Subject: Living Room Artwork

Hi-eee,

So the other day I mentioned artwork for my living room and, while I'm not sure what I will do, I wanted to show you these frames I saw at a shop in town:

And a close-up:

They're bamboo-looking, right? I kind of like the subtle texture and interest. They would be nice painted a shiny black, I think. Or maybe the natural wood. Who knows. I'm a long way from hanging anything on the wall, but just wanted to share. I saw these around the same time I was painting my mother-in-law's office chair, so I think I was really into the bamboo at the time.

Kara

Re: Re: Subject: Accent Walls

Miss Kara -

I love that I turn to you for advice, only to be told that wall decor basically scares you!!  :)  However, it's your honesty that keeps this friendship alive and well..  Just like the time you told me my favorite chandelier, the one that I hope to have in my dining room one day, looks like a spider!

Pottery Barn

So, I totally agree that one day I will get sick of whatever I decide to put on the tv wall and therefore I am not going to do anything with wall paper.  I really love that stripped wall with all the pictures, but I am thinking I am going to have to save it for a guest room or maybe the living room.  Hubby has decided he wants to hang the tv on the wall, so that won't leave much room for pictures.  And that pretty much answers one of your questions.  We are going to get a long tv stand, but we want the tv to be visible at all times.  I just need somewhere to store the DVR and DVD player along with the hundreds of DVDs and VHS tapes.  (Please don't ask me why I still own the later.  There is no good excuse!).

Right now I am leaning towards the zig zag wall.  The wall is currently Kilim Beige by Sherwin Williams.

Sherwin Williams - Kilim Beige #6106

I know it might look a little blah on here, but it is a really soft neutral and at this point I would only have to add in white zig zag stripes.  Seems easy enough!  I will let you know how it all goes down.

Here's to the first of many painting projects!!

Cheers,
Melissa

Re: Subject: Accent Walls

Dear Mrs. Homeowner -

First, I have to admit - I am terrible at wall decor. We lived in our house for nearly three years before I finally decorated a huge, blank wall in our kitchen. I just shut down mentally sometimes because I get overwhelmed by the options and then I don't do anything. Encouraging, I know. I just like to come from a place of honesty :)

Anyway, I love your inspiration and the overall look you are going for. Will your television be out? Like, not tucked into an armoire, but on a piece of furniture so it will always be visible? Since your television is most likely rectangle with straight sides (I mean, right?), I like the idea of doing something kind of eclectic and bringing in some shapes and textures. I really liked the first picture you sent with the striped wall - the grouping of things together (especially the mirror), not the stripes themselves. You could incorporate a mirror, some plates, a shadow box, a wreath, maybe even a few empty window frames if you wanted. You could either do all black & white photos or mix it up and do some colorful paintings too. Maybe just keep the frames all similar so there's some cohesion.

I also like the idea of doing something subtle on the actual walls to act as a backdrop. Have you seen this post from Little Green Notebook? I like how the "wallpaper" is obviously there, but it's not so in-your-face that there would be too much going on with the television (especially when it was on) and everything else you put on the wall. This might also be a good option too because if you ever got tired of it (which you inevitably will), you can just paint over it instead of having to peel wallpaper (dreadful).

Okay, I hoped this helped some. I'm so excited for you and can't wait to start seeing some before & after pictures!

Xoxo,
Kara

Subject: Accent Walls

Hiiiiiii - 

Today, I have the first of many house projects to discuss with you.  Our new family room is essentially a big rectangle.  The couch will go under the window wall, which is one of the longer walls, the fireplace is on one of the shorter walls and then the tv wall is on the other longer wall.  I want to say the tv wall is about 8 ft. long, and doesn't touch any other walls in the room.  We are on the hunt for a great tv stand, but that's another story for another day.  For now, we must discuss the actual wall....it is in dire need of some sprucing up.  My mom and I, mostly my mom, have been finding accent wall pictures for inspiration.  When it comes to the overall look of the house, I want the vibe to be industrial chic and feel like Anthropologie when you are inside.  Does that make any sense??  Well, despite whether it does or doesn't, the inspiration for the entire house, color palette and all, is this overpriced, but AMAZING, shower curtain.  (Which has yet to be purchased, but also another story for another day!)

Anthropologie - Flamenco Shower Curtain

 

So, now that you have the visual of the room, my overall inspiration and color palette, what are your thoughts on the following accent walls?  Have you come across any others that you thought would be great?  HELP!  Okay, it's not an emergency, but I have to say this accent wall dilemma sometimes keeps me up at night.  :)

Domino Magazine

Okay, so you know where this is from!  And no, I did not bring a camera with me.  I got it offline.

Apartment Therapy

Centsational Girl

Design Sponge Online via We Love Indie

Decor Pad via Material Girls Blog

Apartment Therapy

HUGS!  Have a fab weekend!
Mel