operation: lighten up living room

Back in September we went couch shopping.  I love our slipcovered ektorp ikea couches but we’ve decided to put one in our playroom and the other in tucks room.  JB is stuck on leather, and I totally get it especially for a house full of boys and one little black haired puppy.    It’s just soo masculine that I struggle with how to lighten things up even though the room is my favorite, just flooded with natural light.  We looked at quite a few couches- started at JCpenney’s as i was super curious about this one (it was half off at the time).  We probably would have been fine with that if we had nothing else to compare to!  But the sheen and the hardness was a bit of a bummer.  Then we checked out pottery barn’s turner and west elm’s hamilton.  Buttttt then we walked into Restoration Hardware and literally sannnnnnk into the heaven that is the maxwell.  They happened to be having their annual sale so we ended up getting a love seat and a sofa.  The great thing is you can pick the leather- I wanted something with less sheen and really loved the color and patina of antiqued whiskey (seen above).  The bummer is it takes 60 days to make – so we’re still washing the ektorp often every time company comes, which actually is often lately (hooray!).

I’ve been slowly adding to the room even though the couches haven’t made their way home yet.  I love our Ottoman.  Safavieh and amazon shipping for the win!  Love these Floor lamps from Target and this Natural fretwork rug that I had to put a little cushion/pad underneath for comfort, but otherwise it’s great.  Still looking at this Foyer table to go behind the couch.  Would love the Fireplace screen but dang I don’t know I could spend that kinda cash on it.  Any cheaper just as cute options?  Also is it okay feng shui to put the TV above the fireplace?  These Belly baskets have been my favorite for forever and I know they’d be super helpful for holding all of the random items around here – mostly toy trains as of late.

As for something on the walls/decor on the tables.
I’m in love with coral – all kinds.  Would love to frame some natural sea fans.  I have an old printer tray (similar to this) that I’ve displayed our favorite shells/coral/urchins/starfish from all over.  Plan to hang that on the wall.  I also loooove these print series on etsy – $2.50, too!!  I bought the prettiest old gold frames at a thrift the other day, so thinking I’ll get these to go in it.  Can’t stay away from coastal much around here.  Of course a little green always helps – like these olive tree’s (fake//real)

Still in search of:  comfy blankets that are still cute, one side table, a couple throw pillows that work with a leather couch!  If you know of any – I’d love to hear.

Check back in ten years and maybe this room will be done (;

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