My Home August 2012: Living Room {a new beginning}

Our living room has been empty for awhile

(the sectional moved to the finished basement).

But it is coming together since I brought in

lots of comfy Belgian linen slipcovered lovely.

Everybody loves that swivel-tastic Copenhagen chair.

The sofa is an 8-footer, and the coffee table

is probably temporary…I found it in the garbage!

It is an old solid oak children’s art table

given a zinc paint treatment.

It will be upgraded eventually, but we

love the idea that it has been touched by so many

creative little hands and came out of a church.

You may remember the piece has a twin, and I was

using them as benches in the dining room.

Yes, two free tables/benches!

That small abstract is not staying there!

I threw it on the wall because there was a nail.

Whatev! It’s not even straight!

So right now we have a dough bowl and some

French prayer chairs along this wall, but who

knows what we’ll do…maybe a huge mirror

or giant framed photograph above it.

A closer look at the finish I put on the table.

Big spender that I am,

paid $1 for this rolling stool which I turned

into a side table. I didn’t even replace the makeshift

plywood top–just slapped on some grey paint.

Again, it’s prob temporary but maybe not.

In its current state, totally boring but this is the

beginning…it will evolve and become magical.

Will the walls be paneled?

An interesting rug?

Hardwood floors?

Velvet drapes?

I’m patient with such things.

The room gets fabulous light,

and I’m sending you some

right where you are.

michele

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87 Comments

  1. August 16, 2012 / 5:54 am

    Oh my God! Your home is so mid-century white lovely. Its minimalist, its full of vibes and its fantastic. Love that dough bowl 🙂

  2. August 16, 2012 / 6:42 am

    I love your home! It's beautiful. So nice that you are sharing it with us 🙂 And that window!!! Amazing! Love it!

    Have a great day, in your beautiful home!

    Lisanne

  3. August 16, 2012 / 8:53 am

    Beautiful and comfy!

  4. August 16, 2012 / 10:05 am

    Serious wow factor going on over here Michele. Funny even if you had paid big bucks, I would still think its absolutley GORGEOUS but the fact that you pulled it together as you did is amazing, looks like a million bucks and think it might have to find its way into a magazine spread. The coffee table was in the garbage? It looks like something you would buy from some fancy Belgian designer.You are not only a rockstar with music but add decorating diva to your list of talents….bravo Michele!

  5. August 16, 2012 / 1:44 pm

    what a beautiful and comfortable space you have. Love how serene it is.

    xox

  6. August 16, 2012 / 1:51 pm

    I love it just the way it is. That chair is epic, and the fabric on the sofa looks heavenly. Like your big painting too, the colors, simplicity and softness are perfect for the room.

    Cindy

  7. August 16, 2012 / 3:16 pm

    Gorgeous beginning Michele…beautiful pieces (freebies or not)…love that $1 stool, it looks great as a side table…my favourite items though, are the cushions…love the charcoal one with the crest and the patched & stencilled ones on the couch…are they old/vintage fabrics or new creations? Robx

  8. August 16, 2012 / 3:31 pm

    Beautiful room and wow the light is just stunning x

  9. August 16, 2012 / 7:48 pm

    i am having fun tweaking stuff and bringing in things to try. thanks for the encouragement, friends!

    @robynne
    all the pillow covers are from restoration hardware, and they have an incredible french linen feel to them.

    🙂

  10. August 16, 2012 / 8:22 pm

    The Copenhagen chair – yes yes yes! It's coming along rather wonderfully and the paint finish on the grey coffee table find so lovely. That little rolling stool MUST STAY – it's awesome industrial chic amongst comfy belgian lovely.

    Your paintings just add the perfect finishing touch of soothing yumminess!

    xxx

    PS thanks for your comment on the hunt for vintage bedside tables – I have visions of 2 little lovely tables making their way on the side of the motorway, thumbing their way up the country to my home!! 😉

  11. August 16, 2012 / 8:26 pm

    Michele, I am loving your new beginnings!! What a great foundation for things to come or evolve over time. You have a special touch so it will be fun to see what you do. Thought of you yesterday as I was playing with my mom's vintage jewelry. I got to bring home an old Cameo necklace that is soooo pretty. You would not believe the amount of fascinating cameo's she has. You would have so much fun exploring.
    xo Kathysue

  12. August 16, 2012 / 8:28 pm

    It looks fantastic-all of it!

    ~Trisha

  13. Anonymous
    August 16, 2012 / 8:40 pm

    I have the exact 8 foot sofa and I LOVE it!!! Perfect color, perfect depth perfect canvas. You will make it amazing – I too like a look that not only looks like it evolves over time but literally does! The journey from lovely to even more lovely is exciting. I look forward to watching the transformation 🙂

  14. August 16, 2012 / 8:41 pm

    OMG – it's absolutely gorgeous – all the muted grays and whites – my dream living room really!

  15. August 16, 2012 / 8:41 pm

    OMG – it's absolutely gorgeous – all the muted grays and whites – my dream living room really!

  16. August 16, 2012 / 9:17 pm

    I love it Michele! It is already so soothing and light…it will only get better and better with each layer that you add. Love all of the unique finds – even the ones that were found in the garbage or only cost $1. 🙂 You have such a beautiful touch!

  17. August 16, 2012 / 9:23 pm

    It's absolutely beautiful Michele!!! I love the soft linen and the gray accents… it doesn't get better! I have to say… I'm loving that coffee table and that rolling stool as the side table… brilliant my friend!

    You're so super talented and beautiful, thanks for sharing!

    xx
    Des

  18. August 16, 2012 / 9:33 pm

    You're off to a fabulous start with all that beautiful linen! And I'm kinda loving that stool/side table on rollers. Very cool!
    Mary Alice

  19. August 17, 2012 / 2:32 am

    I'm in love and jealous all at once! The space, the lightness, the white…the minimal simplicity of it all…love it…jealous (a strong word, I know) that I can't figure out how to make that work in my life & living room!
    My Grandmother would say…"can't means won't"…she's right…I'm gonna make this work!
    Thank you for the lovely inspiration Michele!

  20. August 17, 2012 / 2:39 am

    Beautiful Michele! Neutrals are so calming.. serene, and clean looking. They also open the doors for endless possibilities. I love the Belgium linen and that coffee table is so sweet 🙂 Also.. I've seen gorgeous homes that are done with a budget in mind.. that are stunning. Mine is always in a state of change. My kids are older now and I'm feeling like I want to start all over.

    leslie

  21. August 17, 2012 / 5:22 am

    Such a pretty and cozy living room. I do love that swivel gorgeous chair. It looks so comfy.

    Danielle

  22. August 17, 2012 / 12:10 pm

    Ha…Alès 🙂 Just been there a few weeks ago , funny to trace the Alès print back on your pillow ! And … great Belgian linen Michèle 🙂
    Wonderful room , congratulations !!

  23. August 17, 2012 / 12:35 pm

    Hi Michele
    It's great to have found you:-)
    I love your room! the window is beautiful letting in so much light…I love your hand made side table, it's inspired. Maybe a huge arched window over the dough bowl to match your gorgeous door?
    Have a lovely weekend!
    Fiona

  24. August 17, 2012 / 2:41 pm

    this is a fabulous room! looks like a magazine. your furniture is wonderful, and I love the mix of styles and the industrial nuances.

  25. August 17, 2012 / 3:47 pm

    My goodness – what an incredibly beautiful light filled room! It may not be finished, but it's certainly already gorgeous! LOVE your style, can't wait to discover more!
    Best wishes,
    Paula x

  26. August 17, 2012 / 4:56 pm

    Thanks for the comment over at my Blog! Love, love, LOVE how things are fairing in your living room. I'm totally crushing on that beautiful arched door, and the couch looks amazingly comfy and cushy (and, of course, that swivel chair is swivelicious). Look forward to seeing updates!

    Have got yourself another follower 🙂

    Cheers!

  27. August 17, 2012 / 5:09 pm

    Wow do you ever have great stuff to work with for starters! Loving the furniture and I can so see where it's all going! It's gonna be lovely! I adore your front doors! Awesome!! and if you decide to replace that $1 stool I want it!!!!

  28. August 17, 2012 / 8:49 pm

    i was nervous about showing you guys that stool, and you're telling me it's cool–yippeee!

    everyone is invited over for a drink–but NO RED WINE IN THE LIVING ROOM. can you dig it?

    🙂

  29. August 17, 2012 / 10:48 pm

    Just beautiful…love the little rolling stool as a side table. So happy to be following you! 🙂

  30. August 18, 2012 / 12:22 am

    Hi Michele,
    I love your living room! I absolutely adore your sofa! I can't wait to see what is to come:), Linking you on my blog list so I can follow. Have a great night,Jen

  31. August 18, 2012 / 1:31 am

    Michele this is so beautifully done!! Your pieces are unique and very special. Adore your end tables;especially the rolling cart!
    Adding a cool rug and some additional layered texture could pull it all together…you can also take all the time to find what you want.

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena
    2012 Artist Series featuring Harrison Howard

  32. August 18, 2012 / 2:40 am

    Your house is darling. Love the brightness througout.

  33. August 18, 2012 / 2:48 am

    Your room has a gorgeous beginning. I love how you incorporated free or inexpensive finds like the the little tables. I'm now following your blog and can't wait to check out more of it.

  34. August 18, 2012 / 1:54 pm

    Your home is beautiful… Love how light and airy it is.

  35. August 18, 2012 / 2:53 pm

    Wow! it's perfect! I'll link to you tomorrow. Hope you're ok I understand what you mean.. Exciting, but a bit strange at the same time.. good luck! have a nice weekend! hx

  36. August 18, 2012 / 3:24 pm

    Your living room looks fabulous and relaxing! So many great pieces! Love that gorgeous egg chair, by the way!
    Well done, Michele!

    Jessie
    http://www.mixandchic.com

  37. August 18, 2012 / 3:40 pm

    What a great starting point for your living room. Love the linen covered furniture (something I'd love, but avoided because of 3 little girls with sticky fingers). French prayer chairs and dough bowl? fantastic!

  38. August 18, 2012 / 7:00 pm

    Hey Michele – Fabulous! I love your color palette…..very serene and Scandinavian. I am in love with your Copenhagen chair. It is so sculptural. Thanks for sharing 🙂
    xo,
    Loi

  39. August 19, 2012 / 5:34 am

    It looks wonderful ! I like the colors, the furnitures, yes everything 🙂

    I found your blog at Greet's blog !!

    xo
    Anci

  40. August 19, 2012 / 9:18 am

    Hi Michele,
    So happy to have found your blog via Belgian Pearls.
    Love your living room!
    Cup of tea in hand, about to spend a happy hour looking over your past posts!
    Have a lovely weekend,
    Lizx

  41. August 19, 2012 / 8:48 pm

    $1!!!! I love that stool! The room has beautiful bones and I'm glad you are taking your time – it's going to be stunning
    Stacy

  42. August 20, 2012 / 2:32 pm

    Hi Michele, I'm visiting from Shangri-La Lane:) Everything here looks gorgeous!!! Seriously beautiful! Have a wonderful day.
    Julia.

  43. August 20, 2012 / 11:53 pm

    Looks like you have a great start. thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog today.

  44. August 21, 2012 / 1:44 am

    Hi Michele. What a great start, I can tell it is going to look amazing! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I'm now following your blog and would love if you'd do the same. 🙂 thanks!

  45. August 21, 2012 / 1:56 am

    Lovely … I have no doubt that it will become everything you want it to be. You have exquisite taste!

  46. August 21, 2012 / 2:37 pm

    You living room is lovely,
    I love every piece of furniture and your slipcovers look wonderful.

  47. August 21, 2012 / 3:59 pm

    So pretty!! I look forward to seeing you at MDC. I would like to invite ou to enter my 50 dollar giftcard giveaway to the store HomeGoods. The card can also be used at TJ Maxx and Marshalls.

  48. August 21, 2012 / 4:13 pm

    5 stars my friend!!!! Love the lounge chairs (one of these days I will be curled up in one of them chatting, chatting, chatting to you in the other one!)

    I did not know that you had a fabulous egg chair? See, you are more Scandinavian than I am!!

    Got back last night from a nice trip to Canada. No cooking and cleaning for a few days – did not mind at all! (:

    Hugs to you lovely.

    Mon

    P.S You better keep that industrial stool – right where it is. And put that small painting back! Mama says.

  49. August 21, 2012 / 6:39 pm

    Low how serene your living room feels. Loving all the pillows. x

  50. August 22, 2012 / 1:27 am

    so beautiful! the table was a great find. love your sofa and the pillows – 3rd photo !!
    x

  51. August 22, 2012 / 6:49 pm

    What a fabulous space…so light filled…and all of your white accents are amazing….the rolling side table….is a DREAM….!!! and the stylish chair….makes me want to grab a cup of coffee and browse through your stack of books! I'll be right over!

    thanks for sharing your white wednesday post.
    It's so nice to have met you.

    ciao bella
    your newest follower
    Creative Carmelina

  52. August 23, 2012 / 3:15 am

    wow your house is uber cool…I feel you have such style that it transcends anything I've seen lately…wow again

  53. August 23, 2012 / 4:03 am

    thank you guys so much. i always get nesty this time of year and i'm having fun re-styling a few rooms.

    @amy
    *grins widely*

    michele

  54. August 23, 2012 / 8:51 pm

    Your living room is absolutely dreamy. I actually love the minimalism. Very soothing.

  55. August 24, 2012 / 10:01 am

    I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post
    was great. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going
    to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

  56. August 27, 2012 / 12:55 pm

    Your home is stunning- and I like your laid back attitude on decorating it. LOL

  57. August 28, 2012 / 3:45 am

    My first time to your blog and I love your living room in all its simplicity right now. LOVE love love those paintings! They are so calming. I am an artist and actually like barely anything on my own walls but these are the kind of paintings I love. Your home is gorgeous.

  58. August 28, 2012 / 2:23 pm

    I cannot believe you paid a whopping $1 for that stool!! LOVE it! I also love your pillows! Fantastic job so far! I'm your newest follower and would love you to visit and say hi 🙂
    Susan

  59. August 28, 2012 / 3:21 pm

    What a gorgeous home you have. I love how you designed it, just perfect!

    Jody

  60. August 31, 2012 / 12:51 am

    Holy beautiful, Michele!!! I don't think it's boring at all. Pure gorgeousness. Can I come over? 😉 Featuring this tonight. xo Jami

  61. August 31, 2012 / 12:51 am

    Holy beautiful, Michele!!! I don't think it's boring at all. Pure gorgeousness. Can I come over? 😉 Featuring this tonight. xo Jami

  62. August 31, 2012 / 12:51 am

    Holy beautiful, Michele!!! I don't think it's boring at all. Pure gorgeousness. Can I come over? 😉 Featuring this tonight. xo Jami

  63. August 31, 2012 / 7:32 am

    hi Michele,'newest follower although I thought i already was as have seen your blog lots of times…anyway this room is beautiful. not only the furnishings, and the light but that view of greenery! I adore your lamp also!
    cheers Fiona

  64. August 31, 2012 / 12:06 pm

    Good morning Michele…I LOVE the linen slips…absolutely LOVELY as usual…
    Mariaelena

  65. August 31, 2012 / 8:46 pm

    Love Love you living room…
    I just found your blog and i am in love. can you tell me where to get the chair in your living room and the end table beside it.

  66. August 31, 2012 / 8:48 pm

    I just found your blog and I love love your living room. Would you be willing to share where you found the chair and end table. I need another chair in my living room and that would fit perfectly. Thank you.
    Can't wait to dig deeper into your blog.

  67. September 1, 2012 / 6:02 pm

    @kelly

    the copenhagen chair is from RH and the round table was found at gordman's (who knew??).

    🙂

  68. September 1, 2012 / 6:14 pm

    I. Love. This. ROOM!!! 😀 SO pretty, and your view is spectacular, too! I am your newest follower.

    Linking from Alison's,
    Ricki Jill

  69. September 1, 2012 / 7:29 pm

    Totally lovely!! I love your fresh, young and sophisticated style Michelle. The details are perfect, even the books with the rosary beads, just beautiful. I'm visiting from the Polo House. Hugs,
    FABBY

  70. September 2, 2012 / 12:35 am

    It is all about the light isn't it. What I would give for that kind of light in my shaded living room. It is so serene and peaceful. I like it just the way it is. And that stool is a keeper. Looks just right.

  71. September 2, 2012 / 10:38 pm

    thank you for this feedback, gorgeous readers. i feel so much better about showing you the space without drapes, rug, etc. i really do appreciate your responses.

    🙂

  72. September 3, 2012 / 12:23 am

    LOVE your style, Michele!
    I really do.
    There are so many brilliant looks in homes and your gome is one I could totally live it too!
    So much fun touring the rooms this month.
    Thanks so much for sharing your lovely enlightened living spot.
    🙂

    xoxox
    A

  73. September 17, 2012 / 3:47 pm

    What a welcoming, beautiful space you have!
    I love the sofa and cushions,so soft and it must be relaxing to be there:)

  74. December 15, 2012 / 1:13 pm

    I am not a fan of a room with limited *color* (and no, gray doesn't count) but this room is fabulously beautiful! Very well done!

  75. December 15, 2012 / 10:50 pm

    I love the linen furniture! They look so comfortable. I love what you have added so far and can't wait to see as you add more. I wish I could find a stool like that for so cheap. Love the zinc paint you added to the table.

    Visiting from FNF and newly following you!

    ~Shanon

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