A View from the Gallery

In this second look at our Florida project, we share the living room, where modern meets classic. (See the first look here!) This couple wanted to mix bold patterns and contemporary pieces with classic antiques, and Dianne knew just what to do!

She started with a classic couch in a neutral pattern. The nailheads add a modern touch and the pillows lend a traditional feel. The neutral color allows for this timeless couch to work as the couple’s taste evolves. The pillows can be replaced with bright, bold patters or with neutrals…the options are endless.

Dianne added classic Louis XVI Bergeres for additional seating. The style of these chairs is always in style, but the bold print makes them fun and adds interest to the room.

The tables range from timeless marble-top pieces to a contemporary gold & antiqued mirror side table. The simplicity of the gold side table allows for a different color without overwhelming the space, and the geometric shape echoes the pattern in the chair.

An easy way to bring a classic feel into a room is with a traditional rug. Dianne paired it with beautiful lamps that tie in the red of the rug.

And of course no room is complete without accessories! Figurines and fresh flowers make a room feel lived in and welcoming.

KEEP READING TO SHOP THIS LOOK!

GET THE LOOK!

Couch: Here

Bergeres: Here and Here

Rug: Here

Side tables: Here and Here

Art: Here, Here, Here, and Here

I love the idea of refreshing your home with new decorating ideas, giving them a lift as the new year begins and breathing new life into a space. But you can’t always buy new furniture or create an entirely new layout for a room, especially when it’s small. However, there are innumerable ways to refresh the feel of a space with a few key adjustments. Here are some of my favorite decorating ways to refresh a room and create good flow:

Trumeau Mirror

Mirrors

Adding a mirror to a room is a great way to open up a space that may feel small or dark. Mirrored surfaces reflect light, and that reflection creates the illusion of more depth. This means a brighter space that feels larger! For a smaller wall, a round mirror with a detailed frame is a perfect option. But if you have the wall space, a gallery mirror is just the thing to really open up a room!

Area Rugs

A new rug is a perfect way to refresh a room! Rugs have a natural way of giving framework to the space they’re in, and all the more-so when it’s a large area rug. They offer an anchoring point for furniture, adding more definition for decorating; they section off areas of the floor to create a natural order. This definition not only helps during the actual decorating or rearranging process, but once complete, our eyes read that change in material or color as a boundary, defining areas as separate spaces. Using patterns and colors in a rug can be another anchor, influencing the room’s overall color palette.

This mirror acts as a focal point as well as creates the illusion of a larger space.

Focal Points

Establishing a focal point within a seating area is a great way to give structure to a room. Fireplaces or TVs are perfect points to focus on and around which to create a gathering place –but be sure to choose just one! This gives the eye a place to settle, relaxing one’s gaze rather than causing it to jump around the room. This also helps direct the flow of the room, as seating and other furniture can be arranged around this point, simplifying the decorating process, and allowing ease of movement.

Clear Entryways

Tidy up your home, beginning with the front door, in! Creating a smooth and clear entryway translates into good energy flow throughout your interior. A principle of Feng Shui, it creates a precedence of serenity from the moment you walk into your house, clearing the mind and allowing you to take a moment to pause and relax when you enter your home. When an entryway is clear it peacefully moves you into the rest of your home and encourages clean, clutter-free spaces throughout the resulting rooms.

The couch and walls are in the same color palette, opening up the room and allowing the pillows and other accent pieces to shine.

What are some of your favorite ways to refresh a room?

You’ve made your investment in gorgeous antique pieces. A timeless Chippendale sofa or an elegant Louis XVI commode…but sometimes you want to refresh your room. Giving a den or living room a new looks doesn’t mean that you have to buy new furniture. These 6 easy ways to update a room will do the trick!

1. Pillows

Throw pillows are an easy fix for any room! if you keep a traditional feel but want to branch out, a bold printed pillow allows you to make a change without making a huge financial commitment. For a different twist on decorating, add bright pops of color using graphic designs or patterns. Either way, you can change the entire mood of an area using different pillows, as well as changing the mood for the season!

2. Coffee Table Redo

If your den or living room needs a subtle change, try redoing your coffee table. First, change the table for a large ottoman with nailheads, or two “X” benches with the same. Invest in gorgeous books, placing a beautiful colored glass bowl on top. Place souvenirs in the bowl from vacations, reminding you of happy times. Add a tray as well to add a safe place for beverages.There are myriad book options that will provide inspiration by relaxing on a cozy sofa.

3. Lamps

Lamps can easily be swapped out for an instant revamp to side tables. The rage now is for Gourd lamps…which were very popular fifty years ago. Flea markets, estate sales and auctions may be the lesser expensive venue for purchasing these lamps.You can also find lamps in any shape, size or color imaginable these days. Be creative and try a pop of color with lamps too.

4. Artwork

Artwork is the easiest way to add color and set the mood of any room. Larger pieces of art can be surrounded by smaller pieces, creating a gallery effect. Sconces and accessories can be used juxtaposed to art as well. For a less expensive approach, enlarge your own photography and use mats to dress them up…then add an elegant frame; this personalizes your work. Use wallpaper; add a mat here as well, and cluster a grouping of four for an elegant look…or use leftover fabric from a project.

5. Walls

Want wallpaper and do not want to make the investment? Completely change the feel of any room by using stencils to create your own design. Use a neutral color and stencil with a color…or vice versa. Either way, you have changed the entire area with a very inexpensive approach to design.

6. Mantle

Change your mantle by clustering vessels of various sizes and shapes. Mercury glass vases look beautiful during the holidays; sea glass gives a calm effect during the summer; milk glass adds a nostalgic touch in a casual setting. Antique stores, home stores or your own attic are places you may find these objects. You can also add greenery or flowers to the vessels, depending upon your mood, and the season.