Tuesday, February 5, 2013

a whole lot of tweaking going on


 You know how I'm constantly changing things around...

Here I go again!
First, I lined up my collection of pottery and vases on the decorative window ledge.


I also added the white stool stacked with books in the corner. Kitty on the blanket optional.


 Found the lime green and aqua votive holders at Pier 1 Imports.
The two perfect colors for my living room - and I think they really brighten up the side table
next to the sofa. Spring-like, aren't they?


 Spied this chair at Goodwill last week for $4.99. Loved the design and how someone
had already re-painted it. Knew it would be beautiful in my living room or even outside
in the garden during the warmer weather.
 

Amazing how it perfectly matches the little black and gold side table that
I already had. (The table belonged to my grandma.)


 Here's the entire window side of my living room where the chair is.
This area is so hard to decorate, especially with the front door to the immediate left.
The seating area is on the other side of the living room, across from the window.
The tall black table in front of the window is purposely bare on top because the cats
use it as a perch to look out the window! I was thinking maybe a light blue round rug
 under the chair and little side table would make this area look "warmer" and not so linear.
 Or, I would love to find a small rectangular table to center in front of the window.
I could use the black chair as one of the chairs at the table, and then find
another antique wooden chair for the other side of the table. Granted, I couldn't really
decorate the top of the table because of the cats, but it still might look nice.
Thoughts?

Oh, and the curtains are new, too. Another thing I've had such a hard time with was
the window treatments. It's really hard finding curtains that will fit a double window.
All the panels that I tried were too short (standard 81") and too wide. Covered
most of the window. This is the only light that the living room gets, so anything that
covered most of the window was a definite no. Finally found this swag at 
Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Not crazy about it, but it'll have to do for now.


Moving on to the bookcase wall, I stacked vintage suitcases by the bookcase
and switched the ottoman for the little side table that's now by the black chair.


There's two new finds on the bookcase; one being this very cool, wavy plate.
It's made by Villeroy and Boch, Germany. Pattern is New Wave. They
sell for quite a pretty penny at places like Macys and Bloomingdales.
While shopping at Savers last week with a friend, we both found these plates.
Unfortunately, they didn't have the matching cups. Guess that's why they were at Savers!
I kept telling my friend that I loved the plates; that I wish there was something I could
do with them. She suggested using them as decor...maybe put a candle where the cup
is supposed to go, and then put rocks or seashells in the plate section.
Great idea, girlfriend! Here's what I came up with:


Here's the intended purpose...


(Source: amazon)

 And while at Savers, I also found this cute, modern vase. It's made by Amano Germany Pottery.
There's a couple of listings for this vase on etsy - one listing for $28, the other for $40.
I paid $4.99. :-)


Thanks for visiting my updated living room!
and


28 comments:

  1. Everything is so cute and fresh looking!!

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  2. Melanie, I do love shopping at Goodwill. That chair is a great find and it seriously looks like something from Antiques Road Show. Are you sure it isn't antique? Not that I'm an authority, but it was a steal at that price, even if it isn't extremely valuable. Everything looks great!

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    1. Hmm...I have no idea, Lynn! I wonder how I could find out?

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  3. Awesome! Just needs a large area rug at some point to pull it all together, and maybe a colored throw on the sofa or a colored pillow. Xox. Looking good!!

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    1. I should've showed the other side...I already have a large area rug over there! And I do have a throw and colored pillows on the sofa. It's just the window area that needs some tweaking! Thanks for the ideas and compliment though. :-)

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  4. Thanks for your visit! My first time here. Great blog. Love the chair you found!!

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  5. Your living room looks really nice! Love the colors. :)

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  6. I love your living room. I spied the little cluster of potted plants on a pretty little table. You have a great way of mixing and matching things. Patty

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    1. Thanks for the compliments, Patty. I really appreciate it!

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  7. those little wavy plates are cute for decor but I think they would be tricky to really eat on-

    that black chair is wonderful, and a steal of a price.

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    Replies
    1. They're just for little snacks...it's an espresso set. :-) Glad you like the chair!

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  8. I love your new votives, but not as much as those beautiful kitties! Have a wonderful week,
    xo, Andrea

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    1. Glad you like the votives AND my kitties. :-)

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  9. I love your style! And I love having stacks of books in my decor! The black chair is very nice! You'll really enjoy it! Sweet hugs!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by. I have stacks of books everywhere!

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  10. Love all your vignettes. I have all the books I saw on display. That must be why I like your vignettes.

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    Replies
    1. Too funny that you have the same books as me. Great minds think alike?!

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  11. You never fail to amaze me at what you find at Goodwill. I love that chair!!! And is a cat on a blanket not required decorating? I think it must be. Lol!

    Have you tried putting your sideboard from under the mirror at the window? And the black table then under the mirror? I think the proportions would work better and balance that wall. I love the addition of the white stool and books. Every room needs books. I use them all over my house. I even have a book in the bathroom which lives there.

    Hugs from Holland ~
    Heidi

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    Replies
    1. You know I love my Goodwill finds! Wow, you are genius! I have never thought of trading places with the sideboard and the black table! I'm going to have to start moving furniture around again. :-) I have books all over my house, too.

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  12. I love the window with the pretty glass. You did some great changes. Goodwill is the best.Thanks for your sweet comments about my kitchen cabinets.
    Leslie

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment!

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  13. I love the window on the wall, the suitcases and the Goodwill chair was a great find.

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  14. Hi Melanie,

    Your Goodwill finds are indeed treasures! I love your 'new' black chair and the rich walnut colour of your chest of drawers with the powdery blue accents displayed throughout the space. I wish we had second hand stores in Crete, but sadly, they are not popular there. I miss the unique character of all those beautiful one of a kind pieces!

    Thanks for stopping by my place; so nice to meet you!

    Poppy :)

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    1. Thank you for the compliments, Poppy! I'm glad you stopped by.

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Thank you for taking the time to leave a kind comment - I read and appreciate each one!