Light, Bright Living Room, Part 3

In the last two posts I recounted how, overwhelmed by the plethora of children's toys and adult clutter, I felt compelled to repaint my living room. Fortunately, the Sprout was at the Super Sitter's house for a couple of days in a row. That gave me some blessed time to clear the room, do the prep work, and slather on the paint. Since there are only about eighteen kazillion shades of white, it took me forever to chose a paint color. I stared at little color samples for hours on end. I wanted a bright white but with a hint of warmth to it. Finally, I said "eeny, meeny, miney, mo" and settled on Vanilla Ice Cream (Mayonnaise and Sugar Cookie were close contenders for those of you paint junkies and/or food-names-for-paint junkies).

I've used several different (cheaper) brands in the past, but this time I used Benjamin Moore. I appreciate the staff's knowledge and the customer service at my local Ben Moore store, and I believe they take environmental concerns seriously. I used one of their zero-VOC (including colorants) lines, I think it was the Eco-Spec line. I also painted all the trim a bright white paint that I already had on hand. I was a little disappointed that the walls took three full coats to get the even, light white I was going for.



Of course, re-painting a room means you need to re-style it too, right? So I took a quick trip to IKEA to pick up some photo frames and, um, yeah.... I came home with this pile. I couldn't resist those bold, geometric-print pillows! (Apparently, I couldn't resist a whole lot of other stuff either). I also cleared the mantel, switched out a chair and a rug, and washed the curtains.

Viola! A whole new feel. Here's what the room looks like now. Note the Sprout's "parking lot" for all wheeled vehicles by the front door.





There are still a few tweaks to go. I've got some plans for that mirror over the mantel. And that brass fireplace surround has GOT to go. Someday. Also I'm considering adding some shots of red or green (pillows, art, etc.) to liven it up. But I don't want to undo the bit of tranquility I've brought to this half of the living room.

"Half of the living room?!" you say. Why, yes. Yes, there is another half that is still a work in progress. Perhaps it will get a furniture re-hab and be presentable for blog pictures in the next few weeks. Perhaps. For now I will just enjoy this calm space in a house inhabited by three adults, two two-year-old, and two large dogs. Hey, you take what you can get!

Sources:
Mirror and pillows: IKEA
Couch: Don't remember it's so old, we've had it for at least 10 years. It was our first "adult" furniture purchase.
Chairs, tables and table lamp: Craigslist
Mini-rocking chair: a delightful gift handmade by our friend Michael for the Sprout
Wool Rug: West Elm, moved from a bedroom

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Thoughts? Compliments? Constructive criticism? Bring it on. I'm eagerly awaiting your comments.