Thursday, August 18, 2011

The Bold and Going-to-Be Beautiful

I've heard it said before if you love interiors, your home is always in a state of flux. There's always something new and inspiring, something to switcharoo for a change of scenery. I certainly fall into that group.
Truth be told, I'm least content with our current home. I imagine it's because our homes in the States were ones we selected and loved, while our home here in Brazil - nice as it may be - is one that was assigned from a housing pool. There's a lot I would like to change, but can't. **Is there anything more nerve-wrecking for a design junkie than having a lot of decorating roadblocks???**
Fortunately, we were able to bring all our own furniture, so I have some flexibility to work with and change it.
Hence, my obsession with redoing our TV/Family room.

I really, rullly cringe at the thought of posting this pic (my husband even said, "aren't you wanting to show your best work?", but I'm. Keeping. It. Real. (eek!)

DSC_2271
Try not to be jealous.

So, on my agenda is:

* Possibly replace, or certainly reupholster the couch. (Velvet ranking very high on my wishlist)
* Camouflage all the media components. (Possibly a tailored skirt situation)
* Bring in more/better assortment of art for the large wall
* Buy new curtains that aren't expecting a flood (these are Ikea - washed after installation)
* Change out rug with one more size-appropriate
* Manage the kiddo epicenter

The room is very shallow, so I can't commit to an ottoman or coffee table option for flow purposes, but we would definitely appreciate something to prop our feet up.

In trying to round up a style aesthetic, I culled some of my fave Pinned images - and whadya know? Velvet couch takes the lead! But first:
I considered doing something like this - keeping the couch in a neutral, and working in lots of color and pattern elsewhere, but really, a fug couch is a fug couch, and must be put out of its misery.

Since our room has so much natural light, I would love to go really dramatic like this room BUT all walls must be white when we leave. *Arrggghhhh






Can you get OVER that peek of stripe inside that skirt corner? No? Me Neither.

This room is looking a bit too Trad for me, but I've made mental notes on the greatness of velvet + animal print.

Jewel-tones and a cacophony of ethnic pattern. No harm, no foul.

Again, honing in on my tireless love of ikat, and wishing I knew where I stashed my Indian wood block, so I could recreate those curtains.

That's two pics with humongo lumbar pillows! I love the pattern play they allow, but think they would do very little in terms of comfort.

Where there's a will, there's a way, and I have will to spare.

*Please don't harass me for photo creds, Pinterest made me do it.

14 comments:

Geb said...

Holy crud I'm never going to get over that image of the yellow couch now. And my vote goes for a velvet couch, too.

Ashley said...

Velvet, velvet, all the way! This post was too pretty because with every scroll down, I saw a new picture that became my favorite...great images!

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

Is there anything more luxurious than a velvet sofa? Me thinks not! Do it!

Unknown said...

those purple walls with that yellow sofa is pretty amazing! BUT... the second to last photo with the ikat pillow... that room is completely perfect!!!

Unknown said...

I'm going to say exactly what everyone else has so far...please, please do the velvet on the couch- adore dark blue and that yellow...le sigh...perfection! And yes too on the ikat and long lumbar- you're right- you'd get so much pattern in there that way. I can't wait to see what you're going to do- quite sure it's going to be heavenly...oh and I love love your yellow chairs by the way!!!

Bri@Meyouandawiener said...

I did a chair in velvet, never let the destroyer sit or go near it. All that for nothing, while in storage limbo two stains appeared i can not get out. So is it a high maintenance fabric or what?

My Notting Hill said...

Love velvet - great idea adn it will feel wonderful! I could see beautiful strong yellow or saffron drapes in your room. It would pick up the color in your chairs.

Designs by M said...

I think you're fabulous for putting that pic up! Good for you! Can't wait to see what you come up with. Velvet sounds divine! All your inspiration pics are just gorgeous! I've just made myself a long lumbar pillow for across our bed in imperial trellis fabric -- so much fun!

anita said...

Thanks for keeping it real, Alison!
Let us know what you pick for the couch fabric. I love that teal velvet. yum!

my favorite and my best- MFAMB to you said...

#5#5#5#5#5#5#5#5#5#5#5#5#5#5#5#5#5#5#

number five.

Krista said...

Oh! I vote jewel tones for the upholstery & drapes. I think that teal would look awesome with your pillows & throw. The room could stay light by keeping your white & then you don't have any painting to do at all! I can't wait to see what's to come!

Upscale Downhome said...

Never thouht about a velvet couch before and now I kinda am in love. I will wait until my teenagers leave the house though. How about a couple of small ottomans/stools that you could store to the side and pull out when you want to put your feet up or have guests. We have several and it works really well. Feet up is a must at my house.

Naomi@DesignManifest said...

I love it when people keep it real! Just a few little changes and I think you are there. Do you plan to do two small tables like many of the pictures show? I'm dying over that striped skirt detail too.

This Little Nest said...

Love both the velvet couch and skirted media console ideas. Have you that about hanging a large curtain rod on the sofa wall and using bold curtains all across the wall for color drama that doesn't require paint? Just an idea!