I think I mentioned that the dining room was the first room that was finished in the house and it seemed like it was quick. No months of going back and forth about finishes, chairs, rugs, or pillows. The living room, on the other hand, took forever to finish. As I sit here on my sofa, I’m thinking about trading it in for a new one. Yup, the living room is a never ending work in progress much to Alan’s chagrin! After years of decisions, I finally settled on this mid century modern eclectic living room vibe. It has the MCM bones, but it also has a lot of colors, patterns, and textures that I was seriously craving in the room. It’s where we hang out so I wanted it to be cheery without being overly cheery (we’re not morning people)>
Pictures by Bethany Nauert
This vintage credenza has a long back story but it’s a good one! When Alan and I toured the house, I fell in love with it and asked that the owners leave it behind. They did leave it behind, but probably not because I asked. It was more likely because it weighed a ton as it has a full on stereo system with speakers, amps, radio, record player – everything – built into it. I kept it just like that in the same space since it was seriously too heavy to move. But I knew I wanted to gut it and paint it.
When my in laws were visiting last year, they turned my dream in to a reality! #IHaveTheBestInLaws My father in law gutted the whole thing and built shelves inside so I can properly store albums, Harlee’s toys, candles and other items. My mother in law sanded and repainted it.
I went with the butter yellow color since I tried to match it to the original color of the credenza. The guy at the hardware store explained to me it was never yellow, the yellow hue came from the oil paint getting old. But I liked the color, I told him, so he mixed me up paint to match!
This coffee table was an awesome Etsy score from a vendor who now only sells on 1st Dibs. When I found them, they were a small husband and wife shop in Arizona selling beautiful vintage pieces to people on the westside. I scored this piece for $200 and the husband delivered it to me for $50. They are pretty huge vendors now, I’m happy for them, but now I’m not cool or rich enough to buy from them.
Sources: Crate & Barrel Sofa, Jute Rug, Stripe Rug, Vintage Coffee Table, Rattan Tray, West Elm Side Table, Anthropologie Bowl, Rattan Poufs, Vintage Credenza, Vintage Maps, West Elm Vase, Vintage Bookends
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