2nd and Strand

Sarah S. sent in her living room with the request to have it look more finished.  I love this idea because I'm always wanting to have my rooms look more polished, and getting to help design someone else's will help me live vicariously!  We won't be adding any major pieces, just tweaking a few things here and there.   Sarah's living room is a space that serves many purposes; dining area, living area, play place for kiddos, piano practice locale, and I'm sure this is where all the entertaining happens.  As you can tell from the pictures, this space is visible from the front door, and is long and lean.  We will be focusing on trying to balance the length with the width, adding color, helping to move light around the room, and adding little bits of interest to help your eye move around the room.

First I'd like to talk about layout.  Have you ever heard the term "under arrest"?  That's what I think of when I see the furniture pushed against the wall!  I think Nate Berkus might have coined that term - and it's a great one!  We need to float a few things off the wall and create a conversation area.  I would start by measuring to see if the rug can fit horizontally in the room, right now it's running vertically.  If the rug can fit side to side place it approximately four feet from the back wall. If it can't fit going horizontally, then center the rug around the window.  Leaving at least three feet between the window and the back of the sofa, center the sofa in front of the window.  We are doing this to help the room feel wider.  I would put your matching halogen floor lamps in the back two corners, standing like sentinels!  This symmetry, and the highlighting of the corners of the room, will help the room feel bigger.  I'm sure at night that back wall is very dark, so the light will be functional too.  Next we'll need to move the piano to where the sofa currently is, I've got big plans for her!  I would then see if the recliner fits on the dining side of the room, facing the sofa. I also would put your bookcase close to the sofa, leaning against the other wall, opposite where it currently is. I've included an inspirational image for this room, because this picture is worth a thousand words in regards to this room.  Both have great windows, both are long and lean.  I also really want you to mimic the layout of the sofa and rocking chair; just like your sofa and recliner should be.  Even the bookcases are similar, just opposite :) 

Now to the jewelry of the room.  Color and shine!  My inspiration for color in the room came from this great laminated fabric that I think would make a fantastic table cloth.  Order the fabric first and the room will really come together.   I'd also like you to paint your rug.  Here's a round up we discussed earlier this week, I think you should do the striped rug, with the stripes running horizontally.  I would also LOVE you to have a big expensive mirror, but I think this DIY would give you a great look for a lot less money.  I'd love the mirror to go above the piano.  This would help reflect the piano light when it's on, as well as the light from the window would bounce around the room.  I also think it would help add height to the left side of the room.  

Throw - on the side or back of the recliner
Paint - I think this color would look great, just pick a darker color off the fabric and you'll be all set!
DIY Mirror - or the original is from Ballard Design
Oilcloth - make a tablecloth
Pillows - any of these bright, inexpensive beauties will do.  I'd just stay away from the Bordeaux, chili, and mulberry ones, but mix and match till your hearts content - you can't go wrong with the other choices!,

Thanks for letting me work on your room!  Hope you enjoy the changes, happy weekend everybody!
                                                                                                                                                                                                            -Andrea