my dream living room

I was recently asked by someone, “if I could design my dream living room, what would it look like?”  Hmmm.  I must admit I’m pretty dang happy with the living room I have now, but hey, let’s just dream…and remember in a dream there is no budget!

As I’ve gotten older and made the move to the West Coast, land of the laid back lifestyle and golden sunshine,  I can’t help but be inspired by this place I now call home.  Above all, my dream living room will be all about comfort and easy care. There won’t be any sharp edges or precious materials.  After all, a living room is for living!

If I could have any type of flooring I would want wide plank French oak.  Because I live in a house on a slab foundation, we have engineered oak.  I love the casual beachy feeling of the light colored floors!

I love a neutral earthy rug and this one from Arhaus fits the bill perfectly.  It is jute with a subtle geometric pattern that adds interest.

For furniture, I would start with the sofa. The last five homes I’ve helped decorate, I’ve used a sectional.  Let me tell you why.  A sectional immediately says, sit down and make yourself comfortable!  When it’s just the hubby and I, we both can stretch out together…no one fighting for who gets the sofa.  While I’ve used sectionals from Crate and Barrel and Restoration Hardware, I recently purchased The Cloud from RH.  Its downy comfort envelops me and I’m loathe to move.  It may be the last sofa I ever buy.  While I love the idea of a white sofa, it’s just not practical for me.  I know, I know, you can bleach the slipcovers.  But who wants to be taking those things off and then struggling to put them back on again?! Eeesh!  I’ll take mine in a sand colored Belgian linen, please.

I love a round coffee table.  There are no sharp edges to bang your shins on and it’s easy to maneuver around.  This 48″ round beauty is from Brownstone furniture.  I love the aged brass finish and think that it will only get more beautiful with time…

 

 

I’m obsessed with this simple modern console from CFC furniture.  It’s clean lines and natural finish are perfect for my California inspired living room.

Since this is a dream, I would love to have a pair of vintage safari chairs. The leather adds warmth and soul to an otherwise light palette.  They cost a pretty penny and can be found at sites like First Dibs and Chairish but I would love to find them for a whole lot less money…

Let’s add a few interesting side tables.  I love this simple black stump table from Wisteria. No matter what room I’m doing, I love to add a touch of black.  It grounds the space and adds some visual contrast.  It also comes in white which I may use instead. It’s a dream so I can change my mind!

 

I love this little round table to add some shine into the mix.  I’m not a big fan of glass top tables because if you are at all Type A as I am, dust, fingerprints, and any manner of things will appear magically seconds after you clean it!  Not a problem with this little lovely also from Wisteria…

 

How cool are these low stools from Blaxsand?  It is a to the trade only source. These could fit almost anywhere in my dream room…plant stands, magazines holder, or a foot rest.

I like different sources of lighting from floor lamps, to table lamps and a whole lot of candlelight! This simple floor lamp from School House Electric would look great next to the Cloud sectional…

I’m a huge fan of Simon Pearce glass and own some of their beautiful goblets and candlesticks.  Their handblown glass lamp would be a beautiful addition to the room but I would use a lighter shade…

Now for some textural pillows from one of my favorite gals, Jody of INDIEbungalow.  I’ve been a fan of her pillows for some time and am constantly changing them up.  I’m loving some of her new ones…

And to bring in some color, I have been coveting Swan Island Blankets for some time but they are pricey.  They will most likely become heirlooms as they are handwoven works of art.  I’m in love with this grey and teal throw…

Of course a dream living room wouldn’t be complete without meaningful objects, collections, books, and of course art. These aren’t things that can be bought all at once at a store, but collected over time. They are what will give my dream living room its personality and soul.  I’m a fan of Mark MacKinnon Photography and have several of his pieces.  For my dream living room, I would love one of his ocean themed prints in one of his extra large (48″ x 82″) sizes….I’m dreaming BIG!

And while I’m dreaming big, wouldn’t it be lovely if this was the view from my dream living room??