Moving to a new place is exciting, for me it is like a blank canvas that I can put my artistic touches on. The house, although brand new, is very sterile. It needed some life...some pizzazz. I was originally contemplating on adding more bolder and brighter colors, just like what we did in our former home in Lucca, however, I have decided that the muted color of the wall will be a great backdrop for yet another new design idea. The neutral palette of a, somewhat, creamy color with a tinge of brown and a hint of olive green.
Everyone close to me know that I am someone who loves a good bargain. Yeah, call me cheap, but I like to make our home comfortable and livable, yet elegant in its own way without breaking the bank. I like decorating our home with things that we love, things that speak of who we are, things that when you see you would say...ahh that is really her, or that is really what he likes, and those are really who they are. My husband, daughter, and I are all into decorating our home so that it does not intimidate those who visit us. We love to make our guests feel comfortable so friends and loved ones do not have to worry about avoiding things that may break, scratch or stain easily.
This is our 15th move and most of our things from our very first home are still with us. It is not really about sentimental value alone, but we bought things that can last. Even after several moves, some with professional movers and others with hired helpers, some dings and dents now appear on some of our furniture. Fortunately, those dings, dents and scratches all the more added to the stories associated with each piece. For example, I can tell you the broken piece of wood from one of the legs of our dining room chair is from when my husband dropped it accidentally on our 13th move. I found the small piece of wood that flew off, however, instead of gluing it back to the chair I kept it inside our China cabinet. I think part me me is saying-- to let it be...the imperfections can add to the history of the pieces that we own. That is why some of the scratches and holes remain just the way they were when they first appeared, as long as they are not unsightly.
As you see in this photo, I have decided to keep it toned down. The red mahogany baby grand piano tucked in one corner. Behind it is a series of framed art purchased almost 10 years ago from Target. These are not super expensive art pieces, but they are just a few of those that I cherish. In each of our house since I bought those art pieces, I hung them up on the wall either all four lined up straight, two on top of the other, diagonally, or two of each flanking a big mirror at the entrance of our home in Amberidge, Antioch. The frames are made of plaster painted with grayish brown color. The prints (Grecian urns) have hues of browns and grays.
We covered the windows with 3-inch slats faux-wooden white blinds. I like the fact that they are low maintenance and cost a lot lower than my all-time favorite plantation shutters. The blinds are topped with moldings to add character to the finished look. I then searched high and low for the curtains. I finally found these beautiful curtains from Walmart at $8.88 a piece! I used a brushed nickel curtain rod that my husband installed five inches from the top of the window. The curtains are 84 inches long, but I needed at least 95 inches, which are more expensive and harder to find. When I found these Walmart curtains, they have built-in valances, which added about 14 inches to the length if I hang them upside down, which is exactly what I did. Even at close inspection, you could not tell that I flipped it upside down unless I let you in on the secret. The fringes from the valance look beautiful at the bottom. I chose the dark chocolate brown color so it can anchor the room well and make it more cohesive.
I placed decorative pillows on the sofa, love seat, and wing back chair. Believe it or not, these decorative pillows were bought as part of a bed-in-a-bag set from Anna's Linens. I love the square black pillows with golden-brown damask prints. The cream round tufted pillows have gray floral prints. The brown wooden coffee table commands the center of the seating arrangement. I placed a brown bowl with its inner lined gilded in gold. I placed holiday glittered balls in this picture because it was taken last winter; however, today it is empty.
The lighting used here is a lamp with a base made of clay painted in mauve color placed on the side table. I tied a tassel around the neck of the lamp. Some of the accessories next to it are a couple of Venetian vases given to us by my in-laws from their European trip. The orange colored frosted glasses mixed with brass handles and ornamentation are features that make them unique. A beaded handmade trinket box with orange and green colored beads from India gifted by one of my employees complete the trio.
Below is another view of the living room. This time showing the round piece of artwork hanging above the sofa. It is a black painted carved wood given by my mother-in-law. She says it is a fertility sign. I am still searching for the perfect piece toput below it, which is why I hung it higher than normal.
I did not add an area rug since the chocolate brown carpet is enough to soften the room. The area rug may just make it look chopped up. Someday, when our budget permits, I will change those builder carpets with dark-stained hardwood floors, but for now, they will do.So, as you can see, this may be our "formal" living room, but it is so inviting and comfortable to sit in, spend quality time together, listen to my daughter play the piano and read a book.
