplace, but will also serve double duty when they are entertaining as head chairs at the dining table.   Similar to below.

I already sourced the sofa from a local furniture store, and it will sit in front of the bank of windows.  She has ordered it in gray fabric blend that will stand the test of time!  The sofa in the design board is the exact sofa she purchased.

I chose a lighter top coffee table so it can contrast nicely with the sofa.  I found two options - one from Target and one from Crate and Barrel.   I love the side table in my design board, but it is pricey.  In all likelihood, she'll will probably end up with something like this or this (more realistic).  And, the rugs in the design board are from PB and Serena and Lilly.  I always think it is important to throw a bit of vintage or an antique in there to keep it from feeling too predictable.

I hope you enjoyed it and I'm excited for her to start decorating and to watch her progress!!

Sprucing it up

Hello dear readers, I hope you all had a nice weekend!  You may recall that I've been helping my friend with some design decisions for her dining room and living room.  This past weekend, we got together to make the final decisions on her custom sofa for her living room;  in addition to the final decisions for the fabrics for her living room (will save this for another post).  It's all just very exciting especially when so much time and consideration goes into these decisions and you slowly see it coming together.  She finally decided on the angelica sofa from Bernhardt Interiors.

A traditional roll arm with nailhead and tufting - what is not to love!  It is a beauty and she got an amazing deal for it.  It just so turns out that since November I have been working a couple of hours a week at a design store here in West Hartford.  It is called Spruce Home and Garden.

They have 7 locations in CT, NY and now in FLA.  They carry Bernhardt Interiors and their own private line.  Spruce offers 30% off of the retail price for any of their Bernhardt pieces which is a great deal especially if you're looking to invest in some quality furniture pieces that will last you a lifetime.  If you're in West Hartford, please stop by, say 'Hi!'   Say that you heard about Spruce from Fran via Green Street Blog!

Random Updates

Sorry for the radio silence.  I have been working a lot lately so I'm trying to spend my precious free time with my family! :)  Last weekend, we got our tree and started with the christmas decorations.  I already know what next year's resolution will be:  Start earlier with Christmas preparations!  I feel like I'm so behind the eight ball...

We've been getting our tree at Stew's for years, however, this year the tree cost $61 - yikes!  While I like their mission, we might have to try a new (and more affordable) place next year.  I'm all ears for suggestions!

Obviously, not everyone was happy after getting the Christmas tree; although, Mr. Grumpy changed his tune when we started decorating (it doesn't take much)!  

In other news, my friend is making progress on her living room.  We've narrowed down the sofa choices and she is really loving the Ryden sofa from Bernhardt Interiors.

Such a beauty with it's sleek and wide arms!  This past weekend, we've narrowed down the sofa fabric choices.  I'll post more on these updates later.  In the meantime, we're enjoying the holidays decorating, gift wrapping, going to parties and being giddy with excitement for Christmas!!

Sectionals

The other day we were invited to a friend's house in the countryside, about 25 minutes from Vienna.  It was a beautiful area and our friends have an equally beautiful house, which they have been renovating for a number of years.  With the kitchen and baths updated, they're now working on the living room decor.  Of course, I wanted to hear all of their plans.  One thing that struck me was that she was looking to incorporate a sectional.  Most people I know have strong feelings about sectionals, one way or the other.  Personally, I like them provided they don't overwhelm the space.  They make a lot of sense for family rooms and can make a room feel super cozy and intimate.  Lets take a look at what I mean:

Source: cecyj.com via Fran on Pinterest

This first image is very, very similar to (though a bit smaller than) our friend's living room.  They have hardwood floors, exposed beams, white walls, a large window on the far wall, etc.  I think this sectional really works here.  

Source: cecyj.com via Fran on Pinterest

I like how sectionals can be used to frame the focal point in the room - in this case, the fireplace and television.

Source: decorpad.com via Fran on Pinterest

Source: thingsthatinspire.net via Fran on Pinterest

I like how the velvet fabric really ups the "cozy factor" for this sectional.

Source: thingsthatinspire.net via Fran on Pinterest

Here, the sectional helps frame the conversation area.

Source: thingsthatinspire.net via Fran on Pinterest

This Pottery Barn picture is gaining a lot of steam on pinterest.  Since I pinned it, it has been repinned 21 times.  I added it because of its neutral color.  However, the room is too beigy for my taste and in my opinion, needs more contrast.

Source: designserendipityinteriors.com via Fran on Pinterest

Love love love this room!  Though I just endorsed neutrals ... don't be afraid to go for the color (especially if you have kids).  It will hide the dirt.  I love this color palette: eggplant with the burnt orange.

Source: cecyj.com via Fran on Pinterest

Check out the lucite legs on this one, a very nice custom touch.  Have you heard about Pretty Pegs?   They offer different types of legs to update your Ikea furniture.  Pretty cool.

So, what sectional camp are you in?  Did you like these examples?

What I'm loving today....

this striped settee from John Derian's store in NYC's East Village.  I've been spotting the pink and red color combo a lot these days in both fashion and interiors and I gotta say....I really like it.

You?

A Splash of Pink

I'm not sure it is because I have a little girl, but I'm falling head over heels for interiors with a splash of pink.  At first, I was convinced a pink sofa would be the right amount of pink to make me super happy!

Source: isuwannee.com via Fran on Pinterest

But, after living with a pink sofa in our rental, I can tell you it is not ideal with little kids.  It takes only seconds for my son to finish his lunch and then go dive on the pink sofa with his greasy hands.  Hello stains!  So, I'm reconsidering a pink sofa (unless it is in our master bedroom, but I need to convince my husband of that!) and am now thinking of injecting a splash pink in other ways.

Source: designindulgence.blogspot.com via Fran on Pinterest

via

via

Hello pink chair!

All Time Favorite

One of my all time favorite homes is Ashley Putman's, which was published in Lonny April/May 2010.  I recently stumbled on a new blog (at least to me) called, The Semi-Designed Life, where the blogger, Lauren, actually got to tour Ashely Putman's home this past Christmas.  See here.   It's so good....I just had to post.

Lonny

Ashley's courage to use a dark wallpaper in her bedroom is fantastic.  I always lean towards the lighter end of the spectrum when it comes to walls, but, I really like this look.  I also like the contrast of the dark walls with the feminine bedding.

Lauren's photo

It appears that Ashely switched the bedding for Christmas.  Love it and the monogrammed shams.

Lauren's photo

How adorable is the tartan pillow case?  

Lauren's photo

Another example of Ashley's fearless use of dark colors on the walls.  The infamous cobalt blue dining room we all love. 

Lauren's photo

Decorated for Christmas.  

Lauren's photo

A cool shot.  I love the eclectic mix of candlesticks. 

Lauren's photo

 I want to do this - the oversized brandy snifter filled with corks!

Lonny

Perfection.  I don't know where to begin?  Black side door (always wanted to do this in our kitchen).  Hardware.  Kitchen table.  Appliances.  Open shelving.  Brick flooring.  Love it all. 

Lauren's photo

I love open shelving, but I also would need cabinets and I like how Ashley's cabinets are off to the side.

Lonny

Clean lined console and a lovely vignette!

Lauren's photo

Ashley's staircase from Lauren's tour.  Looks like the 'For Like Ever' poster has a new home.  

Lauren's photo

A great combination - tartan, chalkboard paint and wellies!  

Lauren's photo

A house isn't complete without some lacquer!!  Again, more evidence of her courage!

Lonny

Lauren's photo

The Putman's family room.  Chic and kid-friendly.  Love it.  

Lauren's photo

And, this is the room where they place their Christmas tree.  How lovely.

Lauren's photo

And, yes a pool surrounded by grass, my favorite.  This is the view outside of the family room.  

Lonny

In the living room, Ashley opted for lighter walls.  I love how this room is casual and classic.  

Lauren's photo

During Lauren's tour, it appears Ashley has changed the sofa.  

Lonny

Perfection!

I know I went overboard with the images.  However, I hope you enjoyed the new pictures and a special thanks to Lauren from 'The Semi-Designed Life.'  If Ashley's house is in the tour this year, I might just have to fly down to Houston myself to see it in person!!  Happy Weekend!

Change the look instantly

Thank you all for your wonderful birthday wishes.  So thoughtful and kind.  They really made my day!!  It was a great way to start off on a Monday!  And, yes, my husband is a keeper!  Thank you, Kevin.

 via

So, we have a sofa that I inherited that sits in our family/living room and well, it's all wrong - the color, shape and size.  But, at this point of the game, I'm not willing to invest in brand new sofa until we move into a new house.  So, what to do?  I'm on the search for a throw to change the look.  Check out how these throws really change the look of the sofa or chair: 

via

via

Do you agree?  A throw really changes the look instantly and many times it is such a minor investment. I believe Emily spent $4 on her white Ikea throw below.

via

via

 I've noticed that many throws are the same color of a chair in the room or an accompanying accent color.  I have a navy sofa with some new orange/red/white damask pillows.  I've already tried some throws (in various colors) but I have yet to find the right one.  I'm on it, though.   

In the meantime, these throws are on sale and are exceptionally beautiful.  Organic cotton and incredibly soft (I felt them) and for $37.  They feel and look expensive!

My Pipe Dream

I think piping is hot!  Like nailhead, it is a detail that can make upholstered furniture really shine.  

carla lane interiors 

One of these days I would like to have this irresistible extra level of detail added to my solid colored upholstered pieces.

Elements of Style 

Do you notice how this slim fabric cord in a contrasting color gives this sofa some pizazz?  It's brilliant!

Hillary Thomas 

Amanda Nisbet via here 

Ruthie Sommers 

Why not take an old slipcover and bring it to your local upholsterer and tell him/her you want a thin contrast welt (probably no larger than a quarter inch) on all seams? 

cococozy 

How about a cushion?  I love how the black contrasting piping on the white cushion ties everything together! 

Good Bones Great Pieces 

Decorpad 

So, do you love contrast piping as much as I do?  Do you own any furniture pieces with piping; if so, please share!