Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Living Room at 5th Place Cottage.

Fun fun fun!  That's what I say.  Work work work!  That's what hubby says!  Whether fun or work, or perhaps a blend of both, the renovation of our lil Canton Cottage getaway, aka 5th Place, is coming right along.

I'm very blessed indeed to have a sweetheart that not only smiles through all the projects, but has the skills necessary to complete them!  No matter what I ask, he's always willing to help. He's as handy as a pocket on a shirt!

 5th Place has been a labor of love, every room has needed much work and the living room was no exception.  Although by comparison, it needed the least amount of work of all the rooms....just paint and refinishing the floors.  However, it did come with its' own set of design difficulties such as having 5 doors, 2 of which were double doors/doorways. Think about that..... 13 x 16 room, and the equivalent of 7 doors, as well as 3 windows.  


This created a challenge for furniture placement, the most troubling area was the corner behind the sofa, it has two doors that lead to bedrooms.  Because of the angle in the room, the doors had become the focal point of the room upon entry.  I didn't like it, but the doors couldn't be moved without major changes to the footprint of the house.  So, we opted to keep it simple and work with the problem.

Instead we utilized a little "clever concealment" (a term I picked up from Linda at Restyled Home).  To do this, we moved the sofa into the corner in front of the doors, and we hung an old window from the ceiling to act as a screen.  Even though you can still see the doors, it did create a new focal point for the corner.

To draw more attention to the window, hubby attached a rack of vintage glove molds to the top and we dropped Mercury pendant lights from them. He looked at me like I had snakes coming out of my head when I told him what I wanted to do. But once it was up, he smiled and said "that's pretty cool". I think that he's pretty cool.
Since this space is so small, we used a petite sofa in this sitting area that fit the space perfectly. And the coffee table....it's an antique gurney with a reclaimed wood top.  The linen table cloth is a new arrival at the Shoppe, isn't it lovely?

I kept the accessories simple, I love the white pitchers with greenery.
I love simplicity.

Finds like this antique architectural corner cabinet are rare.  It was salvaged from an old farmhouse...definitely one of my favorite finds in a while!  When I found it I knew immediately it was going to reside in 5th Place.  It's not only functional, it's cram packed full of character and history. 5th Place liked the gift.





This vintage French chandie was my favorite change....a nice replacement for the 80s model ceiling fan.....that didn't work....I mean it literally didn't work!







Love the lamp and the alphabet eggs!


I'm not a big fan of dark wood, but I love the depth the antique wardrobe gives to the space.  It really anchors the room and the best thing....it cages the #1 predator of decorators ....electronic equipment! 


We first placed a large overstuffed sofa in the right corner, but it just gobbled up the space.  So, we swapped it out and opted for two high-back settee's instead.  Our sweet old boy, Zeek, was napping while I was shooting these photos and I didn't have the heart to ask him to get up.  Come to think of it, I like him in the pics...

I love these new pillows!
This coffee table is an old iron base stand with a dining glass top.

The doorway between the dining room and living room was another focal point that needed some punching up.  So, we hand painted the quote overhead and cut vintage architectural columns to fit inside the doorway.  Poof....instant character!  Aside from the chandie, this was my favorite change in the room.

The room is still evolving and probably will be for a while, but I'm pleased with the bone structure and direction.  We've brought it a long way in a short period of time.  I'm particularly pleased with how much we were able to stretch the tiny room.  Doesn't it look bigger than 13' x 16'?... It certainly feels bigger.
Santos Dolls are fun.

The like the look of the hourglasses grouped.

Isn't this antique statuary of a little boy holding a bird just wonderful?  I just couldn't part with him!
True to our trademark look at the Shoppe, I kept a neutral color palette, and the style is a blend of many things.

You could call this style Vintage French Industrial Farmhouse. I call it....comfortable.



31 comments:

Patti's Artful Design said...

Laurie Ann....your home is exquisite! Enjoy every moment of it!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What a cozy and inviting room, Laurie Anna! I love all the details and the pillows on your sofa! Very clever using the window as a "screen". I think it works very well there and I like the look.

Colleen said...

I am in love with that room, the glove molds holding the lights...WOW it's the bomb!

Really....I absolutely love it all!

Blissful Endings said...

LA I love the mix of things, it all works so well. Really love the use of salvaged items like coffee tables made from a plant stand and girney. Everything is so creative and beautiful!

jaz@octoberfarm said...

all of this is so very cool. i love working with small rooms and making their size disappear!

cupcakegirl said...

I love how you have used old things but they look fresh. Even the neutral colors have energy. Love your blog btw!

HowryFamily said...

ahhh LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!! Everything is so fabulous! Thanks for sharing:)

Duchess of Tea said...

Darling, I stumbled upon your blog and while here, I enjoyed my visit very much. Your blog is loaded with interesting posts and lovely photos. I have joined your followers, and will return often to visit with you.

Love & Hugs
Duchess

Anonymous said...

Oh Laurie Anna,
It's just lovely!! What a wonderful relaxing place for a getaway. I love your beautiful home and all the treasures inside. Thank you for sharing it with everyone.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Jennifer said...

Love it! ALL OF IT! Do you have those mercury eggs at the shoppe? I love them!

Glimpse of My World said...

oH my goSh!! too lovely for words.. I would give up all my red and black for this ... for sure!! You and Willy have a vision no doubt!! Smiles!

Sylvia (at) Lily's Pad and Petals said...

Love EVERYTHING about this room. Seems so relaxing and cozy.
Enjoy your space and keep the pictures comming.

clustres said...

I adore this room! So interesting. One question: what is that under the baroque candlesticks on your mantle. Some kind of little organizer? I would love to see it close-up. Love your blog and store!
Pam

LaurieAnna's Vintage Home said...

Hi Pam, under the candlesticks are Pharmacy boxes. You can see a closeup in the post right before this one about the mantel. They're pretty cool!

LaurieAnna's Vintage Home said...

Hi Jennifer, yes they are mercury eggs and yes we do have them at the Shoppe! I love them too! Thanks!

rachel blazer said...

beautiful & inspiring... thank you for sharing your creativity & talent with us!
and thank you for stopping by "my house!" : )
i'm glad you discovered me so i can peek at your beautiful home!
have a great friday,
rachel

The Smith Hotel said...

Love, Love, Love It! What a clever idea with the window and glove forms!
thanks for sharing,
Jody

Gracefully Vintage said...

LaruieAnna, I love your blog & I LOVE your shop,, BEAUTIFUL.. Where in the heck are ya... Thanks also for stopping by my blog-Much APpreciated.
Your design is amzing... Iam a follower -hope to get more inspiration...
Thanks
Karryann

Anonymous said...

Wow that is a really a mind bending room to have to arrange. You did a right smart job of it. The concept of haning the window down for a screen was awesome. How clever.
I see you have come to visit me at my house...thanks. I love new friends.
Melissa

Work at Home Dad said...

Wow nice design. I love it.

the old white house said...

I don't know how I missed this post but I had to say "oh my goodness, your living room is breathtaking" I love it all, the genious idea for the glove molds holding the lights, is so cool! I love it all! Thanks for sharing, Theresa

LaurieAnna's Vintage Home said...

Theresa, if you like the living room, you simply must scroll down to the kitchen post.....it has some great before and after pics!

Dianna said...

Great chandelier and I love the vintage iron table base.

It's hard work but the results are fun to enjoy.

Allison {A Glimpse Inside} said...

This is absolutely beautiful!!

Thanks for commenting on my blog and becoming a follower! :)

Marina of Printable Expressions said...

Just Beautiful, love so many things. You've done an excellent job with the challenges of so many doors and windows in the space. Excited to follow and read other posts.
~Marina

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

"You have a very beautiful and impressive life"... I LOVE everything about your decor! I just stumbled on your blog and could NOT leave without exploring... I've joined you followers and will be back often... I'm new to "The Land of Blog", so I'd love for you to peek in on me... I SURE could use some followers... Have a wonderful week, Donna

Unknown said...

Amy @ Maison Decor introduced me to your blog today as I'm restyling my living room & was considering a chippy window divider to create the illusion of a foyer. I'm so happy she did because this space is b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. I love every thoughtful detail. Following you now.

Hugs,
Jami

Kathie said...

wow gorgeous! I have a 10.5' x 18' living rm in this tiny 3 rm apt, not much smaller than your living room, & w/only the front door + BR door, 1 single window & a double window. But am absolutely racking my brain trying to make it all work! Still don't have a table in here to EAT ON & it looks so cluttered as it is, it's driving me nuts... Wish u could decorate my living/dining room! :-)

Erica said...

My favorite in your living room is the row of 3 pitchers on the table. I'm in LOVE LOVE LOVE with white pitchers. You have a lovely home!
~Stay Beautiful Within, Erica~

Ethereal PLUS what I Love said...

Hi, I just became a follower ... This space is lovely!!!

Kameel huise tussen spore said...

This is so wonderful. You are a genius with making every corner talk. Wonderful space.
http://deoudehuize.blogspot.com/