Tuesday, August 5, 2014

From Yellow to Bright White: Living Room Reveal


Going from yellow to white was a big challenge. I looked at lots of whites but in the end went with Valspar High Hide White right off the shelf. The first swipe with the roller was terrifying. I was worried that it looked a bit sterile.  Did I own enough old books and travel mementos to keep it from looking like a doctor's office waiting room? As you can see nothing much changed except the wall color and furniture arrangement.


I wanted everything to tell a story and bring a memory. The icon of St. Francis and St. Clair I purchased on a lovely day in Assisi. The rosary is from The Vatican. 


I always struggle with finding the exact balance between clean, organized, functional, and warm, layered, interesting. 


I don't work at collecting many things. These cameras happen to be ones that have been in the family for years. The basket was brought home by my grandfather who was a missionary in New Guinea.


If there is anything I make a half hearted effort to collect it's Mexican blankets. I pick one up whenever I'm there. They're easy to find and extremely inexpensive. I don't have the shopping determination to collect anything that is expensive or hard to find.



Layering without having things look messy takes a lot of editing and rearranging.


The white on the walls generally looks like a crisp gray in the summer when this room gets no direct sunlight. I'll have to wait a few months to see if it is blinding in full sun on January afternoons.


One thing I decided while painting was that I was never going to buy another piece of mass produced art. Okay, maybe a vintage travel poster. Luckily having a son who is an artist and being someone who loves to take pictures means that won't be a problem. The three pieces below are by my son.



A glimpse of a bare wall in the dining room that I have plans for.


Below are two of my own photographs that I framed and hung up on the wall over the antique French bookcase. I wrote the location underneath each, on the mat, and signed them.

  


Home doesn't have to be a cookie cutter vision of anyone else's ideal decor. Making it personal means it reflects you and your family.   

2 comments:

  1. Hi Michelle, your living room makeover is beautiful! Everything looks so cozy and inviting! Your red sofa and travel mementos really warm up the space, and I love the maps!
    Sally @cottagefix

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sally! Painting the walls white was the one thing I swore I'd never do...and here we are. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

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