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| Above: 1. Vintage book (Etsy), 2. Ceramic Lantern (Walmart), 3. Yellow Wingback Chair (IKEA), 4. Embroidered Michigan Pillow (catstudio), 5. Turquoise Lamp (Urban Outfitters), 6. Area Rug (Wayfair.com), 7. Detroit Skyline Poster (Zazzle.com), 8. Metallic Orbs (Wayfair.com) |
Between recovering from the flu and being caught in a cold snap (spring hasn’t made up its mind to stay just yet in southeast Michigan), I’ve been spending some extra time indoors lately. That’s okay, though, because I’ve had the chance to catch up on some spring cleaning! This past weekend was spent pulling everything out of every cabinet and closet in the house, and as I (hopefully) get closer to having an organized home, I’m starting to picture some lovely decor updates, as well.
First up is our front living room/entry room area. This space is separate from our TV room (click here to see a recent update) and filled with lots of sunlight and white bookshelves. Now, it’s time to add some pops of color and personality! Here are some pieces and themes I’d like to incorporate (numbers correspond to the above images):
1. Books. Lots and lots of ’em.
When I said we have bookshelves, I wasn’t kidding! Brad found an awesome IKEA hack for built-ins (photos to come), and I love them! The thing is, bookshelves are much prettier when they’re filled with . . . well, books. That’s something I’ve been avidly working on over the past few months. To add to my own reading collection, I’ve scoured antique shops, thrift stores, and estate sales for colorful, vintage hardback books to tie in the “bright” theme I’m going for. If anybody knows of a good book sale coming up, let me know!
2. Turquoise
Turquoise is one of my favorite colors, and it’s so popular right now! So far, I’ve had luck finding pieces in this color (for reasonable prices) at TJ Maxx, Kirkland’s, and Walmart. I’ve already put together a pretty good collection of turquoise ceramics–everything from lanterns to birds! I’m looking forward to showing you the finished result. 🙂
3. Vintage-Inspired Furniture
When I was in IKEA the other day, I saw this yellow chair and my. heart. stopped. The bold yellow and the wingback style remind me of something out of the 1960s, which definitely seems to be a recurring theme in a lot of the second-hand furniture we’ve picked up at estate sales lately. Now, to find a coffee table that will tie it all together!
4. A Touch Of Local
You all know how much I love exploring the mitten state, so it’s probably no shock to you that I would include at least a few references to Michigan! I’m a big fan of this hand-embroidered pillow . . . and the colors are awesome. I also plan to incorporate some souvenirs I’ve picked up on my journeys–a few have already found their way onto the shelves!
5. A Pair Of Chic Table Lamps
Okay, so I haven’t decided if I’d rather go with gold or turquoise, but after seeing this gorgeous lamp, I’m leaning toward the latter. The bottle-esque shape is really pretty, but I’ve also seen some cylinder-shaped bases that would look great, as well. What do you think?
6. A Bold Rug (Or Two)
I don’t know what it is about hot pink rugs, but I am dying to get my hands on one! I especially like this design because it’s eye-catching, yet has a timeless pattern that’ll remain relevant for years.
7. Modern-Style Artwork
Seriously, how perfect is this?? Brad gave me this Detroit skyline print for Christmas shortly after we moved into our current home. I love how it takes the themes of color and locality and punches them up a notch. It’s fun, and available in umpteen print sizes online.
8. Metallic Accents
These golden orbs make an awesome addition to any book shelf. I picked up one of my own for a few dollars at TJ Maxx (I would have gotten more if they had been in stock), but these have been popping up everywhere. And by the way: gold works as a neutral, so these totally go with everything.
What do you think–would you try a room of brights in your home? What are your decorating tips or favorite places to shop when customizing your space? Let me know in the comments!
