The most important quality of a living room is that it is actually lived in . . . gone are the days of "show rooms" for company only.
This very important space should be for reading, listening to music, relaxing as well as for socializing.
If the room is too formal it will not be comfortable for anyone . . . so make it feel more casual. Take away anything that is too precious, anything that says, "HANDS OFF".
Add a throw blanket, a few well-loved books, candles and fresh flowers. Is your living room holding up the "WELCOME" sign?
The most important quality of a living room is that it is actually lived in . . . gone are the days of "show rooms" for company only.
This very important space should be for reading, listening to music, relaxing as well as for socializing.
If the room is too formal it will not be comfortable for anyone . . . so make it feel more casual. Take away anything that is too precious, anything that says, "HANDS OFF".
Add a throw blanket, a few well-loved books, candles and fresh flowers. Is your living room holding up the "WELCOME" sign?
I'm so glad the "show rooms" are gone! You should use up all the space you have! (and I wish I had extra space) lol..I love that second pic by the way..library-ish rooms just make me happy!
ReplyDeleteHmm...we used to tease my Aunt that you had to purchase tickets to gain entrance to her "show" livingroom. Tami E.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit to your lovely blog. I love that first green living room. I actually did a post on my living room today.
ReplyDeleteI love that Michael Smith library room... one of my favorite spaces ever! When you only have a living room and no additional family room or den, it can be a real challenge to both "live" in your room and have it be well-designed. Your pics are great examples of that.
ReplyDeleteI love the 1st pic,, green is sooo cozy .. n the mirror on the wall.. fab!!
ReplyDeleteI can understand what u are trying to say.. these living rooms look so warm n inviting :) love them.
I love the second picture!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
I am loving that green room ! It's about the color of my powder room.
ReplyDeleteI have a pic of it on my blog but it doesn't look anything like the real color......I am not a photographer. ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://bgcustomwindows.blogspot.com/2009/07/decorative-vanity.html
Great post! I agree about the liv room being a place that should be used. Our living rm is very welcoming, I think. People who come to visit us seem to think so, anyway. Hugs, Cindy S
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. I love rooms that look lived in. That first room in green is delicious. Have you seen the new Martha Stewart this month. She shows her living room in her Bedford home. It is breathtakingly beautiful. The most gorgeous green ever.
ReplyDeleteJanet
1. Love that green. Too bold for me personally but definitely beautiful.
ReplyDelete2. I dream of built in bookshelves lining a room. One day by George I will have a library.
3. I ADORE that blue in the final pic. I want to do a kitchen that color with retro appliances.
Hi: I want to thank you for visiting my blog. It feels a bit strange to have a designer visit my home, but thank you. It is kind of dream come true in a way. I always wanted to have an interior designer visit my home, but could never afford one. Now, you just come over. Thanks for the visit and the good tips, I will visit often and learn from you. Martha
ReplyDeleteI love that green living room!
ReplyDeleteOh yes....our living room is very lived in...ever wondered why you have never seen me post it?? Great post...talk soon, Chrissy
ReplyDelete* I went out of my way to make the "living room" (the one room people hardly ever "USE" & a space I did not "WANT"!) reeeally warm & welcoming, but suited to OUR taste n' lifestyle. I LIKE it & think it looks good (has unbeatable views!). HOWEVER, its never REALLY "gotten there" in my opinion~~~ I've known for a while now that it NEEEEDS BOOKCASES (built-ins), like in pic #2... (Now THAT, (IMHO) makes a room TRULY APPROACHABLE, WELCOMING, INVITING n' LIVABLE, without a doubt!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was young, a friend w/ a toddler asked how to keep "the baby" OUT of the "formal living room". I remember, alll these years later now, suggesting she not put anything IN there that was of "interest" to the baby... He wouldn't wander in there if nothing HE loved wasn't there... and it WORKED!!! NOW I'M REMEMBERING that was pretty good advice (patting myself on the back, here!)... and if we look at that as ADULTS, a room that's "JUST PRETTY", w/o OUR interests present, it's just that... "Pretty"... (and pretty worthless???)~~~
Extra "note", Vicky~ I simply LOVE the 2nd space! How DELICIOUSLY FAAAB it would be on a cold day w/ snow falling, a roaring fire, dog at feet, beautiful old silver coffee set we bought in London all polished up (or not!)& Gram's porcelain cup n' saucer, a teeeeny tray of something "sweet", some cabbage roses, a cashmere blanket over my lap (PINK!), the hubs sitting close by w/ a nice brandy, just relaxing n' reading, and a few of the best design books I haven't had time to read for MOI!!! (Oh, be STILL my foolish heart!!!)~~~
Thanks for "taking me awaaaaaay" (and I didn't even need the Calgon!)...
Hugs n' happiest of smiles,
Linda *
I've been editing my rooms lately, but when I look at that room by M.Smith, I want to bring stuff back in!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Michelle
wow, love all the photos you posted! beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteHi - thanks for your comments xx Your blog is so lovely. I think the second living room down is ideal, it makes me want to make myself comfortable there and have a chat or read! All good living rooms should do that I think - I'm with you!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the paint color in the first picture. Any chance you know what paint color was used?
ReplyDelete