{Planning} Living Room

We’ve been in this house for 3 and a half years now, and I’ve finally settled on how I want the living room to look & function.  We use this room for lounging and TV watching since we don’t yet have a separate family room.  There are also a few toys stashed around for good measure.  It’s one of the first rooms you see upon entering the front door, so I want it to look great at all times, yet still provide a comfy place to relax.

Here’s what the room looked like before we moved in – an explosion of peach (peach carpet, drapes, paint…)

More photos shown on the House Tour page

Here are some ‘In Progress’ photos, along with explanations of what we want to improve and what we want to change.  I didn’t realize how few pictures I’ve taken over the years, but these are the best I could find.  

Please excuse the mess…I think I was just testing camera settings with this shot

The room looks a bit different from the most recent picture above.  I already have the etagere in place, and I scored a nice kelly green garden stool to use as an end table near the chair.  The throw blankets have been switched out, as well.

What you don’t see pictured is the built-in media cabinet we added opposite the wall with the mirror.  It still needs some finishing touches, but I’ve put it on the back burner for now until I can give this room my full attention.

Overall, I want it to feel like a wonderfully pulled together room at. all. times. without me having to spend hours cleaning it every night. In the 3 years I’ve been a homeowner, I’ve learned that good hiding places are key! Places to stash remotes, places to stash toys, seating that’s easy to move around, and flat surfaces for cups & such are imperative.

This mock-up shows the plan for room and specifies some of the fabrics that will be used.

I’m still debating between light green linen pinch-pleat drapes shown (which I would sew) or gauzy white drapes (which I would purchase). Since we don’t get a lot of direct sunlight, I’m thinking the white drapes would help keep things bright at all times. And since we don’t close the drapes, except on the sliding door in the dining room, I’m not concerned about the lack of privacy they would provide. The white drapes would also allow me to switch out the accent colors easier from time-to-time. Speaking of the dining room, these window treatments would match those in the dining room since it’s one big open room. Alternately, since I’m a lover of all things color, the green drapes just seem more fun to me. But they would be more work and cost more time (of which I have very little). What to do, what to do??? Suggestions? Anyone?