I was recently challenged to create a post on my dream living room. I created a beautiful space with freedom to pull from Arhaus and any other products/brands I thought would work. This was an easy assignment, because I love Arhaus and I love design! The kids and I were recently at the mall and as we passed the shop large windows, Reid pointed out, “That’s mom’s favorite store!”
When designing a room, the first thing I do is my research. I pour over pictures, Pinterest, magazines and other people’s homes to see what I like and what I don’t like. I look at color, materials and the overall feel. A living room for me, is a bit more formal in feel. It is a place to use when entertaining or sit quietly with a friend with a steamy cup of tea. It is quiet and beautiful. It can hold more delicate treasures, fabrics and furniture. Very often the dog is not allowed in this space, but cats are a different story.
Layout
The rough layout for my living room design would be anchored with a fireplace and mantel on the far wall. There would be two upholstered couches opposite each other, two side chairs, a coffee table pulling the room together in the middle. I would have a large piece of art or a mirror over the mantel, formal curtain panels, a soft rug, and delicate accessories. Here is an idea of the overall layout of the space. Image via Pinterest.
Sofa
When I am ready to start purchasing pieces, I always start with the sofa. I love a beautiful sofa, but more importantly, it has to be comfortable. No one wants to sit on an itchy or hard sofa. I would select something like this from the Arhaus collection.
OUTERBANKS 86″ UPHOLSTERED SOFA IN LINDY NATURAL
I love this classic English roll arm design. If you start with a neutral, you can build your room easily from there without being constrained by a color or pattern. You color can come in the form of pillows and accessories.
Gilt Coffee Table
I love the idea of having a delicate, gold coffee table and side tables. This is the next item I would pick to shape my room. It is airy and light.
Side Chairs
I would next pick upholstered side chairs to flank the fireplace. This is a place where I would do maybe a bit of pattern, but nothing that would take away from the luxury of the room. I am in love with these animal print chairs.
Old Hickory TanneryColleen Chair
Accessories
At this point, I would start laying some of my essential accessories like a large painting or mirror for above the fireplace. I think I would choose a mirror to continue my bright design. A paned mirror like this from Arhaus gives an architectural look as well as the reflection, which will make the room look larger.
36″ X 78″ TEAK ARCHED WINDOW PANE MIRROR
I want wood on the floor and an area rug. In an ideal world, I would find a FAUX sheepskin rug to layer in there too (I have yet to find a faux one that looks real and is beautiful.)
The curtains should be a more formal material like silk, linen, etc. I would not choose a cotton in this room because it will look too casual.
The coffee table is the perfect place to place special memorabilia and books about your favorite subjects. This is also the place to put a little flower bouquet or a plant for some green. I love accessories like this below:
PINECONE SMALL TEALIGHT HOLDER
For more living room inspiration check out my “Arhaus Living Room Board” on Pinterest found here. I have more inspiration and images to help if you are working on your own living room.
A bit boring. Cut the room down the middle and you have a mirror image. I would feel very uncomfortable sitting in this room. Nothing says family…even thou the family wouldn’t use this room.
Christen-
Where have you gone…we miss your wonderful posts??? Nothing for almost 5 weeks. I hope all is well in your world? My question is only coming from a place of kindness and concern.