Spark

My Sweet and Sunny Lounge

Even though my sitting room isn’t entirely complete, I wanted to share this sweet space which has become a favorite for our family. In an effort to embrace the concept of  “a little bit is better than nada”, I’m checking my perfectionism at the door and enjoying the progress that I have made so far.   {Also, I thought that our audience might like to know that even decorators struggle pulling their own homes together. Time, energy and money are short no matter what your business card says.}

I’ve always wanted a lounge/sitting area with a low round table and four chairs for playing games with the kids or enjoying drinks with friends. Our new living room is an over-sized rectangle that was perfect for zoning into two functional areas, which is something I recommend clients with large family rooms. Creating cozy niches for specific activities is a more efficient use of space and much more inviting.

Wider View of the Room and Foyer

So I had the niche concept but I needed to make it a reality. This is the practical part of the story that will make it very obvious I’m a girl with a budget (and kids and dogs and limited time):

1. Months ago I spotted this round pedestal table in an antique store for around $100, so I bought it knowing I would use it later. It’s a former dining table with a shortened base and a coat of black paint, giving it new life as a cocktail table for me.

2. Originally, I wanted upholstered chairs to curl up in with a good book. After shopping and researching, I realized that I wasn’t going to find FOUR of those chairs at the price I wanted. I was just about to become a little depressed when I discovered these adorable French couturier chairs from Restoration Hardware. Very low in profile, these chairs have a graceful exposed metal back and upholstered seat (less expensive) which is surprisingly comfortable.

Couturier's Chair and Window Treatment Detail

3. For window dressing, I had already installed affordable but practical woven wooden roman shades and had existing drapery rods from the previous owner. I sewed simple drapery panels from on-sale decorator fabric and used clip rings to hang them on either side of the window. They add color and pattern only since the shades cover the windows when needed. Reality check: I had the fabric waiting for a year before I finally made the panels and the sewing was super simple.

4. Rather than investing in a really yummy, gorgeous rug right now, I opted for Flor tiles in Needlepoint Stripe. This allowed me to easily create just the right square rug I needed and took the pressure off for maintenance. The truth is my dachshund has already christened it, but clean-up was a snap.

5. What’s left? The basics are in place but I still need to accessorize with interesting, collected bits and pieces. I’d also like to add more color with a variety of pillow slip covers. The wonderful thing about the selections I’ve made is the flexibility I have to change things up with my next whim. The rug with adjustable Flor tiles can be added to or reconfigured, the simple curtain “dummy” panels can be swapped out, and the chair seats can be reupholstered — all done with a low price tag. That’s a happy thought for this design chameleon.

Do you have a favorite room re-do to share? I’d love to see what you’ve done with your space!

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