Our Black & White Living Room

Once upon a time I set out to make our living room look decent. You may remember when I had approximately 14 paint colors on the wall. It was a hot mess, but because our room was so barren, B and I joked that the smorgasbord of colors was an improvement. (Really, it was).

We ended up going with Winds Breath by Benjamin Moore because it was the perfect shade of greige in that room. Not to mention that we have tan + black granite and tan tiles floor in the adjoining kitchen and dinette area, so with open floor plan homes you have to choose paint colors wisely.

One thing I learned–absolutely invest in paint samples. Like, a lot of them. Chances are, you’ll like one of your colors for another room. Case in point, Athena by Benjamin Moore is a gorgeous pinkish greige color. It was too warm for the living room, but after trying five more colors in my office, which ranged from very grey to the popular Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams, I went back to BM Athena from my first rounds of sample purchases. Live and learn. And trust your gut above all.

Our coffee table was a Craigslist find. It was brass and a little scratched up. B wanted it in silver. I was on the fence about it. I ended up painting it using the best silver spray paint (in my opinion). I also used a metal primer since I was painting a metallic paint over brass. The finish looks beautiful in person, but now the table doesn’t “pop” against our rug. I’m thinking of using Rub ‘n Buff in Antique Gold on some of the details in the table. That, or strip the paint off on the accents but that sounds like it’s more work than it’s worth. The table works for now, and I love that the glass top is enclosed by metal, so if kids visit (or for future kids down the road, maybe) I won’t be afraid of them getting hurt.

I found this darling little table at the best store ever, At Home, for only $12.99. Again, B doesn’t like it, but I’m beginning to think he doesn’t like brass. Our living room isn’t huge, and all I need is somewhere to put down a drink without having to reach over to the coffee table and without blocking walking space. Tiny side tables are the only way for me to go. Until I’m 100% sold on it, though, the price tag shall remain. Tell me I’m not the only one who does that?

Can we talk about these pillows for a second? I’ve been drooling over designer pillows, and while I’m sure I will get them one day, for right now a girl can dream and make DIY versions of the real things. I am SO thrilled with how they came out! First, I learned how to use a sewing machine this past month. Then, I learned how to make a pillow with a zipper using this adorable leopard fabric from JoAnn (similar). I could have bought the real designer fabric from Etsy (or just bought the pillows), but since it was my first time using a sewing machine I didn’t want to waste my money by botching it up. And I didn’t have time to make a practice pillow on some other fabric, so there’s that. Plus, I saved myself roughly $120 by sewing my own.

Another fabric I’ve been lusting after was the Channels Fabric by a famous designer. You guys, that fabric is $270 per YARD. That’s a luxury that I cannot afford. So, I set out to make my own. (I’ll fill you in on how I made them soon!). I made four for the living room and I’m planning on making three more for my bedroom. I love it that much.

One of my favorite additions to the living room is yet another fiddle leaf fig. You may remember me talking about Eugene on the blog. He’s doing…okay. I didn’t realize how slow-growing these FLFs are, so when I found some beauties at an Ace Hardware (of all places!) for $16.99, I grabbed two more. This one was the bigger of the two. The other one I re-potted and split up the two plants that came in the pot so that I could have more FLFs. Yes, I know. I have a FLF problem but I don’t care.

It’s taken me a long time to figure out my decorating style. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that color can freak me out. Like, bright colors can put me in a total meltdown in my living space. The silk fuchsia peonies are the only color in the living room (I consider leopard a neutral). I moved them from my office (where I was overwhelmed by their hue) and, in the larger space of the living room, I don’t feel like I’m suffocating in pink. Yes, I realize that’s a bit melodramatic but it’s the Gospel truth. My husband and I both prefer neutrals and, thanks to Heather’s Decor Coaching I was able to run with this revelation and make this place a true reflection of us. Well, B is saying that leopard isn’t a reflection of him (neither are throw pillows), but, since he’s such a gracious husband, he lets me do whatever I want. That’s true love, folks.

Anyway, I thought I’d finally share with you all the progress on this room before the Christmas decorations go up. I still have to bring drapes and artwork to polish it off, but Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s taken me almost a year to bring this place to where it is today, but I’ve enjoyed it every step of the way.