My Living Room Re-design.... Part 1

I'm quite sure this is going to be a rambling post.  Unlike the projects I've worked on for clients, I haven't put together any succinct "inspiration" board for my own living room re-design.  I've turned ideas over in my head as to how I could nicely present my living room plans.  Yeah, that won't happen because, I suppose, my plans just aren't succinct or thought out!!!  Ha!

(My "in transition" living room)

Ok, that is somewhat untrue.  Succinct?  No.  Thought out?  Yes, kind of.  I've always known that I wanted my living room to have a specific feel: comfortable, cozy and warm while still being light and bright.  Also, relaxed and sophisticated all at once.  Hmmm....  

In terms of colors, I want this room to be a mix of neutrals.  I've toyed with bringing color in seasonally, but every time I add a bright pillow, flowers, or throw, I like the change for a day and than take it out of the room asap.  SOOO, I've decided I will stick with color in my back family room and neutrals in this room.  This room will be a mix of ivory, grey, black, and brown/caramel.  Can't see it?  Let me help you, here are some of my inspiration color pictures:

(UPDATE: I stumbled upon the two images above once again.  They are from the home of blogger/photographer Paula at Two Ellie.  I found her house tour originally via Eclectically Vintage)

This is where I'll admit I'm a bad blogger, if you weren't already sure.  ;) I saved these pictures to my iPad as I came across them, and now I can't find the original source.  If anyone recognizes these images, please leave me a message so I can provide proper credit.  The following images tend to lack the caramel/brown colors but I still find them inspirational:

 (two pictures above were designed by Rachel Halvorson, via NestEgg.  I really wish she would start blogging again!)

The other common theme you might notice in these images is the use of natural woven / textured materials through the use of bamboo / matchstick shades, rugs, or baskets.  While I really want to change out my rug - a "dark" purchase we made to mask the "baby damage" we anticipated once a child arrived - and thought of using a sisal, my husband seems to be putting his foot down on this one.  "No new rug!"   Boo.  Sooo, for now it will stay, but as an alternative plan I'm going to add bamboo shades to the wall of windows in this picture (and he approves):

Now is the right time to mention that this sofa has already moved locations in the room and will be replaced by two wingback chairs; it was never meant to stay here, but more on that in a bit.  Speaking of said sofa, that may have been the "impulsive" part of my plan.  I've always wanted a light sofa.  I actually owned a white sofa in my condo.  SOOOO...last fall I made a somewhat impulsive purchase of the Restoration Hardware Belgian Classic Slope Arm sofa, and even more impulsively threw in the little side table you see next to it.  Both fit within my color plan though so bonus.  

So what, I bought a sofa, right?  Well, did I mention, my last sofa was only almost three years old?  Ummm...yeah.  It was actually in great condition.  But the fabric was not light.  In fact, I bought it specifically because it was not light!  I had a baby and suddenly all my design decisions changed.  Everything I once wanted went to the wayside because I thought it all should be dark - so as to hide stains and fingerprints.  That is why this time around I went light but used RH's perennials textured linen....supposedly I could use bleach on the fabric and it wouldn't become damaged.  I hope I don't have to go there.

Also, my room was kind of lacking a focal point.  Well, it had a fireplace, but it was really sad:

 (via the real estate listing for the home.  sad, very sad) 

(once we moved in and had made some changes, but still sad)

And today (well two weeks ago before sofa = rearranged):

Happy!  It's not quite finished, I'm waiting for warm temps (and by warm I mean 20 degrees Fahrenheit warm - we've been stuck at 0 degrees or below for months now) so that I can go select my marble remnant.  The fabricator stores his remnants outside.  Bad business move? Maybe.  The former banker in me is contemplating how much lost business it would take to offset the additional cost of storage it would take to store his remnants inside!  Are your eyes crossing yet?  Yeah.  That's why I quit banking.  ;)  

Anyway, since our walls were light (they are white with a slightly grey undertone), I decided to go bold for the mantel.  I'm leaving the fun leapord / zebra print chair because I love the way the caramel warms up the grays.  But, I LOVE THE GRAY (Benjamin Moore Gunmetal): 

(a tv now resides in the fireplace but I don't mind it; because of the dark color of the wood, the tv almost blends right it)

Ok, so here is a quick floor plan for the room with the new layout.  All pieces are currently in place accept the chairs and little side table:  

So....that is the beginning of the evolution of my room.  I think I will pause there.  Next time, I will be back with the details that will finish the room.  I'll be back later to talk more about the floor plan, where the two wingbacks are going to come from, the lighting and art I will be adding, and how I'm going to use this awesome fabric in my design:

(note the sofa in it's new location and the not yet updated frames on the wall)

Please stop back by because I'm going to want some input!

Finally, I know this post is long and rambly, but if you stuck with me, I wanted to tell you that I shared this not only for my own benefit to help organize my thoughts, but in hopes that someone out there might benefit from my own experiences in decorating this room....  I hope you gained something from this post, and if not, at least you got to see my fun inspiration pictures?!?!?!?!  Let me know!

Linking at:  My Romantic Home, Craftberry Bush