sitting rooms,
library's,
and breakfast nooks
speak to me.
Our home is neither open floor-plan or compartmentalized Victorian, but rather somewhere in between. We have a Living Room that went virtually unused for years until we decided to make better use of it and moved the computer there. Back then, it was the "family" computer and we all
I've since converted the Living Room into more of a Study. I have my own little antique desk and I've surrounded myself with all of my favorite things - flea market finds, antiques, treasures.
This weekend I changed out the wall space over my sofa. You can read about my favorite Craig's List score of all time, my Duncan Phyfe leather sofa for $125, here.
Before the switch I had a grouping of antique mirrors and sconces. I liked it, but I never loved it. Just too much gold for my taste, and it made the room look too old-fashioned.
A few months ago I purchased this set of three pictures for $8 at a yard sale.
The wall color in here is Behr Paint's Havana Cream and it's a buttery yellow.
Here is a close-up of the pictures individually.
I think they add a more study-like feel to the room. You can't tell from these pictures, but there is a blue outline on the matting that coordinates with the blue accents in the rest of the room.
Here is how the room looks now.
I like this look better. I'm going to be moving my coffee table that I painted to another room in the house and I'm on the hunt for a fabric ottoman to take its place.
Another view.
So what side are you on? Open floor plan? Old-soul compartmentalized Victorian? Or somewhere in between?
25 comments:
Beautiful framed art. My favorite of your "inspirational photos" is the library. Beauty!
All of our rooms are separated by walls ~ no open floor plan. I always think I'd like an open floor plan in our next house, but I'm used to sitting in the den watching TV and not being able to hear the dishwasher. I also took over our formal living room, more out of necessity because I had no place to headquarter my interior decorating business from. The spare room closet I was set up in previously became a closet again when we were going on the market. It does get used more now, because my family will come in there to talk to me when I am on my laptop or doing whatever at the desk.
I prefer small intimate spaces to open floor plans. My house is kind of a mix of the two...with the kitchen, breakfast nook and family room all one space and all other rooms seperate unto themselves. I love seperate spaces that can be made into little jewel boxes. We live in an are where re-sale had to be considered when we designed our house or I would have chosen a very different layout.
Your living room re-do is beautiful. I love your new prints over the sofa...they really do have much more of a library feel.
Beautiful pics!
Enjoy!
Cathy
I don't have an open floor plan at all. I would love to find a desk for my computer for in the living room. Like you the living room goes unused. My laptop is always on my kitchen table! We have an office but my husband uses that most of the time.
I guess you would say I'm in between. I like openess but I like having more rooms with open areas as opposed to less rooms with one big open space.
Our house is pretty open except for the bedrooms. Each room flows into another. We think that if we ever move, we'd like a kitchen that is a little more separate. It's hard to talk or watch TV when there's action in the kitchen. I guess this way I'm never alone though..I'm not sure which is best. Sure can't hide any messes the way ours is built.
Love your new pictures and I do like them better above your sofa!
I think I like intimate little rooms best! But tomorrow I could change my tiny mind! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Hi Kim,
I really like your new prints. I've always loved buildings and these prints are perfect for your study.
I have a traditional home...room after room, but they're small. I have to really watch the clutter factor, something I'm working on right now. However with all the talented bloggers out there, I'm always inspired so changing things around is something I enjoy! I would LOVE to have a vintage victorian, but the upkeep scares me away a bit.
Thanks for always being such an inspiration, I love your blog!
Sharlotte
Ms. Sharlotte's...Southern Reflections
LOVE the spiral staircase...I live in a 1903 Victorian...We did open the kitchen, laundry, dining and living rooms up, but some of my favorite rooms are the smaller ones, my t.v. room, guest room, and craft room...So I guess I like the big spaces when we are all together, and the I like the smaller spaces for just a few or me... I love your study, it feels more cozy now! Lezlee
Hmmm....I don't know. I think I'm on the fence. I love cozy spaces like breakfast nooks, and definitely a closed off cozy den and library, but I really like the open kitchen/living room plan for entertaining. You just can't beat it. So I guess I'm in the "design yourself a custom home" camp :-)
I like an open floor plan as long as there are some spaces that I can go to get away from it all. I can't stand the TV in our open living/dining/kitchen area. I'd love for the tv to go somewhere else...like out the window LOL!
I have to tell you, I am in love with your couch, and the chair too! Are those antiques? I have a chair very similar to yours that needs recovering. I love the fabric and leather on yours.
My family room and kitchen are open but the rest of the house is somewhat seperate. Great prints and they look really good over the sofa.
xo, Sherry
I guess you could call me an old soul, too :) I like to be able to close off the messy room! Besides, more rooms just make it seem more cozy. I like the change in your living room - those pictures are great!
Girl you can give me victorian every time...I just L♥ve that look..love your new pics but really liked the mirrors you had before...but we all need to change things out...How are you feeling Mommy??Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
You've seen my pics...Im definately an old soul and love old-world. I do like open floor plans but maybe for a summer/beach house. I get bored quickly and move things from room to room so therefore I need to have rooms and nooks for my treasures. By the way....love the pics over the sofa (your my craigslist idol) lol Im an addict I just bought a hutch than Im about to transform for my Italian kitchen. Thanks for sharing....fabulous!
I love that you are using your rooms to suit your family and not just as a "living" room etc! I love your study and those prints are wonderful!
i love your $8 find and it looks so nice. i wish i could have all of those different room.
blessings,
aimee
Hi Kim,
A little bit of both, I'd say ... closed off office space, but open kitchen and family room.
I love your new pictures. I'm looking for some monochromatic sketch-type prints for my dining room myself. Ottoman ... yes! Someday I'd love one.
Hope you're feeling great!!!!!
Deb
Beautiful room, you did a wonderful job decorating it. I have a 70's ranch and have all those rooms you mentioned even down to the breakfast nook. Love it. Also had the living room that was never used, I am in the process of turning it into a library music room. After four years finally getting my wall of shelves in. Thanks for sharing.
Sandy
Thank you so much for becoming a follower of my little blog! I am so honored and have also become your newest follower!!
Floor plans...I still like the cozier rooms but it is nice to have one area that is open to each other for entertaining!
I looks great, I love idea of a fabric ottoman, i have a toy box I covered with fabric and added short legs to, storage and an ottoman! It is always great to be looking for something!
Carol
Those prints look great and really suit the space there. I like having individual rooms. I like the coziness of it. Our kitchen and family room are all open now. It is o.k., but I loved my kitchen that was separate. I had a sitting room in there and when I was in there, the rest of the gang was right there with me!
Your room is gorgeous! That sofa ROCKS! I love the look of a house with many rooms. I grew up in a big 100 year old house with a front parlor and the whole shabang and I just loved it. Still do.
Your room is beautiful... but I am totally coveting the soafa. Love the throw and pillows, too. I CANNOT beieve you got it for $125...WHAT?!
your room is so pretty, love your little table the color it perfect!
I'm and inbetween person - I like open space, I often dream about knock a wall wall between of living room & dining room to create a more open space, sigh
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