Home Update: Living Room REVEAL

The Before….

Welcome back to the blog, I am here with another home update. The long awaited Living Room Reveal! This space was one of my favorites to decorate because it is the most lived in. This space is where we spend most of our time and where I want to feel at home. Beige, black, and white; the base colors of the space. It is weird to see how my taste has changed in the process of setting up my home over the past year, gray used to be the major of my color palate, but while searching for pieces to fit perfectly in my home I found myself drawn to the natural wood and creams. A change that came from the two focal points of the Living room, the L shaped couch that I have dreamed of and the natural wood entrance table we had made. I hope you love this space as much as I do!

The view from the front door… stylish and cozy. To the right my grandfather handcrafted and stained a curio cabinet to display important knickknacks that aren’t safe on open shelves from children, animals, and nosey hands. This was originally in the dining room, but when Brandon inherited his grandparents fish tank some rearranging was needed. It adds depth to the open space next to the front door and definitely looks better than a coat rack or a table that does not fit correctly. To the left we have the entrance to the not fully finished Dining Room (that is next on the list) and the stairs flush against the outer dining room wall leaves us with a one sided banister which matches the white and dark wood floors. (not seen in above photo) One piece sticking out in the photo is the matching Aztec rug and runner I purchased from Ruggable. I love these; easy to clean, soft, and comes with a nonslip rug pad. The black and creamy beige caught my eye and found that it fits perfectly with the look and feel I was going for in this room.

The focal point off of the two entrances has to be this beauty. Brandon and I had this natural wood table made by a fellow firefighter on the Department. To say he did a great job is an understatement. Of course the décor helped with the turning of the eye aspect. In the middle and what I think draws a person in has to be the hand carved wooden plaque made by a very talented man in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Brandon and I had this made on our Honeymoon for our home because we were officially, legally, and faithfully a family. I will forever cherish this piece of wood! The mirror above came from the hearth and hand collection at Target. I came across it and knew that it was perfect to replace the Wedding Mirror that hung in its place. It was between two lamps at Walmart, but I ultimately chose the creamy one in the photo because the base is made of wood and not easily breakable. When you have pets and plan on having children… always go for the less fragile! The faux plant is also from Target and the vase is what drew me in. The white and dark cream matched with the color scheme I had found and love. I then stacked a few color compatible books I retrieved from my collection and placed the plant with the stunning vase and a candle that was a gift on top. I have seen this use of space and décor on Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube; I loved the look and so happy that it works in my space. Underneath the table top I placed two half woven and fabric baskets from Marshals. Just like the plant, the baskets are two toned with the colors in the room. They are not only decorative, but practical; one holds shoes (that we barely use because our dog likes to take them out and eat them) and the other blankets. In-between the useful storage are two black wire LED candle lanterns I picked up from Target Dollar spot. One larger and one smaller, I love how the this look worked out.

From this angle you can see off of the kitchen or laundry room. Still the same focal point of the table, but added a full view of the curio cabinet, fireplace, and wall décor. We are going to ignore my hot pink jacket hanging on the key holder next to the front door okay… okay. I love having a smaller fan closer to the ceiling, it makes the room look more open and spacious. when first moving in there was a huge outdoor fan hanging in the middle of the living space, we knew right away that was being replaced. I know I am short, but I wanted a more open look, I think we achieved that. On the far wall in-between the long windows hang five of my favorite portraits from the our engagement shoot. the black frames tie in with the color scheme and the photos… well… the photos speak for themselves.

From the corner you can see just how open the space really is. The view of the staircase fades into the background as you take in the beautiful cream sectional that fits perfect in the space. The storage ottoman is practical while still being an added bonus of furnishing. It doubles as a coffee table and plush ottoman where your feet or self can sit/lay. I am a big advocate for finding space and storage anywhere, our house already has little to know storage so being able to add a piece like this made me very happy. On the wall hangs something very important to my family, a large Firefighter puzzle glued and framed; given to us as a gift and has definitely become a staple. With the large frame in the center we added smaller black frames and made a fire wall in honor of my Husband’s selfless career and passion for fire. On the joining wall hanging in the corner by the only storage closet in our house and open doorway is another gift, a beaded wedding portrait of Brandon and I. This was absolutely a favorite wedding present. In the opposite corner houses the Shark vacuum that Brandon hates, but I considerably like and what cannot be seen in the photo the cat tree.

In the center of the living space, the Fireplace. I have never had a wood burning fireplace in my home before. It was for sure a selling point for us, giving the older home character; which is something I was looking for. The mantle, a favorite focal point for the centerpiece. Three blocks, B, , and S; from Christmas Tree Store lean against the back wall. Two family photos are framed and set to either side, a faux succulent plant in a ceramic bowl purchased from Walmart is housed to the left. The most recent addition and possibly my favorite, three different sized black candlestick holders. I have seen this décor trend everywhere and knew I wanted to incorporate it in my home. Another piece I feel draws people in, the ceramic vase from Target and faux pompous grass from Walmart. It brings height to the lower portion of the real fireplace and brings in those cream and neutral colors I was looking for. Over to the right a woven basket holds the burner wood. This is pleasing to the eye and practically placed. Or at least I believe so. On either side of the Fireplace are open wooden shelves built by none other than my Grandfather. I got the idea from pieces of a TV console sold at Rooms To Go, but obviously did not want to pay the price. My grandfather did an amazing job replicated what I had my eye set on and very grateful for his ability to curate almost anything out of wood. We spray painted the tall shelves white and gave it a distressed look with some natural wood showing through. The two bottom shelves on the open cabinet are smaller than the two on the top and are perfect for storage. I accumulated some woven baskets and placed them in the bottom where the house candles, cat toys, video games and assorted accessories, and one I have yet to use. The top shelves are filled with photos and knickknacks that bring the room together. A dedicated Firefighter shelf for my Husband, a game of tic-tac toe for those who want to play games, my wedding bouquet on display, a Bluetooth speaker, essential oils and diffuser, the letter C made from resin and florals from the Wedding representing us. I could go on, but know that I made this room a Home. A place that resembles our love and the feeling of home.

I know this Blog isn’t my best or at least I know it could have been written better. I did not want to just throw some photos up and call it a day. I wanted to show each piece and why it was placed and how it makes me feel. I know it is just a room and after this life all material things will be gone. for now it is my home and a home I am proud of. It resembles accomplishment, adult hood, commitment, and love. So although my words may not have been exactly accurate to some or said in away that a good writer would have said them in, I am glad to call this place my home and so happy to be able to invite my audience into that. To give a glimpse into my world. Thanks for either reading or coming here just for the pictures, either way Thank You!