24 August 2011

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.

2011 For the Blog

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.

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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.

8 comments:

Jen Bontrager said...

Very cool! I'm so impressed. Maybe next time you visit Goshen you could help me out. I'm so not a decorator (unless it is an elementary school bulletin board). Lucky for me, my sis-in-law is a decorator and she lives right next door. Enjoy your new space!

w said...

That IS so calming! I love it! And I'd rather be surrounded by vanilla ice cream than mayonnaise, I think :)

StuckeyBlog said...

I love it! I agree with Jen - wish you could come help me with some decorating advice too! :)

Anonymous said...

You could practically swap out your new room for those inspiration pics you posted. This looks fantastic. I completely agree with the change. I love color, and I love to paint rooms (ok...I love when the mail man paints rooms) but sometimes too much color just makes you feel closed in and cluttered. I think the bright white combo with the vanilla ice cream is brilliant!! Not too white, still warm, very serene.

I dig the wheeled toys by the front door. They are art work in themselves. I also like the round mirror and the yellow chair with the black and cream geo prints. I would consider a geo rug or a colored rug if it were my room, but not too crazy. Maybe not. I don't know. It looks awesome and I love it.

Nathalie said...

Love it! So funny--we were at Kate's house a few weeks ago and she was talking about how she is really into white rooms with pops of color. It's like you too are design twins. And then I'm your copy cat. Except I'm too lazy to paint over anything right now. I digress. Anyway, it's gorgeous and modern and hip and calming and interesting all at one time. I want to come hang out there. (-:

Nathalie said...

I meant you two. Stupid homonyms.

Cottonista said...

Oooh. It looks great! Although your yellow/gold looked cozy, I totally understand the need to redo a room every once in a while. (Don't tell my family I just said that.) And for the record, I have Benjamin Moore mayonnaise slathered all over my house (complemented by barley.) AND I am going to steal your chair.

kate oates said...

Looks good! Nathalie cracks me up. Have you ever thought of spray painting the brass fireplace guard. (What are those called?) Anyway, a friend of mine just painted her's black and it looks great. I think a bright yellow could also be super fun.

ps...Your side table is to die for.

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