Monday, May 7, 2012

My quest to lighten & brighten

Over the past couple of years I have really been drawn to light & bright interiors.  I love slip-covered furniture, ruffles and lots of white!  That is pretty much the opposite of our living room furniture which is dark, leather and a bit rustic.  It's been a struggle to lighten up - here are a few before pics:













I've taken some simple and inexpensive steps to lighten & brighten (new furniture is not an option) - take a look:
First, I found these great Ralph Lauren pillows at Home Goods.  Not only are they lighter but they seem summery to me.  Then I found these great handmade burlap table runners by North Country Comforts - browse her Etsy shop here.

My table runner needs to be steam-ironed, but I couldn't wait to try it out!  It's a perfect match with the pillows - thanks so much Karen!  I think I'll look for a light-colored throw for the ottoman - always good to add some texture too.   Then, I'll just keep trying to incorporate lighter colors with my accessories. 

6 comments:

Karena said...

Looking great Stephanie! I can also picture a light color or wicker tray on the ottoman with coasters etc.

I have a feature Interview on my site with Tina from The Enchanted Home...

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena

farmhouse-story said...

very pretty, stephanie! (be careful-this is how i started out a few years ago--white is like a cancer for me now--spreading:)

Vintage and Company said...

It's so fun to change isn't it? I finally found my perfect kitchen table after YEARS of looking...Now for chairs, then new rug...yep, It's on-going...I'll do a post about my table soon!

Sherry Hicks said...

Hi girl! I am currently transitioning back to my shabby chic roots, I was shabby chic by pocket book not by choice I painted everything white in the eighties as to have it all match pieces from yard sales, and I put slip covers on things to make old couches ok, then I went victorian really rosey........got tired of that went western.tuscan.mediterranean and now am totally transition back to my original shabby chic/country style....room by room love your changes and thanks for stopping by my place!
Sherry

chateau chic said...

Stephanie, Leather is timeless and yours looks worn perfectly and so comfy. Your pillows and runner gives the room a nice lift for spring. Accessories help a lot.
Mary Alice

j2c2hap said...

Love the table runner! Looks great with new pillows too.