Monday, November 23, 2009
Weekend Update: Somewhere to sit (finally!)
This was the state of my living room back in August. After moving from a much smaller townhouse with one main living space into a home with both a living room and upstairs' den, we found ourselves with exactly nothing to put in here. Zip. Zero. Nada. Since then, we've slowly been adding pieces to this space, first the rug, then a chair and floor lamp -- and, as of Friday, a sofa, lamps and console table! And just in time for Thanksgiving, too.
After over two months of waiting, our sofa finally arrived yesterday and I love how it looks in the room (and Dave loves how comfortable it is!). It's hard to tell from this picture, but the fabric isn't actually a solid, it's more of a tweed, with navy, slate blue and tan shot through it. I'm hopefully that the subtle pattern will make animal hair less apparent. I'm also loving how great my greek key table lamps look now that they've been released from their temporary home in my upstairs' closet.
A few more shots of the room (please forgive the bad lighting -- those two-story windows make it nearly impossible to avoid a glare): 
While the sofa and the wing chair could certainly use some fun, colorful throw pillows, can you guess what's next on my shopping list? An ottoman or coffee table, naturally. I've decided to veer from my original plan and go for a piece that's a bit less heavy. I've also decided against investing in one of these (which proved to be a very divisive piece as about 50% of you all loved it and another 50% absolutely hated it!). Just as I'm not the kind of person who believes that wine stains on Carrera marble add "character", so too am I not really the type of person who repurposes "found" objects as furniture. In other people's houses, sure; in my own...notsomuch.
So here are three options that are both more "me" and more appropriate for this particular space:
I think there are advantages to all three of these choices, and before you run off and vote for your favorite, let me make a case for each of these:
1). Smart Round Marble Coffee Table ($299; CB2). I think the size and round-shape of the is a great choice for a room that, like mine, is a bit tight on space. I also like how the traditional marble is paired with such a sleek, modern base (a nice counterpoint to what's shaping up to be a fairly traditional room). The open base will also not obscure the fabulous pattern on my rug.
2). Nate Berkus Hexagon Cocktail Ottoman ($399.95; HSN). I'm sure you noticed how both the wingback chair and the sofa are sporting some lovely stems. While I have nothing against flaunting great legs when you have them, I think a nice skirted ottoman would be a nice counter balance to all that leg. I also happen to know that Dave vastly prefers ottomans to coffee tables and once we get a TV in here, an ottoman would certainly be a more comfortable place to put our feet up than a marble or acrylic coffee table. Of course, I'll need to switch out the black grosgrain ribbon with a blue one, but that's nothing that a quick trip to JoAnn's and a sewing machine couldn't fix in an afternoon. [Oh and, while this ottoman is a good bit more than the other two choices, I do have a 15% off coupon that would bring the price closer to the others.]
3). Peekaboo Clear Coffee Table ($249; CB2). While the size of this coffee table is larger than the other two, it's clear acrylic form ensures it will take up absolutely zero visual space and allow full view of my rug. Again, I'm thinking that a more modern piece to this space might really work.
So what do you think? Which would you pick? And as always, if you have a better suggestion, please feel free to leave a comment and let me know all about it.
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27 comments:
Yay!!! I'm so happy your couch made it in time for Thanksgiving! It looks great! I vote for the ottoman- I love the skirt on it.
I would definitely go for the skirted ottoman, and here's why: It's pretty AND functional...both now AND in the future.
If there's ever going to be a little bambino crawling/running around your house, you'll be sooo glad you have something soft in there. So you won't have to heave and lift your gorgeous, costly wood coffee table into the attic and be so sad that you'll never know when you'll get to use it again. Oh wait - that's just me! Sorry!
But seriously, I think it's perfect for the space, and Dave can put his feet on it, and kids can safely fall into it!
p.s. I'm so glad you're not getting the wagon. hehehe.
At first I wasn't sure, but now I'm definitely digging the lucite coffee table. I think the shape will be fab in that room, it will allow your rug to be see in all its glory, it won't hide the lovely legs of your other furniture, and it adds a great bit of mod to the room. Yes, I'm in love! (And I can't wait to see what accent colors you add in!!)
Your living room is becoming a beautiful place that has quite the restful quality to it. I'd select the first option, but each would work quite well in the space. Like the blues throughout your home...ENJOY!! Janell
I love the ottoman!
I voted for the marble table, but the ottoman is also a good choice. I think the light colored fabric on the ottoman would show stains easily and you can't put drinks and food on it like you can with the marble. Also, the marble is a different texture than the other upholstered pieces.
The acrylic would probably scratch easily--not a good thing with kitties, Olivia, Dave and later on babies around!
Pretty choices all, but I voted for the clear plex table... for all the reasons you give plus the ability to showcase great looking accessories on it and even under it without competition from the table itself. Is there a side table version of the marble-topped table? I think a drum-shaped table in that style would look great between the sofa and chair. But then you may already have a better plan for that area, so feel free to ignore me! Have fun in your "new" room!
Gorgeous new additions, darling!
Love the rug especially!
And I voted for the skirted ottoman :)
xoxox,
CC
averill, i just really like how you roll! i can't believe how much you guys have gotten done! really! as for your coffee table, i feel like you need some thing glass that will allow that bangin' rug to show through. love your floor lamps too. hubbs just treated me to new furniture today! have a great thanksgiving! xo kitty
Beautiful!!! Love that rug, such a great pattern! Hmmm...I think I vote for #1, the round marble guy from CB2:)
Beautiful upgrade.I vote for clear,modern classic coffee table.
that rug is beautiful! I voted for the marble coffee table. Averill, thanks for posting about the winter candle holder. You're way too lovely! :)
wait, I was signed in at the other account, that was me...Maureen :)
Averill, I soo love your home updates. They are so inspiring! As for the coffee table, I'm leaning towards options 1 or 3. I think either would look awesome
I hope you pick #3. I've been eyeing it for my living room as well!
I love the skirted ottoman but I think the clear acrylic table goes with overall look of the room. Gorgeous by the way. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Hmmm I like the marble top and the ottoman. They are both beautiful. xx
Check out my post today on my weekend vintage Baker find. I think it would be stunning. It is brass and glass Chinese Chippendale. I think a vintage piece would mix so well with everything so new. Just a thought.
Great choices! Love to see the room coming together. I voted for number 1, but could easily select number 2 as well- just not sure how much space it would take up in that room. All great options though!
All the comments are very thoughtful but I feel like the marble one is more you.
I love those clear tables, but I'm voting no - the space can handle something much heavier, and I think a more solid piece will soften the angularity of the rug and lamps. LOVE your design choices - can you post a pic of the view toward the fire place too? PLEASE? :)
Oh so many choices Averill. I voted ottoman too to give the room some substance. But I am going to run over to see Beth's suggestion. I see her point with an addition of something vintage. It could add some fun character. Your home is coming along fabulously, you both must be so proud?!
You have such great taste, Averill, and of course you've chosen three good options. I like them all for different reasons, but my personal preference is #1. With that said, any of them would actually work. :-) It will be fun to see your choice when it's in the room. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving in your new home!
pk @ Room Remix
Your living room is looking spectacular, Averill. I hope that you and your family have a terrific Thanksgiving!!
Lovely choices! I'm not sure which one! I'm leaning towards the first choice, though, with marble. I think it's a great piece with classic appeal. However, there's something about the skirted one that looks so warm and inviting. To me, either one would be beautiful in your space.
Looking good, Averill :)
What a gorgeous space. Love the windows. ou're doing a great job.
I voted for the marble table but it was a hard choice. I think all of them would look good. Nice to find another Houstonian in the blogworld!
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