Sunday, March 16, 2014

LIVING ROOM REVEAL (FINALLY)!!


Starting out small, here's my old cabinet and in front is the Louis XVI chair I bought for the desk at the lakehouse.  I have adopted it as my own for this house...what can I say?  It's LOVE!
 


You can see the new coffee table.  A big departure for me because I just love old, distressed wood. I never thought I'd have a glass table but my designer daughter convinced me that it would make the room look more open and the legs, which are iron with a hand painted silver finish would tie in with the rest of the metals.  In my next post I'll give you a few close ups of everything...I didn't want to bombard you with a zillion pictures.

Other than the new tables and some accessories, the only other things I bought were the curtains from Pier 1.  Oh, my gosh.  How I searched and searched and pondered patterns and colors and then one day I was there and went through the curtain panels and there they were.  It's hard to see, and I will show you another time, they are a creamy sheers with embroidered jute vines.  This is how I added texture to a room that is pretty neutral.  And they puddle on the floor, another new thing for me.  Now let me ask...does this look too cluttered?  I keep playing with things every time I walk into the room!

 






Now, you need to hear about all the mistakes I made along the way. :)  You know I ordered a big old jute area rug.  We cleared out the room, rolled up my cream colored wool rug and lugged it downstairs.  Then we hauled the jute one up and unrolled it, all 9 X 12 of it.  OMG!  It was way too huge and the color reminded us of cardboard.  It was a small weave so from afar it really did look like a huge piece of cardboard on the floor.  I couldn't take it.  We rolled it back up and reversed the whole process... down with the jute and up with the wool, 2 flights of stairs.  And now I have to re~wrap this beast and lug it to the post office to return it.  

And remember the painting?  I so wanted a floral painting to add some color and life.  I eyeballed the space above the fireplace and thought the painting on canvas I liked at Bed Bath & Beyond online would be perfect.  It came and it was humongous.  And as I sat and stared, cocking my head from left to right, I just knew it wasn't me.  So I'm off to return that.  

So there you have it!  Thanks for all your comments on my last post...all of you seemed so sweet and sincere about wanting to  see the changes.    Maybe because I've been doing the proverbial crying on your shoulder thing about how I am afraid of color and pattern and making big decisions.  I'll probably never change. ;-)

I'll be back later in the week with some close ups, probably my normal blah blah blah randomlings and a few pictures of some new rabbit food recipes.

Happy St. Paddy's Day, everyone!  The Chicago River is being dyed green as we speak.  I'll share a picture next time.  The parade is tomorrow but since we're in the 20's, I'll be a no show I'm sure.

Joining these parties:


Cindy at Dwellings~The Heart Of Your Home...Amaze Me Monday
Brenda at Cozy Little House...Tweak It Tuesday
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life ...Inspire Me Tuesday
Kim at Savvy Southern Style...Wow Us Wednesday

XO,
Jane 






87 comments:

NanaDiana said...

Jane- I think it looks great. You have lots of nice touches throughout. I hope you do show us a close up of the curtains though. I think that pattern sounds really interesting and neat.

I hear you about the rug. I don't know how many times I have done that over the years- more times than I want to count.

Your mantle looks great- I don't know that you really need a picture because it looks great just as you have it.

Hope you have a wonderful job, Jane...and BTW- I love the clean new look to your blog. It looks really good! xo Diana

Linda said...

It is all BEAUTIFUL!!! Warm and cozy and inviting!!! JUST as I knew it would be because THIS is where BLONDIE lives!!!

Debby said...

Jane, it looks just beautiful. I like the mix of thing. It does really look cozy. You and Emily have done a nice job.

Kelly said...

Yay! You finally are done to show us your beautiful new living room! It looks great. I love how you styled your mantel and I love your TV cabinet. Sounds like there will be a lot of celebrating going on tomorrow in Chicago. I can't imagine how much dye it takes to turn the river green!

Vel Criste said...

Lovely Jane, you did a terrific job on this one! I kinda see what you mean about the painting for the fireplace, that fireplace of yours is already ginormous, so you can't put a huge pice up top too, it will just clash, love your vignette right now and those orbs are my favorite! Your coffee table looks great, truly opened up the space more! I agree with the rug, may make the room feel cramped. I have jute rug for the summer but my living room is huge and i have very dark floors, so for me, it works. I also like your curtains dear, you should be very pleased with your updates! ENJOY!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

It looks great, Janie! I think you girls did a super job on the makeover. Love the new pieces and the orbs. It all works so well, and I can tell how excited you are to have this done. Yea! Can't wait to see the closeups. :-)

You had me laughing about the sisal rug looking like cardboard (my IPAD just spelled it "car lard") and turning your head left and right with the BBB painting. LOL!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

xo

Sheila

Betsy Brock said...

How very nice! That was a great project to finish up! Looks cozy and fresh!

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! Oh, how beautiful your living room looks! Love your new coffee table and it does look gorgeous in your room! Glad you kept that pretty little chair with you! ;)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia;)

Unknown said...

LOVE this room Jane -- great job :)

Blessings!
Gail

Stacey said...

It's so pretty! I love the fabric on your sofa but you had that already, right? What a good piece to start with. Your new tables are perfect. Emily was right about the glass table. I'd have a glass table too but my husband always nixes that idea. Your mantel looks so pretty. I really like the combination of the frames and those cool spherical candelabras.

It was and still is a lot of work but your room turned out great. Now go take those things back. That's the hardest part!! :)

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh what a pretty room. I love it, and I do love the new tables. You've done a beautiful job, this room is gorgeous. Hugs, Marty

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

Jane, it looks beautiful and welcoming - it's certainly a place where I'd be comfortable drinking a glass or two of wine!

Unknown said...

How gorgeous Jane. A lovely inspiration, and just in time for Spring. It's just around the corner. Your living room looks beautiful.
Karen

Lynne said...

Gosh...I find myself catching up here!

Your living room looks amazing!
You and your sweet (talented new design manager daughter) Emily did a wonderful job! I was able to enlarge the photographs by clicking, so I could see most of the new details up close! I love the natural touch of the draperies with the wood fireplace.

I think Emily was right on about the glass table. It does open the room!

The accessories on the mantle will transcend through the seasons beautifully. I love the lanterns and candlelight!

More catching up...

Congratulations to Emily on her well deserved promotion! Her selfie is adorable!

Your pretty hydrangeas are from my neck of the woods! Concrete is a cute little town on the way to the North Cascade mountains.

Happy St.Patrick's Day!
withLove!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Jane,
The room looks outstanding! I really love those round end tables and the cabinet that holds your tv has great style too. Now, you can sit back, build a fire, watch some tv and enjoy every minute in there.

Blessings,
Linda

Lynn said...

Very pretty Jane! I'm lovin' the little round tables, great tops and gorgeous color-enjoy:@)

Theresa said...

I am so excited to get to see your room:) IT IS GORGEOUS! I love that cabinet and LOVE the metal orbs on the mantel! Great job girlies! Enjoy your new room! HUGS!

Sonny G said...



It was worth the time you spent. Love your choices and it looks like you. Pretty and fresh~! enjoy every moment in your fab new room.

xoxo
Sonny

Rita C at Panoply said...

♣ Top of the morning to ya, Jane! ♣
I love reveals, and you can never have too many pictures!
I really like the rug and new tables. It definitely looks all pulled together the way you have the Xs on the corner cabinet, the coffee table, the orbs on the mantle, and the bar stools in the kitchen. I think you have just the right amount of color with the couch. I don't envy you trying to return that rug - maybe you should try selling it instead? The hassle may outweigh any $ lost (if at all) in the end, just sayin'.....

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Oh my goodness it all looks wonderful...you and your daughter did such a lovely job! She is right about the coffee table...it's just perfect and that floral sofa ? I can see why you want to retain it. If I'd ever falls apart I'd get another one just like it. Everything looks very polished and put together YET warm, relaxed and cozy at the same time.

JoAnne said...

It looks wonderful, Jane. I love how you mixed the metal and wood in the room - especially the reclaimed wood tables. Perfect arrangement on your mantel too. It's all very pretty! BTW ~ we love your "blah blah blah randomlings" - really!

Julie Marie said...

It's absolutely beautiful Jane!... no, I do not think it is too cluttered, it's cozy, warm and inviting looking... and I love that you have your tv right out there in the open!... a real house where real people live!... ours is right out there too... your new coffee table is pretty... I have never had a glass one, but yours goes so nicely with the entire room... I love all of your little added touches that make your house a home... now, you just need to grab your cup of coffee and sit in there and admire all of your hard work!... it's stunning!... xoxo Julie Marie

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

It looks great, Jane! Was the hubby disappointed to lose that chair? : ) I love it and can't blame you for keeping it for yourself.

Deb said...

such a gorgeous room! I LOVE the metal orbs & fireplace ~ everything looks so welcoming.

sweetvintageofmine said...

Hi Jane, You have a beautiful home! I love the open room to the kitchen. It's such a warm and inviting place to say come and sit! A beautiful soft cottage look with a mix of great pieces. Very pretty! Blessings~~~Roxie

It's me said...

Wowwwww it looks great !!!...love from me...x !

Susie said...

Blondie, It all looks great. I know you have worried some. If you love it, you can work it into what you are looking to achieve...that is a decorating idea I heard a long time ago. But just as you have discovered, some times you see the item you want just will not fit the space, as in your picture you mentioned. I hope you enjoy this room , seems many of us like it. :):) xoxo,Susie

podso said...

Jane it looks wonderful. Warm, light, inviting and comfortable and cozy. All high on my list of what a room should be. You did a great job! And how nice to have a decorating daughter to give input.

Claudia said...

Looks absolutely lovely, Jane. Beautifully done and cozy, to boot!

xo
Claudia

Anonymous said...

its beautiful everything is beautiful, I love the color scheme, so soft and lovely!Full of treaures an unique pieces that are so very "you"I just saw the green river on the news!!!!

Donna said...

Your living room turned out just beautiful, Jane! I love your corner tv console, and your fireplace mantle vignette is perfect! You are so lucky to have a designer for a daughter!

Susan Freeman said...

It looks beautiful ~ all fresh and happy waiting for spring. I can imagine you sitting in your newly decorated room and just taking it all in.

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Well, you certainly can't ask me whether it looks cluttered or not, because I have way more stuff than you, and that space below the floating shelf would bug me, too. Ha! I try to clean up spaces and get rid of stuff, but it just doesn't work for me. I see a blank wall, I gotta hang something. I see an empty corner, I gotta put something there. :) It's fun to change things up, though I gotta say, I haven't done that in a while. I used to rearrange the living room all the time, but the way it is now works best so I've left it alone. Sure wish I could have a green beer. :) Sending warm wishes your way, Tammy

Deserae said...

Everything looks so beautiful.....LOVE it all :o) Have a great week!!
~Des

Melanie said...

I love your living room, Jane - it's beautiful! It's definitely not too cluttered. I agree with Emily about the glass coffee table - it makes the room look more open and airy. Great job, you two!

Primitive Stars said...

Well my friend, was worth the wait. Looks beautiful Jane, so comfy cozy. If I visited you, would not want to leave, Hugs Francine.

Bliss said...

Think I've been working on a living room redo for 10 years now. No danger of finishing any time soon either. Wanna do mine?

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

It pulled together so nicely. I love the new tables. I clicked on your pictures and they enlarged, so I could see the pattern on the drapes. Pretty!

p.s. I also saw a Zappo box ;-) get new shoes?

Unknown said...

It turned out beautiful!
Loving all the elements - that coffee table's gorgeous - and those orbs are out of this world.
Love love love your chair too - as well as the t.v. stand.
ALL OF IT !!!!!!
Great job!
XOX

Unknown said...

Oh and at least it was just a carpet you have to roll up and return - I had a kitchen floor installed that I couldn't live with - 3 weeks later it was lifted and another floor laid - now that's an over the top huge mistake lol
xxx

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Love your style Jane - so pretty and cozy. Those orbs are so interesting - what a great find! Irish blessings to you today :-)

20 North Ora said...

Your room looks lovely! Really like all of your new pieces. Don't you just hate having to return items?

Great work!!

Judy

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Oh Jane your living room looks beautiful...love that pretty chest in the first shot and love the way you styled your mantel!! Great job!!

Traci said...

It looks great!!! I have a really hard time picking out rugs. Which means, I don't have many! I saw some pictures over the weekend of the river. So cool!

Unknown said...

Jane,
Your room looks wonderful! No it's not too much clutter. I was looking at the photos and thinking, "I wish I could have just a few accessories out"! I think everything looks just right!! Love the blue you are using, and those orbs are beautiful. You and Emily did a fantastic job!!

White Ironstone Cottage said...

Looks great sweet Jane its so funny how one change can have a domino effect causing bigger change but it is worth it in the end!!!
xo
Pam

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

Jane, your living room is gorgeous. It does not look cluttered at all. It looks warm and inviting. I think the chippy window would look good underneath the shelves. I love the simplicity of your mantel. And I can relate to buying and returning things. I am always changing my mind or things look different than I had hoped. I look forward to your next post on the close ups. Have a great week Jane!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

It looks absolutely warm and lovely, beautiful!... I love what you did on the mantle. Might copy!

Balisha said...

Everything is beautiful. It is so cozy and warm looking. Enjoy it now....sit and relax...the job is over.
Balisha

Debbie said...

Oh Jane, I really like what you've done!! It all looks so cozy and warm. It doesn't look cluttered at all. You've done a wonderful job of pulling everything together.
xo

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

Hi, Jane! What a cozy, comfortable beautiful space! Love those orbs on the monster fireplace. :) They look so pretty lit. Rugs are such a hard purchase to make! I know what you mean about the jute though. We bought two smaller jute rugs for the kitchen but I'm a barefoot gal come warmer weather and I'm a little worried about how I'm going to like them by summer time. :) I may be rug hunting again soon, too!

Town and Country Gals said...

Jane,
for all the trials and tribulations, it turned out fabulous, very warm and cozy! How fun to have help from your talented daughter! I know you'll really enjoy spending time in there!
Rebecca

Scribbler said...

Love your new coffee table -- your designer daughter steered you right. I don't blame you about that jute rug -- I don't like them.

This room looks cozy and inviting.

Maria Elena said...

Jane, your living room looks beautiful! You really did a great job putting things together. I love the TV cabinet and your fireplace looks so pretty. What a great room you have created!

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Wonderful, Jane! I really love that it's not all matchy-matchy, and you've done a wonderful job of combining different styles and textures. It makes the room so cozy and very inviting.

Kathleen Grace said...

I think the room is beautiful, and I have to say, I know you are probably tired of that old rug but it was one of the first things I noticed and I think it looks beautiful. Love those globe candleholder things on the mantel, so pretty! There are so many pretty touches, the throws, the glass coffee table, the curtains...I love it all!

farmhouse-story said...

it look so lovely, jane! love your fireplace, curtains and tv cabinet:)

the rustic woods and metals go so well together. too bad the painting was too large--it was beautiful. have a great week!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

You mantel is so lovely!! Sorry about the rug. Sounds like you are burning calories with all that rug moving!

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Hi Jane, I love the choices and I always have trouble with rugs.lol The Mr. just shakes his head when I come thur the door with another one!

Leslie said...

Love it! I really like those orb light fixtures on your fireplace, your TV hutch is adorable, and your styling is so cute! Great job! So inviting.

Wanda said...

Jane, just so warm and inviting. You and your daughter had created something so special.

You must want to spend all your time in there just enjoying the finished product.

So very lovely.

bj said...

It looks great. I know you are so proud of all the new items...love your coffee table. The mantel looks amazing.
Good job, sister friend.
xoxo

Our Neck of the Woods said...

It looks so awesome! I love that reclaimed wood on the round end table. So beautiful! And your fireplace mantle is gorgeous!

chateau chic said...

Jane, your living room turned out beautiful! Perfect coffee table, adding a different texture and more airy. Of course you'll be tweaking every time you go in that room...that's what we do! :-))
Mary Alice

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
Well, it's about time that we saw more of your home!!! I've been waiting and when I saw your post I just had to hurry over. It's so pretty! I love everything about the room and all of the textures and mixed designs. It is so you.
I could just walk right in and grab one of those pretty throws and curl up on your curvy sofa.

Can't wait to see the up close pics.

hugs
Sissie

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Jane I loved everything in that room. It's perfect. Homey and warm and comfortable..yes, perfect! Oh..and I saw the box sitting on the table from Zappo's. :) One is sitting on the floor next to my computer chair as I write this but alas the little silver evening slippers must go back. Isn't Zappo's great?
Wouldn't it be great to have a place that sold things for homes in the exact same way? :) Just a thought..
Hugs!
Mona

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Oh, I've been waiting for this post! Everything looks great! I really do like the glass coffee table. It totally opens up the space. And those metal orbs on your mantel...LOVE!! Those are gorgeous! Can't wait to see a close up of the curtains. You've done a great job!

Susan Shull said...

Pretty!

Ricki Treleaven said...

Wow, Jane. I have always loved your "moister fireplace," and the mantel vignette is absolutely perfect and it's *you*. So pretty!

You should be thrilled with your pretty living room. It is so pretty and serene.

xo,
RJ

Marigene said...

I ♥♥♥ every bit of it, Jane! I have no knack for decorating and my house surely shows it. I really like the new coffee table, and I am sure it does make the area look bigger than a solid topped one. Thanks for sharing...how did your hubby like it?

Terra said...

Your decorating is turning out very pretty; I like the furniture with the floral fabrics.

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

So pretty Jane! Warm, cozy, just perfect! I haven't purchased a rug yet for the great room, that's such a hard one to get right. Love the coffee table too! Thanks so much for sharing at Amaze Me Monday...
Blessings,
Cindy

RURAL said...

It's a beautiful room, and you have done a great job....I'm kind of enamored of your TV stand...hmmmm.

Love the glass table, it opens up the room.

Girl you are talented!

Jen

Mary said...

…oh come on Jane, bombard us with more pics, we love them, and enjoy your commentary even more!!! The room is looking fabulous - perhaps I need Emily here - she's got a great eye and I love what she helped you pick out, especially the TV stand and coffee table.

As far as buying big items online - Bob hates me doing that in case they have to be returned, and need to have free shipping both ways or he's doubly upset! How is A about that? Returning a rolled rug won't be easy girl!!!! Right now I'm awaiting an oak (yes I do still do some natural woods - don't paint everything!) CD/DVD cabinet for the office. It has doors which I like rather than the previous open fronted one, and is from Target online (great reviews re: quality etc.). I pray it works, but if not we can lug it to the Target across the street! They don't carry it in the store which is why I had to do it this way!

Love and hugs from very chilly, ice, rainy Raleigh.

Mary X

Sue said...

It is all just perfect! I love the arrangement on the mantel and your new tables look great. You have worked so hard pulling this together and you did it! You should be so proud of yourself!

I am having a week of down time post wedding but then have to kick it in to gear and start going through and getting rid of! It is going to be a long project and not easy, so I need to get started.

Jacqueline said...

Jane, it turned out so beautifully! I just love your mantel and how you decorated it. Isn't it nice to sit back and enjoy it now?

Chris said...

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http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

Art and Sand said...

I am in love with the orbs on either side of the mantel - what fun finds.

EVERYTHING looks great!

awal.ny said...

The living room looks wonderful. I had a sofa with the same pattern only a darker version. I loved it until my son a toddler at the time took a marker to it. And then there were slipcovers. I love the orbs on the mantel. Have a wonderful week. Alaina

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Jane, love your new room. Everything is gorgeous. Love the sofa position! The mantel looks great and just right without a picture.
So inviting and a fresh look for spring. You did an amazing job!!
Happy First Day of Spring.
Hugs!

Beth said...

Jane, you and your hubby and Emily have done a bang-up job creating a beautiful and functional space to enjoy. Love your fireplace and couch. The mantel looks very nice. Great job, it looks traditional, warm, and inviting!
Hugs, Beth

Anonymous said...

You did an absolutely wonderful job of decorating your room. It is nice to know that I'm not the only one who has to take things back that don't work in a room like you thought they would.

Unknown said...

It is so cozy! I love it.
You and daughter did a great job of blending old and new. And I happen to like the little floral sofa. :)

~Liz

Unknown said...

It is so cozy! I love it.
You and daughter did a great job of blending old and new. And I happen to like the little floral sofa. :)

~Liz

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

It looks GREAT!!!

You have done a wonderful job at selecting the right pieces. Well done! YAY!!!

Unknown said...

Ahhh Jane-this looks so cozy and pretty. You did a beautiful job. I'm on my way over for a little cozy chat (I wish!) ;)
xx, Heather

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

Beautiful! I love the soft colors and the fireplace is amazing!!