The living room got a little more love from a bold new lamp and some even bolder Marimekko cushions.
I had actually purchased extra velvet fabric from the garbage chair makeover with the intent of making cushions for the sofa but it looked a little too matchy-matchy. Meanwhile, a local shop that carries all Finnish design recently decided to stop carrying Marimekko fabric because of the rising MSRP. They slashed the prices on all remaining inventory and I picked up the black/green/blue Kirsikka print for less than 1/2 price. There were only a few fabric choices left, and this happens to be one of the few Marimekko prints with turquoise (I’m actually lusting after the upholstery grade in blue and grey)! I’m going for a bolder, less cluttered look and I love the impact of four cushions with the same striking pattern, instead of mixing and matching patterns like I’ve done before. To sew them, I didn’t DIY, but instead held my Mom hostage at the lakehouse. My easiest DIY project yet!
I had originally wanted a floor lamp for the living room but a company specializing in lighting offered me the opportunity to review a table lamp from their collection. I fell in love with this substantial George Kovacs lamp because it has a retro feel and really makes a statement. It gives off a lot of light (we have four, 60 watt bulbs in there now), but it also has a dimmer for cozier evenings. I’ve just had a couple problems with it that I hope will be sorted out soon.
The living room is inching toward the bright, bold, and pared back space I want. It’s a fabulous start, but I have still have so many big plans for this space. As a reminder, here is the before:
At the end of February you saw the room again:
And now it’s got more oomph:
I am loving the bold additions of the table lamp & pillows! The pillows especially are perfect in the "after" photo to balance out the awesome teal chair! Looking good Tanya!
Thanks Brynne! Yes, originally the sofa-side of the living room was looking a little plain in comparison. I had other Marimekko fabrics in mind but hadn't yet decided. Clearance prices always help me commit!!
i've never seen a lamp like that before it is COOL. looks great in the room. what a transformation so far!
Thanks! I only wanted one lamp in the room so I knew it had to be bold. It comes in a floor model size also, which I loved, but it wasn't available to me at the time.
Wow – a great before and after already! Can't wait to see where it ends up. Painting your fireplace that dark gray was such a genius idea. It looks beautiful. If you have a second, I'd love if you came by and linked up at The Makers link party going on over on my blog. 🙂
Thanks so much for the invite!
Your living room looks amazing, I hope you win the competition! That lamp is something else too, really unique although it did remind me of boobs for a second there but clearly they are globes not boobies!!
Haha, I guess because there are four I never thought about boobs. You're cracking me up.
Not to be THAT girl, but I'm not a fan of the lamp in this room. I like the lamp but it doesn't seem to fit the look……it's kinda spacey or science fictiony….yes those are technical terms. Your style, to me, is retro and the lamp seems quit modern……but hey, who am I…..not the home owner…lol…but I am glad you are getting the pieces together with items you love. There is nothing better than walking by something and just oogling it and knowing how much you love it in your space.
No worries, it's perfectly acceptable to not like everything 🙂