hey friends,
the living room was a bit tricky. when you walk into the house (the front door is to the left of this photo), you walk into this big room. there aren’t any closets downstairs and we very much needed some sort of entryway that could hold our coats, umbrellas, shoes, bags, etc. so we divided the room up into two different spaces. one for the entryway (on the left here) and one for the living room (on the right).
here’s the front view of the makeshift entryway (what you see when you walk in the front door). that’s an old church pew/bench that john’s parents gave us many years ago. and the quilt was made by his beloved grandmother when he was just a tot. the old wooden shutters are sandwiched between the bench and the couch to help provide definition to the division of the two spaces. and i tacked up a piece of ribbon to the shutters to act as an inspiration/welcoming line – a place to hang recent cards, photos, etc. i heart this little space.
here’s a bit of a better view of the whole area. the cabinet to the left used to be our tv cabinet but we converted it into a much needed coat closet. the canvas bin on the floor holds scarves, gloves, hats…..
we have another area for coats on the wall. and we’re using our old metal oregonian newspaper holder to hold umbrellas by the front door. the large old suitcase to the right belonged to my gr gr grandfather (maybe it was just one gr?). the box on top is used to store misc items (wallets, watches, ipods, etc) that we grab when we walk in/out of the front door. and that’s a vintage metal key holder above the suitcase on the wall. love that thing.
we put a couple of baskets underneath the bench to hold our most used shoes. and that’s the dining room in the background. we switched out the rug for a more vibrant yellow one. it suits us better i think :). here’s an updated photo of that room with the new rug.
the wicker chair was found on the side of the road by my mom years ago and you would not believe how cozy it is. and that’s an ikea floor lamp with an anthro shade. and the little monster snuggly was made by lk ludwig. it was my favorite purchase from artfest 2006. the old candle holder sits on top of our coffee table (old wicker trunk). it was in the dining room for awhile, but it’s happier in this room, i think 🙂
the fireplace holds our collection of old salvage posts along with a canvas reproduction of one of my pieces (more of these will be for sale very, very soon in the etsy shop – just waiting for their delivery) and another wooden frame. the fireplace also holds old rulers turned into photo holders (another great idea found in a magazine somewhere).
I love it ! Very creative ! That's actually really cool Thanks.
Okay…still obsessed and inspired by your home… wish I had this in a little magazine so I could carry your ideas with me from room to room (I have a desktop pc…) You are fabulous Kelly!
I love how your put together your livingroom & entryway. It's very welcoming, warm and fun. You've given me something to dream towards. 🙂
Kelly, I just bought your book “Taking Flight” The book is awesome. I’m new at this and find it hard to find who I am in the art world. As I don’t want to copy someone else. So inspiring and can’t wait to try the techniques. Thank you.
Deb
I love it! What is the paint colour you used in this room?
LOVE the pics! Your LR is adorable! I love how it’s so cozy and modern yet has a warm, lived-in kind of feel! Hope you’ll share more!
The room looks gorgeous, Kelly! It makes me want to do some serious shopping and nesting 🙂
Nice pics makes me want a home of my own..lol. Just wanted to ask you something, how do you do it, open your world to everyone, exposing so much that you are left so open. I started my own blog on my journey to my inspiration and creativity but I find it so hard! Oh also wanted to let you know that I found your blog for ages now and I wanted to say thank you..YOU INSPIRE ME, everytime I have felt down I would go through your blog and feel happy, again thank you.
I know I’m just another in a long line to say, “thank you for sharing your beautiful home” but I had to comment. My 13yo dd just happened to wander by while I was looking and she stopped to look with me. We both love your house and the lovely little touches. Thanks for giving us a moment 😉
SOOOOO Cozy. I just love it. Great job.
Love this post and your house is beautiful. Very refreshing, charming and yet simple. Love the “photo” holders on the fireplace…gonna nap that idea as a desktop “memo” holder. See you at “inspired” 2009!
Fondly, Roberta
http://con-tain-it.typepad.com/
thanks for the shout out! i am so excited to see that my shade found a home in your beautiful room.
lovely tour kelly rae! i’ve been redoing my great room as well and we must have similar tastes! i have that orange rug!
Dear Kelly,
Thank you so much for sharing more of your world! Your decorating talent matches your painting talent! It is beautiful.
xo carlanda
your home is so beautiful, warm and inviting! I love the tours 🙂 makes me wanna decorate!
I love it all. I’m taking notes so that once I find a house I’ll know some tricks to turn it into a home. Looking forward to seeing what you and Mati have created.
Have fun at Art Nest my friend Caryn will be joining you.
Love, Smiles and Hugs,
~Jill
I absolutely love it. The division of space is brilliant and I love the old and new, bright and cheery space.
so cheerful! perfect colors for the northwest!
Thanks for the tour – how I’d love to curl up with a book on that red couch. The whole place looks so warm and inviting. Enjoy your new nest!
so charming!
I could live in this room and never, ever leave. Ever.
You have a knack for cozy. Of course, that shows in your art, too.
Thanks for sharing! I love home tours.
I love your entry! I am going to have to steal that idea! Also the photo holders from old rulers, I have a collection of those rulers, and have been wondering how to use them…
Your style is so wonderfully cozy!
You house looks really beautiful, happy and colorful! Very cozy! I like is very much!
i went to interior design school and i am so serious when i say, you have such a natural talent for this.
you are an interior design goddess.
yum.
xo
All looks fantastic. Love the color of the walls … do you know the name of the paint?
Warmest hugs.
Emma
Oh yes house envy no doubt. Your lovely spirit infuses everything that you do.
I love the long tour and commentary. I could look at your spaces over and over and not get bored. There is so much magic peaking out everywhere!
Hi~ I haven’t stopped by to comment for quite some time. Nonetheless, I want you to know how excited I am for your recent successes and fabulous move! This house is lovely!!!
Thank you for sharing the photos 🙂
I am really loving the spirit of your new place. It looks so welcoming and cozy! Thanks for sharing so many pictures with us!!
Carol in Mass
terranovadesign.blogspot.com
Very inspiring, Kelly! I think I may have to try some of your wonderful ideas. Thank you for inviting us in for a peek.
Loved all of the extra “touches” you’ve incorporated. The ruler photo holder, the framed papers, and mroe! Thanks for sharing your eye candy.
kelly.. you have a lovey home.. it is SO you.. you have given it some beautiful touches. I just love the built in.. one of my wishes in my next home.. ugh!
I so love the style and thought you put into your place!! xoxo
The shutter room divider giving you a foyer feel is so flipping clever!! Smart girl!! Love it.
oh, kelly! every time you do one of these tours, i get the nesting bug…thank you!
You have inspired me with all your home posts. I’ve been in my house for five years and it is full of many objects I don’t ‘love’. I’m going to start editing immediately!
love your space, warm cozy and real, just like you. xxxxx nance in texas
Oh, as always, love love love it all!
Especially digging on: the framed scrapbook paper/wallpaper section, the entire mantle arrangement, the church pew, the ikea lamp + anthro shade, the orange floral rug, the built-in shelves (so jealous!) and jon’s lovely, lovely quilt. You did a fabulous job pulling everything together!
Love the red sofa. And the bench area is very cute. Looks like a nice sunny place to sit.
I love your house! So creative and unusual and yet so totally you. I have house envy! 🙂
this looks really home-y. great idea to divide the room-clever! i like the lamp shades… and your globe collection is super.
look really inviting… thanks for all the pics. Looks like you get wonderful light through the house.
What a cozy home!
Fabulous room! Love the shutter room divider. I think your candle holder looks extremely happy atop that old wicker trunk. I too, like to frame scrappy paper…and the latest rage here is framing old calendar pics.
Your living room looks exactly like you. What a success!
Your place looks fantastic – so warm and cozy. Glad you’ve been having fun with friends and relaxing a bit!