Living Room Design

I’m definitely not a professional at creating mood boards.   In fact, for my own purposes, I use Pinterest to save and refer to inspiration pictures.   But a relative recently asked for help in redoing her living room so I put together a plan and a design board.  I realize what the professionals already know!  Boards are super helpful to convey your thoughts and help with direction.

Based on specific constraints and requirements (I’ve seen the room in person, but do not have pictures), here’s the guideline I gave her.

1. The color palette will include rich coffee brown, light and calm blue gray, white and pops of color in blue and green.  Since the furniture is dark and a bit heavy, it would be great to see the walls a light and peaceful shade of blue.    Specific options:  Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue, Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray, Benjamin Moore Gray Wisp, Valspar Carolina Inn Club Aqua
2. A plush light colored rug will add comfort, coziness, and help with a light and airy feel by brightening up the room.   Specific options:  Ikea’s Erselv rug,  Overstock’s Cozy Solid Ivory Shag Rug
3. Blue and green accessories add a bright pop.  Look at Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Target for things that strike your aesthetic.  Specific options:  vases pictured are on sale for 7.95 at Crate & Barrel.
4. Hang curtains high and wide over your window to create presence and the illusion of higher ceilings.   (image: YHL)
   Bonus:  add shades at a later date if possible.  Specific options:  You can’t beat Ikea for inexpensive white curtains.  Try the RITVA or VIVIAN.  You can always return them if you don’t like them.
5. An inherited brown couch.
6. Colorful pillows lighten up the dark couch and break things up a bit.   Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Target are great places to look for inexpensive pillows. Specific options:  The pillows pictured here are in the $16-20 range at Pier 1.
7. Adding a side table adds function to the room, giving you a place for remotes and drinks.
8. A room also benefits from different light sources.   Using glass based lamps is versatile and allows you switch décor in and out easily. Specific options:  Lamps pictured here are from Target.   (But Marshalls  & HomeGoods have great lamps!)
9. Art!  Here’s where you bring in all your favorite pieces and photographs.   Create a gallery wall on the wall to the right of the fireplace.   Place the frames from ceiling to floor.  Keep things cohesive by having all frames of the same color (suggested: white).  To cut back on costs, you can spray paint some of the frames you already own. (image: YHL)
10. Place a statement mirror over the fireplace.   It would be great to use a round mirror to break up the hard angles of the rest of the room.  GO BIG.   Put a large piece here.   The added benefit is that the mirror will also reflect light.    Pictured here are 2 options: round and quatrefoil.   Specific options:  Lowes carries a quatrefoil mirror for about $70.   Amazon has this one.  Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Target also are great resources for mirrors.
11. Entertainment center – the homeowner already owned this.  Edit the shelves for a collected look.  Use books, frames, and colorful new green & blue accessories to tie in the theme.
12. Take your time and have fun!

Have you completed a makeover recently?  Do you just jump in or do you come up with a plan first?
-J