House Tour ... the Family Room

When we moved into our Farm Road house in 2007 I had visions of a Mid-Century Modern Living Room.  You know, where you sit all pretty on a teal velvet tuxedo sofa and sip martinis with your friends sipping with you and conversing in a very interesting manner.

Here's what happened ... I'll fill you in on some of the pieces as we go ... 

Kantha Quilt.  Brimfield Find. Duralee Fabric on Windows and Pillows.

So the room sat virtually empty with only pieces of random furniture and a baby grand piano for about 2 years.

Sad, Before State ... 

Then it was Thanksgiving and we were going to be having Christmas at our house.  For two years we let the largest "living" room in the house sit unused. Stupid.

Don, the kids and I (bad grouping) went to a big box store and bought the deal of the day ... Sofa, Loveseat and a TV for $1999.00.

Yep, we did it, I was horrified and stomped through the store having my own pity party.

Art. Mike Elsass. Abstracts on Metal.

Fake, Faux, Leather Sofas.  Oversized and COMFY.  The kids couldn't be more thrilled.  Don was keeping us on a budget.  I complained that "I am an interior DECORATOR" We cannot have these in our homes.  Besides, we would be throwing them out in a year because they would fall apart and would be gross and he would be SORRY.

Note to my clients that have husbands' that won't give up the leather sectional.  I get it!  

Antique French Step Ladder.

Just because I didn't win the sofa debate ... I marched forward bringing in color and warmth in every other aspect that I could.  One day they will be gone (PLEASE) ... but I kind of like the way the room turned out!

The Faux Grouping has held up to popcorn, pizza, snacks, kids lounging in all manners and the room gets used.  While I am still on a mission to change the sofas, the room makes me smile.  

I even carved out my own little corner.

Chair, Brimfield Find.

Secretary, English Antiques, Atlanta.

This Secretary has served as an office, homework spot and all the school notebook paper, index cards, pencils etc have a nice place to live.  Thank the Lord!

Peacock Lamp. Brimfield Find. Antique Family Bibles.

The TV is over the fireplace and we NEVER use this fireplace ... so here's where I have a little fun changing up the look each season.

Brass Planter.  Estate Sale Find.

I believe we all have pieces of furniture that probably aren't our first pick.  But in this true "family" room ... we are all happy and I don't have a freak if anyone spills or puts their feet on the table.  

Real Life.

Making the World More Beautiful.  One Room at a Time.

xo,

kim

For the Love of ... Quilts

They are story tellers. 

Ours are always kept at the ready in the summer time. 

Not so much in the past couple of weeks, but generally we have cooler nights in New England and these make the perfect companion to the hammock or outdoor movie.

This is one of the first photos I pinned on Pinterest.

I am not really a "shabby chic" kind of person. 

But I still find it particularly pleasing.

It is a style boat that I would probably jump on if I had a beach or lake home.

The Quilts are what drew me in.

Via

Mine are collected. 

I hope to see them used, loved and a few more added through the years.

Starting at the Top:

1. I remember my mother cross - stitching this one when I was around 7 years old.

2. Blue heart quilt in Erin's room when she first moved to a big girl bed.

3.  Kantha Vintage Quilt that I just added this year ...loved the soothing colors.

4.  Handmade by my Grandmother.  She gave each of her Grandchildren one when we were in our teens.

Byron, in particular, loves the hammock and won't get on without a quilt ... he figured out that he would fall through without it ... He's a quick study!

When Winter starts creeping in,  I stack them up and out of the way waiting for the warm weather to return.  

Sometimes I look at them and think I really don't need all these. 

 Maybe I should streamline and move them on.

 But more than just their functionality they seem to be a part of me and bring wonderful memories.  

I have shared these memories with my children ... and hope that one day they will be sitting on a hammock or adirondack chair somewhere wrapped up in one of them.

And They will feel the love. 

And know their stories.

And will store them away in Winter waiting to bring them out again in the Summer.

 And then, in turn, wrap their babies in the love they hold.

Making the World More Beautiful.  One Room at a Time.

xo,

kim