Decorating Dilemmas is a weekly column in which our stylists answer your design questions, so you can tackle your home decorating project with complete confidence.
Dear How to Decorate,
We recently refinished the antique heart pine floors in our living room. We also had a distressed black entertainment center built for our largest wall in the living room.
The next plan is to get new furniture! The current couch, love seat, and recliner will be gone. I need help choosing a rug, couch, and new chairs that all coordinate. Also, I need two tables or recommendations to go on each side of the columns.
I am leaning towards more traditional style, but not fancy. I don’t need a super light colored couch because I have boys but don’t want really dark either.
I would also love some recommendations on how to decorate my mantle while keeping the family pic there. I am terrible at pulling it all together and just get overwhelmed when I start looking.
Help, please!
Jenny
Jenny,
Starting with a clean slate can be overwhelming but we have created a plan for your space that will help you feel confident in your choices.
Let’s start with a rug … the foundation of every good plan. We suggest our Ravello Rug for its beauty and durability.
Next place a Davenport Chaise Sectional, slip covered in Twill Bark, facing your entertainment cabinet along with two of our Moss Leather Cubes in front on the sectional. These cube ottomans are perfect multi-functional pieces that can double as cocktail tables.
Add two Marissa Chairs, in Trilby Basketweave Drift, next to the sofa and facing the fireplace.
For side tables, we recommend placing a black Bornova Side Table between the Marissa Chairs and then pull up our Durham Side Table between the sectional and the chairs.
For an extra touch of pattern and texture, add throw pillows in Velvet Emerald and Gray Checked along with our whimsical Bee Pillow.
For additional seating to the right of the fireplace, we suggest adding the Leyland Armless Chair upholstered in Gray Check. Then pull up the Durham Tray Table along with our Lafitte Floor Lamp to finish out the cozy corner.
We like the start you have with accessorizing your mantel. Consider adding a short topiary dome on the left side and then remove the vase to the right.
Now on the right, place a larger topiary accompanied by our Arts & Crafts Stairs … a fun conversational piece.
For the walls on each side of your columns, we recommend adding a bookcase instead of a table. The Morgan 3-Shelf Tower in black is a fantastic option because you can add baskets to any of the shelves for convenient storage space.
Consider topping off the bookshelves with our Whimsical Prints to give each wall a finished look.
Following this basic plan will soon give you a traditional space that is functional and comfortable for your everyday living. Remember to send pictures when you are finished!
Happy Decorating!
The How to Decorate Team
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