Remember my fabric picking fail? A too-bold, too-white Marimekko print that just didn’t jibe with the rest of the soft textiles and artwork in the living room. Well, a trip to Mom’s secret source for sweet, vintage-inspired fabrics yielded a better find: a lovely print with a creamier background and a scale in proportion with the other fabrics. While she was visiting, she kindly whipped up a pillow for us!
The print is much more noticeable in person. The print fades in photos, but in the real world it looks great. Actually, the room always looks “fuller” in person – photos make it look more spartan and empty. But, as a bonus, my teeny tiny living room looks larger in photos. You’d be surprised by how small it is!
I love the new pillow because it mirrors the shot of black and cream in this handmade, and the speckled vintage planter beside the sofa, plus it connects the newish light leather sofa with the dark ottoman.
After years of rocking solids, I slowly incorporated different textures and patterns. From the apricot-hued nubbly vintage chair to the houndstooth print throw and collection of pillows, the room has more subtle layers and I love it! Sure, I’ll keep adding things (just recently I added a new-to-me vintage piece) and the fireplace is getting a tweak soon, but overall I’m happy.
Subtle changes have really made the space look different, huh? I am all about the subtle (and inexpensive) changes and working with what we have (until it drives me bonkers). Below are a couple shots from 2010 when my photography was bad, and the room was plainer and colder looking:
 |
| Circa Fall 2010 |
 |
| Circa Fall 2010 |
The space feels so much lighter and brighter now!! Love your new pillow. Ties it all together nicely 🙂
These pillows are fantastic and very classy and modern fabrics. Love how they lighten the room up for Spring. I'm loving your blog and your artwork and projects. Very inspiring!
Thank you!
I found your blog via Soul Pretty and was thrilled to see it brought me right back to my hometown of Ottawa. I've been perusing your great DIYs and already pinned a couple of ideas to Pinterest. The subtle updates to this room have really made an impact. I'm your newest follower 🙂
Nice to meet you! So happy to hear you like the blog and my projects and that you've got a connection to Ottawa!
your living room looks so amazing- it's so fresh and light! i love the color of the sofa!
It's beautiful, Tanya!! I look how fresh and clean your living room looks. p.s. Your end tables are to die for!
Thanks! The tables are teak and I got them at an estate sale for $20. I turned them sideways recently and they look so much better. And did I mention they were $20???
Such a great combination. I love the mix of patterns and they suit your space perfectly!
That's a fabulous compliment because I included a photo of your pillow pairing, in my pillow-picking fail post, as someone who got it right! So thanks for your positive feedback, you pillow-pairing superstar 🙂
$20 for the pair! 😉
Perfect new pillow! It ties everything together so nicely!
wow it really is so much brighter and welcoming.Subtle changes but high impact!!Amy