Sconces // antique mirror from Andrew’s grandparent’s house // fireplace screen // stone surround is Brecchia Capraia marble via United Marble // Painting by Adelfia Painting
OK, so I have GOT to start ordering furniture for my darn house! Given the lead times we are experiencing in the industry (about 20-24 weeks right now for upholstered goods – NO JOKE) I’d be remiss to not try to get some sofas in line so we have our house “done” next Christmas. Yes, that’s how long stuff is taking.
The formal living room is kind of last on my list, since it’s not an everyday space; however, we do use it more than we thought we would. It’s a gorgeous room, quite large and long, and the fireplace and paint came out so amazing, I enjoy sitting in here despite the retina-searing pair of mismatched sofas. So I’m formulating a plan, and thought I’d share with you.
sconces // mirror (similar) // rug (similar) // sofas // skirted console (example) // brushstroke lamp // painting (commission) // floor lamp // wingbacks // fireplace screen // sofa console // x benches // brown lamps // side table // coffee table
Here’s what the room looked like when we bought the house…..
And as of five minutes ago… :) The paint came out incredible (it’s Benjamin Moore Wales Gray – satin on trim, eggshell on walls). We’re going to stick with a pair of sofas facing each other, but a matching English roll arm pair from Bjork Studios (who made our gorgeous blue roll arm sofa) in an olive green velvet or mohair. Our existing Oly George coffee table will stay because I freaking love it. The rug on the board is what’s shown here, from Linda’s Barn. and I may do a custom cut flatweave wool underneath it to cover a bit more floor.
My mom gave me this chair that was her aunt’s that was in our house growing up and I plan to recover it – the channel tufted back is really cute.
I’ll do a seat cushion and pillows in the bay window seat here beside the piano (another item my parents gave us/let us borrow). I’ll probably toss a sheepskin on the piano bench. I will do floor-to-ceiling drapes on the windows and flanking the patio door, but am going to skip the bay.
In this area I’ll do the pair of tall wingbacks flanking the door out to the patio. Henry’s box fort will have to find another permanent home ;)
The back of the shelving will get this pretty wallpaper I used in one of my client projects.
This wall is CRAZY long, but the room is narrow, so I plan on having a custom skirted console made, centered on the wall and flanked by a pair of extra dining chairs from the dining room. The abstract art will go above, and on each side a stacked pair of wide matted mini landscapes.
Time to get ordering!!!
I love the new color of your wall. It’s fresh and friendly.
Greetings from Europe
Daniela
http://www.la-famille-fidele.net
Wow, I’m being annoying today but I just had to look at your room again it’s so beautiful. Total stranger, and you are the decorator, but I’m going out on a limb here about the furniture layout: Were it me I would want to take advantage of all the great views and beautiful windows. The facings sofas is not conducive to that whereas the way they had their sofa and stationary chairs all the main seating would have great views of the room and the outside. The grand piano is fantastic where it is but if the room was not divided into three sections the flow would be so nice and the room would seem so grand. Also I would consider putting a tea table and two chairs that can be moved around in front of the patio door so you could sit facing out, or use it as a card or breakfast table or turn the chairs to face into the room for reading a good book or a private chat. The fire place could be admired from anywhere in the room instead of buried behind the double sofas. The previous owners had not furnished the room completely and had some problems with proportion but overall the idea of their floorplan for the seating does keep the whole space cohesive and take advantage of all it’s charms — all the windows, doors and the fireplace from the seating areas. And, again, that fabric covered table is never going to be worth anything visually although it would be nice for a tea service which can easily be handled by a tea/bar cart or something else instead. Just IMHO. Hope you don’t mind. I just absolutely love this room and the paint nearly made me faint it is so gorgeous. All the best in your home.
Absolutely agree such wonderful wall color, and looking forward to seeing the progress. Your plan looks fantastic! Just curious seeing your books on the shelves… Do you have Swedish heritage (authors Lagerkvist, Heidenstam, Rydberg…) or just simply wonderful Swedish books with great patina for the design ;)?
Thanks for sharing, love your posts and your design. //A reader and fan of yours – in Sweden.
THE PAINT! OMG! Beautiful room and I notice you have so many sources of light that paint color i uniform all around the room. What a fantastic room to decorate. Whoever designed the space knew what they were doing. My guess is you’ll spend a lot of time in there once it is done. Definitely an all day all evening room. And, did I mention — that paint!!
Nice information you are sharing. Keep Updating
That Wales Gray is a beauty. Love it so much with the trim all painted out and that glorious marble surround. How does velvet wear for on sofa? Have been wanting to upholster some chairs in it, but I’ve held off because of my kids. You are tempting me to go for it, Erin!
Not that you are asking me, but Velvet can be super sturdy and great for kids if you do not get real silk velvet (and who does that anymore?). Just watch your fabric blend and, IMHO, make sure the pile looks “real” so you don’t end up with “suedecloth” or some other synthetic looking thing. I would use a high end sample of a cotton/silk velvet on an upholstery back to compare fabrics to and don’t forget to look at sheens. Mine is a bit too matte and slightly sticky when I sit on it although I suppose that will wear down with use.
Erin, your new home is beautiful! I happily lived in my 1910 shingle style home for 33 years now the western burbs, and loved the decorating challenges of huge rooms with lots of millwork and window seats , etc. you are creating lovely interiors. Your colors and lighting, fixtures, are great choices. I had the same English rolled arm George Smith sofa for my LR and also an antique channel back chair as well as wingback chairs and antique Persian rugs. I purchased large neutral wool sisal to cover a large portion of the oak flooring for the LR and the adjoining sun parlor. It was the smartest choice . I am still using it in my Cape Cod home after all those years with three children and dogs and it still looks great after many cleanings. I have been in the furniture and decorating business for forty years. Best wishes to you and your beautiful family. I enjoy your blog and Instagram.
Will you eventually paint the light sockets? Beautiful paint color! love that the trim and walls are the same color.
Where are your sofas from?
Gorgeous! And just want to say, “way to go, momma!” on the box fort. I know that takes a lot of letting go to let him make that and keep it in there, but that creativity is so good and you are a great momma!
Thank you for giving us a glimpse as you turn turn this beautiful space into a warm, inviting home (with it’s own “Box Fort”😊) I love the family chair and the wing backs you chose. They look inviting and cozy. It’s too bad about the wait time, but it will truly be worth it.
Beautiful! that wall color is really stunning. I look at the window seat, and all can think is if you put curtains on either side, what an awesome kid hideout it would be! I can see your littles giggling behind the closed curtains for hours :) Just a fun thought if you need a reason to put curtains there.
Beautiful! Q: Will you bring the mantle birds back, or have the found a new home?
Beautiful room. What is the name of the wallpaper? It’s so pretty.
Beautiful design! I would 100% get the custom cut flat weave wool carpet and you won’t have to wait long for that!
That gray hue is SO incredible…I want to wear it!! The wallpaper backing…perfect jewelry…kiddo, you are on a roll!! Keep the momentum dancing in your mind. franki
Such a beautiful room- love, love , love the paint color. Your plan looks very elegant and inviting. I can’t wait to see it!
Love, Love, Love it!!! Such a serene room and I think the green sofas will be really great in here!! I can’t wait to see it all together!
Beautiful selection! I’m so enjoying seeing you put your stunning home together!
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Love watching your spaces come together!
My grandmother had that exact same chair! My aunt now has it, but I’d love to inherit it one day :) The color of this room is beautiful. Looking forward to seeing everything together.