Hygge Nook

Chevron cushions

I know, I know, I'm a terrible blogger, but I did just buy two of these gorgeous yellow (ochre? mustard?) and white chevron cushions for my living room. I hope they provide some lightness and balance to the teal curtains and cushions and the black sofas that otherwise dominate the room.

I love Madeline Weinrib but her designs are just too expensive to buy in the UK so I thought I'd never get my hands on pattern like this, plus the UK is far behind when it comes to affordable geometric prints. Last night I had a tiny brainwave and remembered Etsy - the source of just about everything. This morning, two of these babies were purchased for $13 each. Bargain!

 

Taking a peek at Ikea 2010

I know there are going to be a far few blogs posting about the Ikea 2010 catalogue as it is being released this week. However, with (generally) such good value, it's one of those stores that is a little hard to ignore.

  

With three children between two and 10, my house tends to feel like this picture. Kids everywhere, art supplies out, jumping, singing and a whole lot of boxes to store their stuff.

I see various trends making their way into the catalogue - the button back Karlstad and patchwork Klippan sofas ,for instance, oh, and that globe on the floor. I still have a thing for globes. I want another bigger one with a wooden frame.

I'm not sure if the children's rockers are new (I think I've seen them before?) but aren't they charming. I love the daybed too - again, it's not new but I like the fresh, charm of this picture.

I do like the idea of this chairbed which would be great for occasional guests - I'm not sold on that blue cover though. It looks ripe for a little needle and thread action to make something better - a ticking stripe would be lovely (Lycksele, £149). The glass vase has a repurposed feel about it thanks to the stainless steel trim (PS Brunn, £9.99). Love the 5-piece bedding double bedding set, I keep thinking Orla Kiely but on a budget (Kajsa Blad, £12.99). The children's table and chairs are smart enough to keep in the living room (Leksvik table £29.99, stool £7.99, chairs £10.99)

The catalogue can be previewed online here. What do you think of it?

Easy living room makeover

My living room is somewhat of a halfway house. We have furniture that is in good condition so it would be uneconomical to throw out... but it's not particularly to my taste anymore. The room also has many functions - playroom, TV watching, listening to music, reading and it stores all our books so it has to be functional. It has windows opposite each other looking to the front and back so has great light. The walls are cream and there's a nice-ish laminate floor so the basics are also good.

So far, it looks like this:

Two black leather Klippan two seat sofas, four Billy birch bookcases (the bottom halves have doors) and one half size bookcase, a Fado table lamp that I've just re-introduced to the room (all Ikea). Green faux silk crinkle cushions in green and red (both Next). What you can't see is the large and old TV, a Moroso black leather tub chair,the big black floor cushions and charcoal wool blanket (everyone needs a snuggly) and the two tubs of toys plus a pair of parked toddler ride-ons. Dull, hmm?

What I would like to see is this:

Lightened and brightened, keeping the curtains but do something to the tiebacks which are badly made and also actually hang the second pair. Keep the sofas but get them covered with white Panama cotton Bemz covers - I think the covers would work well even in a child-friendly household as they're washable and perhaps could be bleached if they got too stained. I want to switch out the green cushions and red cushions for a lovely yellow damask print and the green print cushion looks light and fresh too though I'm not sure they would work together. The white ribbed vase reminds me of a similar one on SATC Carrie's windowsill, except these are £1.49! I know this orange pintuck cushion might clash, but alone on the tub chair it should work? Maybe add a small coffee table as cups are currently put on the bookcases but I haven't found one that I like yet and also the TV's picture is going so the monstrosity may just have to make way for a slimmed down version. And lastly, can I squeeze in a rocking horse?

White butler's tray with stand from The White Lighthouse

I've spotted a few of these around in magazines and I'd love to have one as it would solve my lack of a side table problem. It's versatile and pretty enough to be used as a bedside table or lamp table elsewhere plus it's just £40 which makes it very affordable.

Find it at The White Lighthouse.

Like this? More living room ideas

 

Cream knitted Aran throw spotted at The Atlantic Blanket Co.

If there is one thing that is an absolute must for your living room, beyond your sofa, it's a gorgeous blanket. Perfect for snuggling in front of the TV, scooping up the kids on chilling weekend mornings and for reveling in it's delightful tactile folds.

This Aran throw is more original than your Cashmere or faux fur styles with its chunky knit plus the neutral shade will ensure it fits in with any suite or room. £60 at The Atlantic Blanket Co.

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