room with a nook

Okay, so I finally got to stretch my redesign wings again! We changed things around in the living room to make way for an heirloom Hendredon wing chair, and ended up with a happy little decorating surprise.

Upon graciously accepting the chair, I had resigned myself to the fact that something in the living room would have to go to the basement. The polka-dot Todd Oldham chair was the most fitting candidate. It is a great piece, but in the floor plan in my head, there was just no spot for it.

Although the wing chair was in desperate need of new upholstery, it was a really sturdy, classic piece. So I put on my budget decorating cap and schemed. The resolution: For Christmas, I asked for, and received from my mom, a pair of chocolate brown slipcovers, so I could also replace the one on my thrift store wing chair. Decorating note to self: free is always a good thing!

Last weekend, we began the redesign by de-accessorizing the space and removing artwork from the walls. Then the heavy lifting started, and so happened the happy accident. While simply setting the polka-dot chair down near the door preparing to move it downstairs, a delightful conversation nook began to take shape. And that is where the furniture stayed. The whole plan turned out to be much easier than planned, and not a sofa was moved!

Have a look at the photos.

The newly formed and cozy conversation nook. I brought in a rug from the TV room to ground it. The best thing about this arrangement is that the stereo is no longer the center of attention.


I added a couple of dark brown accent pillows, also from the TV room, to coordinate with the new slipcovers.


The bargain basement wing chair looks more regal in brown, but still inviting with the ottoman in front of it. The pillows on the love seat repeat the pumpkin color of the accent wall.


A closer look at the semi-custom fit of the stretch velvet slipcover.


For now, the room feels pretty good. I like the new sitting area, and last night I was grateful we kept the extra chair. We were able to sit over ten people fairly comfortably. As you all know though, with decorating, no room is ever completely done. And, in my purely subjective opinion,that is a beautiful and wonderful thing!