Decorating With Neutrals – A Cottage Living Room Makeover
After living in a sea of aqua… then being surrounded by festive Christmas decor during the the holidays, I was ready for some calm. I knew when I removed the vibrant aqua rug to decorate for the holiday season, I wanted something much simpler to replace it in when the New Year came around. Christmas came and went, and I ended up stripping the living room bare, I lived with it that way for a few weeks. While I thought on it and decided what I wanted to do.
I actually shared a iphone snapshot on the Fox Hollow Cottage Faceboook page of it stripped naked. Here is the sad, bare, low-light picture of which I speak… the only bright spot being my birthday roses.
The first thing that I did when I was finally ready to re-build the room, was start from the ground-up, by adding a new rug. I’d been looking and looking, for what I hoped would be the perfect rug. I wanted a light color, very neutral, but not white. While I love the idea of white rug… I wanted something I wouldn’t have to stress over.
After lots of looking I decided on this understated pattern. I’m almost always thinking ahead and I started looking well before I was going to need it. I never know how log it’ll take me to find something I like. The one I finally decided on, was actually one of several I shared on Facebook while I was shopping and comparing options. It was voted a favorite! It’s an”over dyed” rug style that has some interest without being too printed. It’s got kind of vintage vibe. An aged feel, like the pattern had been worn away over time.
Sort of a “fresh & new”… with a looks old bonus!
The rug arrived tightly rolled and wrapped in very heavy plastic. When I un-rolled it, it relaxed quite easily. I added a book to two of the corners overnight and it was flat the next morning. It didn’t have an overly strong order either and I was really thankful for that!! It’s not a thick/plush style, and I think it would work really well for the layered-look that is really popular right now. I could see a sheepskin rug layered right on top!
It’s velvet soft, very smooth and feels divine on bare feet.
As much as I love our hardwoods, there is nothing that pulls this room together and anchors it like an area rug. We lived with it bare from some time, but after seeing what that first rug did, I was pretty sure I wouldn’t go without again. I like that my pick walks the line between warm and cool, without committing to any one color family. I’m crossing my fingers it plays nice with more color when and should I choose to add it. We’ll see how well it morphs with the room as I bring in Spring decor. When I’m ready. Because while I’d love a sisal rug during Spring and Summer… I’ve only got so much room and I really can not be starting a rug collection. Regardless of what a little home decor whor collector I am. My home decor storage room is not equipped to house area rugs! In fact, I’ve spent the last few weeks purging, again. The good deals and thrift store finds I keep finding (because I’m accidentally on purpose out looking) are killing me…
After adding the rug, I moved onto the sofa and decided I wanted to keep the pillows a little more minimal then I usually do. Gasp!! I know. It took great restraint on my part. Aren’t you proud?
I used three feather-filled toss pillows. They have a beautiful sheen and the gold is very subtle. The fabric is a linen blend, shot through with golden metallic. And I love the gold, it’s very pale. Not harsh or brassy.
I’ve been holding onto this bell for months. I do that. Pick something up… knowing I’ll have it to look forward to using in the future. Do you ever buy things, and hold on to them to use later?
I liked the beat up texture and the rope handle. I added some estate sale art I picked up even further back! The frame is a much deeper gold, and a little bit brassy. I think it adds to the layers in the room and keeps them from being too monotone. I added one of my ever present lantern and the only marble I can afford in my house… and ta-da. The table is dressed.
Oh, and my little variegated Ficus? It is so happy to be back in the living room after a Christmas time-out exile to the bathroom while a mini tree took its place for the holidays.
For the coffee table, I pulled out my rattan and glass hurricanes. It’s too early for sand or sea glass (in my opinion). I’m in no hurry to tromp over Winter.. forget Spring and barrel into Summer. I added dried roses.. the tones were pretty and they speak to me of things to come. I saved them from my January birthday bouquet.
Sometimes things are meant to be and I ran into an additional bell, in another shape! I took it as a sign and bought it. This particular shade of gold is so pleasing to me. I know I’m going to get a lot of enjoyment out of them.
I happened upon not one, but two, crystal accented cake stands, on clearance. Which was doubly lucky! Sometimes just finding them at all can be hard, but on clearance too? I was a happy shopper let me tell you! I planned on painting them white… but they already found homes, without so much as a touch-up. Not sure if they will be getting a makeover or not?
– Do you ever want something you’ve got to be like, five different colors?
Or is that just me? Because it happens to me all the time!! I’d love these as-is, in gold, black, aqua and maybe pale pink. Not too much to ask right? When I really like something I swear I want it everywhere.
I’m not usually a printed word pillow girl. Even though, lord knows I am a pillow lover!!!! This one was love at first site though. haha. No pun intended. The black and white is timeless, classic and I can see it adapting well to multiple decor choices.
I love it with the black & white houndstooth patterned pillow cover I made. Paired together, I think they balance each other really well.
Next, I set my sights on my wood topped iron table. Let me pause a second here and say I am so glad I went with the Silver Mink paint color on it. It’s proved to be a wonderful neutral!! After painting the apothecary cabinet drawers with it, and them being such a great accent, I kind of thought it might be perfect.
I’ve looked and looked for an F, O and X. When I found a J, S and A. I figured that was good enough! I liked the washed-out, distressed silver finish and the rippled faces. Sold! Everyone is covered, all initials are present. Plus, now we can always remember our names. Or at least the letter they start with. {winks}
You might notice when I like something, I buy more than one. Funny thing is, it’s usually not all at the same time, or even the same place. My collections grow over time.
I like to use similar things, similar colors, finishes and textures. It makes decorating easier that way, because things flow. It’s also easier to get a balanced visual weight in a room when you are working with similar items placed around a space. It makes it less likely that you will get too heavy on one side of a room and too light on another.
Vase filler here is; battery operated fairy lights, a diy mini canvas and a roll of sheet music. The Fox might be better suited to a nursery. But I love it. Love it! The sweet Fox face makes me smile. I made a variety for the Spring show, but this wee Fox is mine.
Right now… this space feels so serene to me. It’s reflective of the season and what my mind and spirit are craving. It’s a quiet place to relax and reflect. While the boys have the den, I would definitely say this is my spot in the house. The big chair and a half is the best spot to curl up and indulge in a good book or a favorite TV show. This is my Downton Abbey, Once Upon A Time… Outlander viewing spot for sure.
Thank you so much for stopping by today! As always, it would not be the same without you. It sure wouldn’t be much fun blogging to myself! I hope you are doing something fun in your own home. Whether it’s tweaking furniture placement, painting… a total overhaul or hunting for that just-right treasure to make your home even more enjoyable for yourself or your family.
Blessings, Shannon
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Sources:
- Area Rug – HERE affiliate link
- Gold Linen Pillow – HomeGoods/TJ Maxx
- Lantern – HomeGoods/TJ Maxx
- Bells – Marshall’s and Ross Dress For Less
- Marble Coasters (set of 4) – Ross Dress For Less
- Gold Frame – HomeGoods/TJ Maxx
- Cake Stands – HomeGoods/TJ Maxx
- LOVE Pillow – Paint Me Pink
- Hurricanes – Ross Dress For Less & HomeGoods/TJ Maxx
- Nicole Miller Monogram Letters – HomeGoods/TJ Maxx
- Gold Hex Lamp – Nate Berkus for Target, Threshold
- Round Wall Mirror – 55 Downing Street
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Beautiful Shannon! The neutrals look so great with your pretty floors! Love it all. I am wanting to paint walls and do a bit of redecorating around here. (I dare not tell my poor husband…although surely he won’t be surprised! 😉 )
xo
Nancy
becca says
I love your neutral room, Shannon! Your new rug is fabulous … perfect anchor! And, your bells are the perfect addition (yup, I’m like you … buy now and use later)! Your pillows are awesome, too … it’s all (as always) amazing. The perfect “Mom” retreat, for sure!