Fresh And Calm Cottage Decor For Spring
Hey there Foxes! Aside from playing outside on the sun deck and doing some planting this weekend, I also did a little shimmy & shake in the living and dining room. I made some simple tweaks to make it better suit my mood, and the rooms current uses.
I also cleaned all my floors, just for you. Have I told you lately to never get dark floors? Well, consider yourself reminded.
Oh, and I got a new vacuum. I looooove it, and I’ll share it with you soon.
Okay, back on task here. Sorry, I haven’t left the house lately… got a little over excited about having “company” over today.
It’s amazing what simply moving your furniture can do, and flipping the farm table in the opposite direction really opened up the room. It’ll also allow me to watch TV while I paint, which is of course, so important.
Before I use the farm table as my painting studio again, I made it pretty for you, and I even lit a yummy candle.
We’ve chatted before about how much a I love a good console table. It’s true! They are so versatile. The problem is… I keep stealing them and putting them everywhere but at the back of my chair. I really like them when they are positioned as a “sofa table” — as I’ve got mine now.
The River Crest Console is the perfect size to compliment my chair, and it creates a nice delineation of space between our living and dining area.
And while I’m not usually matchy-matchy… I like the cohesive look having these two pieces in our space offers. It feels calm, and it’s restful to the eye.
I’ve had the River Crest Bookshelf about a year now, and it’s such a good fit for this skinny space. I’ve kept the decor purposefully light, as I’m really craving and needing a very peaceful feel in our home right now.
I deleted much, and removed some of the heavier, busy pieces. Opting instead to use some of my dishes. The white and creams feels good.
The pattern feels earthy and organic. Just right for Spring, even if the shades are mild.
I’m finding more and more, that color is something I absolutely have to be in the mood for!
While I love it, it’s fantastic.
And when I’m done, I need it gone.
Not forever, because the mood will certainly strike again. That’s why I feel so strongly about buying color in easy to store pieces.
LIKE: pillows, accents and easy-to-roll-up rugs!
I know black and white might not feel “springy” to you, but I saw this plaid rug and I fell for it fast.
My toes approve too. This is hands-down, the plushiest rug I’ve ever ordered from Better Homes & Gardens! Or maybe anywhere. It’s thick and soft, and feels sooo good on my feet. It’s got some oomph when you step on it. So cozy!
(and see? another example of stealing a console table — this one is very visually lite, and perfect for this odd corner and lamp perching)
I knew with the black, it would ground my space, be super neutral, and it would look great with my black scissor lights too.
It’s got enough white that it doesn’t feel visually heavy at all. At least not to me. It’s also a classic pattern, but the lines aren’t super exacting so it doesn’t feel too linear or hard. But instead, a little more casual. Which is perfect for me!
Oh and of course I got a pillow… or two. The raised pattern and the tassels are playful and I’m really in a pom-pom and tassel mood lately. The warm cream helps to soften things up a bit too. So I’ve just got all these layers in shades of white and cream, with the wicker and the soft oak in the shelves…
Everything feels good. Just… good.
And while fresh is preferred, my faux are working hard to fill the gap.
You may have spotted a little change I made to the front door wall, and the new trim Jim installed, but I still need to get the paint color right before I officially share. I tried to make due with something I had on-hand, and it’s not what I had in mind. So I need to do some adjusting first.
Never be afraid to paint something, or move your furniture around, to flip a room, or use a space as it’s not traditionally intended… in short, to make your home work hard for you!
We have an older home, and our main living area is long and skinny… but we make it work with furniture placement, and the fact that I’m willing to have our dinning table right at our front door. Because otherwise, that room would be pretty useless with it’s shape. And that’s okay! I can still paint at my farm table, and dinner tastes just as good, and we laugh with friends and play cards, and games, and tell stories. And no one care that my front door is so close. Just make it easier to yell “come in”. And I know we’ll be doing that again soon.
I hope you are ALL healthy, and well, and hanging in there as best you can. I’ll continue to share here and keep it light, so when you visit it’s the respite you have all told me you need. Love & light, xo Shan
I’m thrilled to continue being a part of the Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart team! I’ve been shopping the line at Walmart in-store and online for years now, sharing my personal picks, and how I use them here in our home as well as down at The Little Cottage. I’ve had so much fun making my selections and styling them up, and sharing them, and I love that you all seem to love it too! The quality & style of Better Homes & Gardens paired with the affordability and accessibility of Walmart is so perfect! I’m always extra excited to share these sponsored projects with you. As always, I’ll link to each product at the bottom of the post for your shopping convenience. That mean I may make a very small commission to help offset the costs of running my site if you choose to buy something, but you’ll never pay a penny more for it.
Shopping Sources:
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LIKE MINE – Light Oak Better Homes & Gardens River Crest Bookshelf [click here] previous purchase
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Also in Rustic Oak – Better Homes & Gardens River Crest Bookshelf [click here]
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AMAZING DEAL – Rustic Oak Set of TWO(2) River Crest Bookshelves [click here]
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Better Homes & Gardens River Crest Console, in Light Oak [click here]
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Better Homes & Gardens Tassel Pillow, Cream [click here]
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Better Homes & Gardens Wood Lamp Base [Click Here] I painted mine
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Better Homes & Gardens Gingham Plaid Rug, out of stock
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Better Homes & Gardens Rattan Wax Warmer [in store]
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If an item isn’t listed here, please inquire in the comments and I’ll get back to you as quickly as possible!!
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Laurie G. says
I just love your style! I do have a question where did you get the white round tray? My style is whimsy.Whatever whim I’m in!!
Shannon Fox says
hahaha – Same girl! My moods change and my decor with it… 😉
I’ve had that tray many years, it’s no longer available.
This is the most similar I’ve been able to find, but the metal isn’t white: https://amzn.to/2WBHC42
Mary Kaiser says
Ok I LOVE your living room!! I just have to ask about your lavender in the basket on the floor. Is it real or a fake plant? It is absolutely stunning how you have it in the basket there. I need to know if it is fake where you purchased it. I love your home and all the inspiration that you provide to me every time I read on of your post!!
Shannon Fox says
Mary you are so cute, thank you! 🙂
It is fake! Can you believe it? It’s the best I’ve ever seen.
I splurged on that at HomeGoods back in Feb. It was $30’ish and worth every penny.
I’ve had the basket for a long time, and just tried it for a different look.
Thank you again for your sweet comment and kindness.
If I see anything similar online anywhere, I’ll make sure to share a link (for the Lavender)
Be well, Shannon
Deborah says
ITS Lovely , serene, and cozy
Thank you for showing it
PS….what s your new vaccuum I need one!
Shannon Fox says
Hi Deborah!
Oh, okay so I got this one: https://bit.ly/2zdHnnH
After much research, what sold me is that you can have more than one battery.
Now, I never use all the juice and run out before a job is done.
I LOVE IT
Marie says
I love that rug! I have always wanted to do a room in just black and whites but just doesn’t fit with my victorian home. My son moved too far away (Louisiana) as had visions of decorating his apartment with those colors and a few animal prints etc.
Thanks for sharing and stay safe!
Shannon Fox says
I completely understand. There are styles I am fond of that my little house can’t pull off.
It can be hard when you like everything 😉
Be well 🙂
Bernadette says
Very light and airy and bright to spring into summer!
Shannon Fox says
My favorite. Our best time of year on the Oregon Coast.
Laura Irons says
You home looks so cozy and inviting! I have to agree with you regarding the dark floor. I love the look of them but trying to keep them clean, shiny and dust-free is a chore. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home.
Shannon Fox says
RIGHT? I clean my floors a lot, so I didn’t think it would be that big of an issue. It is. I could clean them twice a day, and there are mostly only two of us here!
When are they going to invent levitating shoes? Asking for a friend 😉
lynda santillan says
hi I just love what you have done….so beautiful…wish my place looked exactly like yours…love everything you have in your space…I have been looking for a sofa for so long…and wanted to ask where you found yours..so lovely….I have been following you for a long time…and you really changed ur whole home…thank you for your help ….
Shannon Fox says
Hi Lynda, I’d be happy to share!! I’ll send all the info to your email 🙂
Terri says
If color was a scent it would be white. You can almost breathe it in!
I love that rug – checked it out and it looks as soft as you say it is. But I’m really crushing on that couch throw. Do you know where can I find one?
Also I hope everyone noticed how well placed the mirror is on the brick wall – it reflects the beautiful chandy perfectly!
Once again I marvel at your restraints hand and expert eye. ❤️?
Shannon Fox says
Terri, it’s so funny — I love white flowers too. Just something about white centers me.
I like that rug SO much, I may get another one for The Little Cottage, I love how dang soft it is!!
That throw just jumped out at me, and I splurged a tiny bit. The pom-poms fringe sucked me in.
Here is my affiliate link, https://bit.ly/2VvHqCP it was originally 135.00, the clearance price is fantastic!
Big hugs! Shan
Sharon says
I was admiring your floor and wondering if it was hard to keep it looking good. Then I started reading this post. I guess I will just have to admire dark floors from afar! Looks great in your home, though!
Shannon Fox says
It’s kind of a long running joke that I hate my floors. lol
I’m thankful for them… but they are nothing I would repeat.
I’d suggest a hearty laminate, or wood look tile, and a mid-tone shade.
I do love that they are matte and not shiny. That’s something I’d look for again.
Betty White says
I love what you have done. I have been depressed in the last month because of the virus, but also because my knee surgery will have to be done next year. I wanted to have them done so badly this year. You have inspired me to get out of my depression and do something. I am going to make a list of things to get done around the house. I love the wood bowl that you have the candle in, where did you get it. Also love the faux lavender in the pot with the crochet rope. Where did you get them? What you have done is create a very relaxing room. I would never leave.
Shannon Fox says
Oh gosh honey, it’s hard not to be right now. You’ve got a lot going on, and being in pain does not make it easy. Be kind to yourself 🙂
I have found that being busy, even with my limits due to my knees, has made it much easier to get through all this. (I’ve also really limited me news consumption) 😉
I found that at ROSS of all places!!!! Actually when my mom was here after my knee surgery. I didn’t last long in the store, but I did have the foresight to buy that bowl. And I just found it, after tucking it away. It was a real surprise, as I’d actually forgotten buying it! The big lavender is from HomeGoods, back in February. I think the basket is too, though I’ve had it for many years. It’s gloomy today, and I’m fixing to go snuggle up in my big chair for a bit 😉
Have a good day sweetie, and hang in there!! Hugs, Shannon
Betty White says
Thanks Shannon. I do need to get my mind off of alot of things right now and keep busy. Could you tell me how tall and wide your basket is? I saw a few that are similar at Target and was thinking about getting one. I am getting in the mood to change my things up to in the house.
Shannon Fox says
It’s hard, I know. And I sure am sorry. It’s hard not to let it all in.
I’m just doing what I can to help and trying not to let the rest sit on my shoulders.
I measured the basket for you. It’s 15 X 15. Which I double checked, since it seems like it’s taller than it is wide, but it was correct 😉
If you can’t find one that’s lined, you could always glue-gun a little burlap on the inside for a quick fix.
HUGS 🙂 Shannon
Jill Cooper says
Love your decorating! It always looks so fresh and inviting. I need to do the same in my livingroom – getting tired of seeing the same old stuff. But with 3 dogs am a little limited to what kind of rugs I can have right now. Thanks for sharing!
Shannon Fox says
Pets definitely make things more of a decorating challenge. Perhaps some new curtains, art, a fresh wall color, or coffee table?
Those are kind of pet proof, unlike sofas, rugs and pillows 😉
Have a wonderful day Jill!
doris wilcox says
I think I love the way this looks better than anything you have done!! Absolutely love the layered rugs and cream and white are my go to colors in my living/dining room!!It is so calming!!
keep it coming!!!
Shannon Fox says
THANK YOU!!
So funny, I was kind of feeling the same, and wondered if it was only because it was new. lol
I know my white sofas are a blessing and make everything so easy to change.
I’m a B&W girl. I just am. I default back to it again and again.
Lots of white, a little black to ground, pepper in a color… and I love it.
Be well! Shannon