Dear Style Studio,
My living and dining room are essentially one long space, measuring about 36 feet long by 15 feet wide.
I would love some help accessorizing since most of what I have is hand-me-down family heirlooms.
I recently installed a beautiful hand-scraped hickory floor, which I love but now I feel we need area rugs to ground and define the spaces.
I like the casual look and feel of a jute rug but I am unsure if I should put the same area rug in both spaces or do something different.
I’d like the sofa in the living room to be replaced with something lighter/more casual but the rest of the furniture will remain except for the rocking chair.
The colonial dining set is not ideal (hand me down) but it will have to do for now. I would prefer something more solid, rustic and distressed but it isn’t in the budget just yet.
I would also like a suggestion for lighting in my two-story foyer and lighting for the dining room. I was looking at the Arturo Round Chandelier for the foyer but I am unsure of what to put in the dining room.
I should also mention that the red paint in the dining room is not staying but I haven’t decided on a color as of yet. Thanks for any help you can offer!
Best,
Julia
Julia,
Your new floors are lovely and created a beautiful flow within your space. Remember to select specific elements that will be repeated in both rooms. For example, consider using organic elements, iron pieces or maybe a favorite accent color.
For a start in your entry way, we suggest the Laurenza Chandelier. The Laurenza has an organic feel but the silhouette gives you a touch of refinement. We also suggest replacing your valance with our Embroidered Medallion Panel.
For your living room, we suggest our Monterey Sofa in Twill Khaki sitting atop the Maura rug. This rug is a flat weave with a relaxed feel and incorporates a soft color palette.
Hang our Winter Gold II Giclee flanked by Antique Mirror Scones centered above the sofa. Try tossing pillows on the sofa in Moroccan Stripe, Velvet Leaf and burlap for added pops of color.
Have you considered painting one of your pieces for color variety? Maybe your desk or coffee table would make a great feature piece.
Over your piano, we recommend adding the Laraine Mirror for drama. Bring in a few new lamps … like the Ellis Glass lamp.
Over your dining table, consider the Orion Jute Orb Chandelier. Next, tuck a Braided Link Jute rug under the table. These two pieces will be great now and in the future after replacing your table.
Your hutch to the left of the table is another piece that would look fabulous painted.
Now your ready to select your paint for the dining room. Pull an inspired color from the living room rug. Lighting plays a huge role in the way a paint color looks in a room so paint a sample on the wall first.
Consider accessorizing a three-step process: 1. Remove the clutter; 2. Create collections with existing treasures; 3. Fill in with new inspirational pieces.
Your rooms will be fresh and comfortable in no time. We look forward to seeing the results!
Happy Decorating!
Style Studio Team
