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
michelle says
This space is absolutely serene Shannon. Thanks for sharing!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thank you for your sweet comment ~Shannon
Debbie says
I’d love to cozy up and watch tv or read a book here! So cozy and calming! Beautiful!!
Debbie
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Austie likes to some flop on the sofa and watch TV with me.. I got him into watching Once Upon A Time with me!!
laura@top this top that says
love all the serene calmness prettiness in that room. where did you get that tray on the arm chair. love that?
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I got that at an estate sale!! I think. Wait… maybe Goodwill. I’ll have to ask Jim if her remembers, we were all over that day. But it was like $2!!!! It fits my fat sofa arm too and it’s already much loved. Thanks Laura! ~Shannon
Tina at Home Sweet Home 14 says
I am in love with that rug!! The room looks great!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Hi Tina! Thank-you, hope you are well!
Kimberly ~ Serendipity Refined says
Gorgeous room! I love the rug and, for the record, I NEED those bells! I like the way the gold gives the room a soft sheen without being overpowering and the black and white gives it just a little contrast. It’s a perfect transitional room for this time of year. Thanks, too, for providing sources…I’m off to search for bells! xo
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Good luck! Hope you run into some. Unless you used all your luck scoring that freaking AWESOME piece you are going to use over the bath/shower. That is exquisite. I can’t wait to see that in place. It’s going to be a show stopper!!
Kim says
Simply gorgeous, Shannon! I think it’s a serene, cozy and yet elegant space. Love the rug!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thanks Kim! I’m so pleased it worked out. I don’t have the popular “white” sofas, so I’ve always got to make sure the undertones don’t fight my kind of pinky-tan sofas. Still lots of life left, not replacing them!
Katherines Corner says
Everything looks beautiful! You have a great eye for decorating my talented friend. xo
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
thank you (:
Shannon says
I agree with Bliss – Aqua makes my brain go straight to you, so this made me a little sad but I understand needing a change and I knew it was coming when you showed us the bare bones preview.Lovely, as always though! You give me the courage to make changes in my spaces too. Work space and bathroom, here I come). I think the rug is gorgeous and your little fox display is adorable. Great look!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Oh I’m sure it’ll make a re-appearance, but I’ve always been about change. I’ve got to be fluid and able to surround myself with what I’m feeling at the time. It’s one of the things I’ve always love about decorating. And re-decorating 😉 When I started my blog, I was just in a full-tilt aqua phase. lol! So glad you’ve stuck with me!!
Bliss says
The whole room looks great, but you are right I did gasp. When I see aqua my mind always goes right to you. When I see neutrals my mind always says, should I buy that?
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Aqua will always have a place in my heart, and I know come Summer… I’ll NEED to see some.
It’s nice to take a break though.
Just like Ross and Rachel.
Laura says
You definitely achieved your goal- the room is so calm and restful!! I am not a gold kind of girl (I collect silver pieces- the more beat up the better!) but I am loving it in your room. Just enough to give the room a beautiful “golden glow”!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I like Silver too. Especially aged, when it’s got that soft luster! I like everything actually. lol. Which can make it hard to decorate sometimes… 😉
may says
Beautiful room…everything is so perfect…. Love it all x
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Not prefect. Promise. But good enough (: Thank you!!
Gee says
Beautiful Shannon. BIG rug crush going on over here! The neutrals with the gold accents..
Coffee and I are coming over 🙂
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
I think everyone liked it best. Besides the aqua one I shared. lol – I’m liking it a ton. I think it was a good choice. Thank you!!
debbiedoos says
It all looks so beautiful Shannon! The rug is absolutely perfect.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thanks Debbie!! It feels really good in there. Watched Downton last night and it was so relaxing!!
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
I love, love, love it all. So pretty and so calm. The touches of gold are just enough of an accent. Perfect.
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thank you Marty!! There are so many shades of gold, I’m having fun with the subtle differences 🙂
Gina says
Absolutely done to perfection! I love it, Shannon! There are so many things I love about it, I don’t know where to begin…love the neutrals, love the gold accents, love the bells,, love that little fox…you get the idea!
Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says
Thanks sweet G!! I’m enjoying it a lot. It feels really good in there and it’s nice to have it done. Gearing up for the master bedroom next 😉