We’ve lived in our Dutch colonial for just over a year.
Only now do I feel like it’s almost a home + no longer just a house.
Take our living room. Please.
I’ve got a lot of my must-haves handled,
like having a large area rug to define the seating area,
such as this classic denim one, from Land of Nod.
Another must-have is some stylish way to display my books +stuff.
(I’ve got a lot of books + stuff.)
Exhibit A:
Those shelf things are IKEA art ledges,
+ they’re my go-to for displaying my stuff.
Speaking of which, here are some in our old house’s dining room:
At the Dutch colonial, we now have them flanking my huge, old sorter:
I bought this awesome sorter a bazillion years ago,
for my late, great retail shop, Heart-In-Hand.
We’ve lugged that insanely heavy thing all over the state of Illinois,
where it’s been used in my various + sundry booths in antiques shops.
Believe it or not, this is the first time that its been inside our house!
It’s perfect (even G.O. agrees!)
But wait.
Why on earth would someone turn their books around like that, you’re wondering!
Well this someone did it because I saw this photo on Facebook!
Posted by designer Joe Ruggier, Sr.
(host of my favorite show — HGTV’s Homes Across America)
Now, then. Moving on.
Probably the #1 must-have for one’s living room is a sofa,
don’t you agree?
We recently replaced our old camel back sofa with this one:
Those loose back cushions were must-haves,
as one can fling them off for some spooning time with one’s Dachshund!
Exhibit B:
Exhibit C:
In my dream world, we’d upgrade to a sectional with a chaise,
so G.O. could have a seat next to us!
Exhibit D:
Emery Slipcovered Sectional. https//www.arhaus.com
Epic, don’tcha think?
See this and other cool sectionals here
Now imagine having 2 chaises (no waiting!)
Exhibit E:
Remington with double chaises. https//:www.arhaus.com
Speaking having 2 chaises,
how awesome is this pair of ginormous chaises
inside Tim McGraw + Faith Hill’s Franklin, TN home?
Hooked On Houses
Speaking of must-haves — look at their fireplace!
I love theirs with that fabulous checkered tile.
(Stay tuned for more fireplace musings!)
Meanwhile, look at the exterior of their house!
OMiGosh! I love, love, love it! — but wait.
What say ye about that grand porch on their otherwise rustic home?
Is it too formal for the rustic log home?
I’m on the fence.
Back to my living room for more must-have happiness that I have yet to fulfill:
How shall I incorporate that TV into our living room?
Well, since you asked, here are a few options:
Baumann Media Wall Unit. https//:www.arhaus.com
This cabinet’s awesome industrial style would be a perfect fit for us!
While my heart is set on the cabinet, I could do this, instead —
incorporating the TV into a gallery wall:
Pottery Barn
Go to Pinterest, where there are hundreds of TV-gallery walls.
As for my own TV dilema, defnitely stay tuned, as I shan’t rest until I make it happen!
Remember, this is the before:
REDBIRD 