I have to say, our home’s formal living room has been the most unexpected surprise for us. As you walk into the front door of the house, this room is directly to your right. It’s the only room in the main living area that isn’t a part of the great room, and we initially assumed it would be the least used room in the house. Well, I have to say that this room has become my favorite for many reasons. First off, it houses so many of our finds and treasures from the past decade – I could spend days telling stories about the objects residing in the room. Secondly, although I love that our kitchen, family and dining room are one bright, open space, it is nice to have one room separate from the others. (And I suspect it will be a welcome oasis as our children get older and want some space from each other…oh, who am I kidding…they are already bickering at the ripe old ages of 3 and 7.)
Truthfully, though, the #1 reason I adore this room is the fact that it’s the warmest during the winter months. I’m easy to please, what can I say?
The room is rather large, so we created two sitting spaces. The true living space, and my “office.” That Eames chair serves as blog central, and I love that spot because I can look out the window to the left and see all the happenings on my street, which is crucial to me not feeling so isolation central while working.
I am obsessed with this vintage brass light fixture that we found at Kerson in Palm Springs. It produces the coolest shadows at night.
(And yes, we love this rug from West Elm so much that we have it in both living areas!)
We found this large display cabinet at HD Buttercup several years ago when we were planning to move into the mid-century mold disaster. (Remember that fun, homeless time? Ugh.) We weren’t sure if we would be able to use it again, but it fits nicely in the living room. Talk about a lot of books and set-abouts, people. The piece has 18 glass panes, and I could probably write a 18 blog posts about the items in each and every one.
Our main renovation task in the living room was dealing with the fireplace. As you can see, it was quite a mish-mash of materials.
We simplified by using a gorgeous grey quartzite material called “London Fog,” and are super pleased with the result.
That orange pillow was the very first gift I ever gave D…12 years ago. Time flies, whoah.
Overall, the room is light, bright, happy-making, and don’t forget, quite toasty during our brutal Southern California winters.
Thanks to Jessie Webster for the lovely photos.
JeanneW
August 12, 2013 at 4:41 pmYour living room is absolutely beautiful. It’s fresh and sophisticated and also family friendly. And that brass lighting fixture? TO DIE FOR!! I was going to ask who made it but sadly (for me) it is vintage.
whoorl
August 12, 2013 at 5:44 pmThank you!
Mary H.
August 13, 2013 at 6:52 amI love the piece over the fireplace!
Melissa Summers
August 13, 2013 at 9:50 amWe always loved our front room (as opposed to the back family room). The light was great, it was quiet. I always thought having a living room would be a waste but it’s surprising how nice a quiet spot in your house can be.
The house is lovely!
Raluca | WhatWouldGwynethDo
August 13, 2013 at 10:42 amThis might be MY favorite room in your house, too ;) Great job on the fireplace and the light fixture is to die for. Looks like a perfect blend of chic and cool.
mona
August 13, 2013 at 11:10 amI love how modern and adult this looks and yet you can totally have kids around. I need to work on doing this to my house. It’s like we live in Chuck E. Cheese’s.
Lena
August 13, 2013 at 12:13 pmLOVE!!!
sizzle
August 13, 2013 at 4:55 pmIt’s gorgeous. I love the rug. I’d buy two of them too!
How do you get your kids not to break your beautiful treasures? You have so many beauties in there.
clare
August 13, 2013 at 6:50 pmwhere is the blue couch from? I love it.
Kat
August 15, 2013 at 11:55 pmSo gorgeous! How easy/hard is it to revamp a fireplace? We are looking at a potential house and it needs a major fireplace reno.
beckey
August 19, 2013 at 9:15 amum ma goh lady, you have good taste.
Meaghan
September 5, 2013 at 9:32 amIt is all so very good. Amazing. Do you mind sharing your wall color. Always looking to whitewash ;)
whoorl
September 5, 2013 at 10:55 amThank you! It’s Dunn Edwards White.
Alice Robertson
November 8, 2013 at 9:05 amLove your shelves and vignetting in this room! And that light fixture is swoony. :)