My goals are:
Goal #1: Make the space more visually calming. To me this means:
a. Less fabric on sofa (no slipcover, fewer to zero pillows).
b. Calmer palette for rugs and sofa. Mix cool and warm hues (now mostly warm).
c. Softer lighting - overheads that are more visually integrated, as well as lamps at different levels. Maybe a standing lamp behind couch and table lamps on entrytable and eames unit. (The Scandis do this to create hygge - lots of light sources not just overhead)
d. Non-disgusting new blinds. Should be easy.
e. Solid baskets to replace the wire ones so that we can't see all our mittens all the time. Nobody needs that.
f. Toy storage solution. Part 1 was moving most toys to extension closet to create toy rotation program, but now where to keep things that are out at a given time.
Goal #2: Spend more time at far end of room. Alone or with COMPANY! To me this means:
a. Better couch. This one is comfy but I hate the slipcover so much. Also dislike high tuxedo arms - it means you can't sit with a book and put a table next to it for beverage/book/phone whatever - you are always reaching over in a weird way. I feel isolated in a little box when the arms are so high. Also maybe sofa should be less long (aka shorter) so sitting in an L shape doesn't feel so crazy.
b. Abovementioned sidetable of some kind to facilitate reading on the sofa. Or sitting with drinks with friends. Imagine!
c. Either no chair or chair that is not terrifyingly white and expensive. Either smaller footprint side chair or big comfy cushy for the kids to jump on within reason and without fear. Prefer former.
d. Again, softer and more appropriately sized rug at that end so kids actually hang out there.
e. Must do something about hole in window. It is drafty and embarrassing.
f. Radiator cover would be nice to make that area feel like part of the room and not like "oh yeah that's where the mouse village is". Plus you could put some kind of houseplant there? Am I crazy? Am I *reaching* for the stars here? (I mean in dreamland there would be built-ins over there but I'm assuming that's for later reno)
As I see it, the critical elements to purchase are:
1. Rugs.
2 9x12s. One foodsafe-ish and one cozy, that go together within reason.
Estimate: $1200-$2600
2. Sofa.
I am pretty much just looking at Article because they are attractive and reasonably priced and everyone likes them. Low arms, the right length, comfy and durable. And, ahem, not fucking white. (Secondarily but not high priority: different sidechair)
Estimate: $1200-1800
3. New blinds.
I'm fine with similar to current style but we must fix the cord situation, it's horrible. Also open to just plain curtains on a nice brass rod of some kind. Question: we have all those extra shutters in basement, are we able to use them?
Estimate: no idea. Gotta talk to blinds place. Find out about shutters.
4. 2 new light fixtures for overhead.
(Secondarily: one reading lamp for next to couch, one table lamp for entry table and one for eames unit)
Estimate for 2: $600-1200
5. Radiator cover.
Probably made to order. Should get one for kitchen too.
Estimate: Dunno. $300 each? No idea.
(Bonus: 6. Mantel. I dream of a mantel. Just to differentiate the space, put pictures and xmas stockings on, and because they are pretty. Sigh.)
Total:
$3300 - $5600 not including blinds.
I am now going to post some inspiration pics as an illustration of the general VIBE. I think sometimes you think about particular elements you like and don't like without imagining it within the whole picture. Please notice what these have in common even if we don't love every single piece on its own. Dig, if you will, this picture:
What I like:
Neutral palette (the bare floors help). Globe chandeliers that go together but aren't identical. Mirror between windows. Wood/leather combo. Not huge couch means the whole sitting area feels included. Plants. Daylight visible through side chair.
What I like:
Neutral palette. curtains on a rod are handsome, simple, and give the space levels. Style of light fixture is cool and dynamic. Leather/wood/fabric mix. Plants.
What I like:
Neutral palette (noticing a trend?) Plants (ditto), leather/fabric/wood combo. Globe light. These are both Article sofas that I think are perfectly cute and kid friendly. Mid-century without being rat-packy. Although she has a different rug now.
Notice another thing these have in common: some black or dark grey elements mixed with the light and wood tones. I respond to it naturally but now I'm noticing it is grounding and grownup and gives texture to have all those lighter tones in there. I love the cleanness of the Scanifornian vibe that is so trendy but the black touches makes it a little more approachable and New Yorky. Like me!
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