Rethinking the Living Room

Minerva Wall Mirror // Harmony 2-Piece Chaise Sectional

It’s been a minute, well about three and a half years, since I did anything major to my living room. I’ve updated the floor rug and throw pillows and some other little things a few times, but nothing big. Lately I’ve been getting the itch to do an entire overhaul. Not that it’s in my budget at the moment, but it’s worth daydreaming over for a bit. The first piece I’d bring in would be this couch that I’ve had a crush on for years – I love how welcoming it looks. And a big round mirror over the mantel would make the room feel larger and add a nice focal point.

 

Chuck Log Holder // Aaron Aged Brass 3-Light Floor Lamp // Cast Tripod Side Table

My fireplace doesn’t work at the moment, but I still enjoy a stack of logs nearby and this holder could double as a magazine holder if I get bored. A sweet little side table could either be used for its intended purpose or a plant stand. Didn’t you know that I love pieces that are multifunctional? This brass floor lamp will add some cozy light to the room.

 

Ash Connections 5-Shelf Bookshelf // Laini Throw // Rattan Bowl Bullet Planter

I have a lot of books and love putting the on display, so a trio of these shelves should do the trick. (All lined up in a nice little row, of course.) Plants run rampant in my home, and one of these large bullet planters would hold a large palm nicely. A pretty blanket would bring in a simple pattern and some texture.

 

Stand Table Lamp // Victrola Gramophone Bluetooth Speaker // Warwick 3-Door Media Cabinet

If you haven’t noticed, lately I’m heavily drawn towards a mix of wood and metal in neutral tones. This little table lamp combines all three very nicely. An updated bluetooth gramophone ties together the old-meets-new aesthetic I tend to gravitate towards, and the media cabinet gives a place for all other electronics in the living room.

 

Motion Lines 3 Wall Art // Eden Cross Base Standing Planter // Hayes Leather Storage Basket

No room is complete without art on its walls, and I really like the simplicity of this piece. A pair of these standing planters would flank the fireplace nicely, don’t you think? And a decent sized basket works hard in any number of ways, including holding blankets and pillows.

 

Brass Tray Coffee Table // Vintage Distressed Rug

The edge on this coffee table is a unique feature that I really like, as are the thin brass legs. The navy blue in this large floor rug ties in perfectly with the hues in the rest of the room without being overwhelming.

 

Chelsea Double Sconce // Rose Quartz Coaster Set // Roar + Rabbit Chair

The third source of light would be ideally situated in the corner of the room, directly over the crook of the sectional – the best reading spot! A pair of chairs that make a statement in pale pink finish things up, while a set of quartz coasters check off a necessity. Here’s to dreaming!

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24 Cozy Blankets

Cable Knit Cotton Throw // Knit Sweater Throw
Wool Motoring Blanket // Woven Throw Blanket

The temperature has been beyond frigid, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve been piling three or four blankets on top of my usual bedding each night. I’m so lucky to have a roof over my head and be able to pay the heating bill, but even those things haven’t felt like enough to stay warm. If you’re looking to add some layers, check out these options.

 

Catriona Throw // Stripe Throw
Halmstad Colorblock Throw // Sweater Knit Blanket

 

Alpine Throw // Pom Pom Wool Throw
Avoca Mohair Throw Blanket // Cassbab Throw

 

Woven Daydream Throw Blanket // Indigo Island Throw Blanket
Spiced Cider Wool Blanket // Knit Throw Blanket with Tassels

 

Jacquard Weave Throw // Andreas Throw Blanket
Trestles Throw // Michele Rondelli Cotton Blanket

 

Stitchplay Throw Blanket // Tartan 100% Wool Blanket
Knit Throw Blanket // Bliss Plush Throw

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20 Modern Magazine Racks

Felt Magazine Rack // Wire Triangle Magazine Rack
Brass Magazine Rack // Carroll Magazine Rack

January always has me aching to get super organized.  – to go through everything in the house, pare down, and streamline. But one task I’m always horrible at is keeping up with is my stack of magazines, so I figure the least I can do is keep them in order in a rack in my living room or office. I have this one that’s currently out of stock, but I pulled together a bunch of other options that I love just as much.

 

Current Magazine Rack // DIY Wooden Magazine Holder
Hoop Magazine Rack // Magazine Rack

 

Round Metal Magazine Rack // Grid Brass Magazine Rack
DIY Modern Magazine Shelf // Brass Magazine Rack

 

Saddle Ring Magazine Rack // Plywood Magazine Rack
Gold Magazine Rack // Black Magazine Rack

 

Aspen Magazine Rack // Magazine Rack
Magazine Rack Storage // Herman Magazine Stand

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Buy or DIY: Stockings

What kind of stockings did you grow up with as a kid? Mine was the red felt kind that you can still buy literally anywhere, with my name written on the white part in glitter. I loved it and it still hangs at my Mom’s house every Christmas! Stockings are my favorite part of gift opening, so I thought it apt to do a Buy or DIY post dedicated to this very special holiday tradition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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24 Homemade Gifts + Foods to Give

Homemade gifts are so thoughtful, and they’re also great to have on hand for some other reasons. Unexpected guests, coworkers, and stockings to name a few! I’ve pulled together twelve simple DIY projects and twelve recipes that would make for great give, I’ve also shared what to pair them with to create and extra sweet and thoughtful gift!

 

 

PAIR WITH a bottle of wine or new book

 

PAIR WITH a set of vintage candleholders

 

PAIR WITH a bottle of lavender pillow spray (see below)

 

PAIR WITH a simple soap dish

 

PAIR WITH a pair of linen pillowcases

 

PAIR WITH a package of your favorite pasta and a jar of sauce

 

PAIR WITH a nice box of matches

 

PAIR WITH a bouquet of fresh eucalyptus

 

PAIR WITH a pretty candlesnuffer

 

PAIR WITH a tray to arrange them in

 

PAIR WITH a pottery dish to set it in

 

PAIR WITH a few tiny baskets to set them in drawers, closets, etc

 

 

PAIR WITH toothpicks and a large bowl

 

PAIR WITH a loaf of fresh local bread

 

PAIR WITH the recipe!

 

PAIR WITH quality hot chocolate mix

 

PAIR WITH a pair of small glass tumblers

 

PAIR WITH a wooden cutting board

 

PAIR WITH a nice candy dish

 

PAIR WITH a linen dish towel – tie them up in a bundle

 

PAIR WITH a small dish or cake stand that can be used year-round

 

PAIR WITH a recipe for English muffins or crumpets and a spreader

 

PAIR WITH a pair of new mugs and tea strainer

 

PAIR WITH an air-tight tin that can be reused again and again for storage

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November Favorites

1/ 3 Pack of Assorted Mini Air Plants
After the sad little air plant (tillandsia) that never grew, but that I’d managed to keep alive for three years, kicked the bucket last month I picked up some new babies/victims. I also bought some for my Grandma as a Christmas gift because she’s another plant lover and had never heard of them! Now to keep those alive for at least a few weeks…

2/ 7 ft Pre-Lit Alberta Spruce Tree
I picked up this tree last year post-holiday season and love it! The lights are so bright that I don’t plan on using any lamps in my living room until I take it down in January, and the white branches create such a pretty canvas for all of my ornaments.

3/ House Bud Vase
If you haven’t checked out Target’s Hearth & Hand collection yet please do so, because it’s one of the best I’ve seen there in many years. Along with a few large vases and potholders, I picked up one of these house bud vases to add to my collection.

4/ Bombas Socks
I love a buy one/give one business model, so I couldn’t resist when Bombas asked me to check out their socks. My expectations weren’t all that high and I ended up being beyond impressed – no stretching out and no slouching down! Right now get 20% off using code COZY20, and returning customers can get 20% off any holiday product using FAVORITES20.

5/ IKEA 365+ Glasses
These short little glasses are perfect for so many things, though I uses them most frequently for wine. They’re safe for both hot and cold temperatures and can act as glasses or bowls, and for $3.99/6 pack you can’t beat ’em.

6/ Tatiana Loafers
Loafers are everywhere this autumn, and I couldn’t resist this burgundy suede pair. The first time I wore them I received so many compliments that I knew I’d made the right call. They’re also available in desert rose and metallic leather options. Right now ABLE is offering free shipping on all jewelry orders and all orders over $99.

7/ Case Study Planters
I’ve owned three of these for a few years now, but every time I water my plants I’m reminded of just how well-crafted and beautiful they are. The planters themselves are available in both black and white pottery while the plinths and stands have a light and dark wood option.

8/ Aera Diffuser
This is a new addition to my battle against having a home that smells like my pets. Since I started using it about two weeks ago my home has been smelling consistently good. Aera has an adjustable strength setting and is so quiet that I hardly notice it’s working. Oh, and it works with your smartphone!

9/ Trap Pitcher
You just can’t wrong with a simple glass pitcher. This one was a Black Friday purchase last year that I use for water, cocktails, and even as a vase. It’s just the right size – not too big and not too small – at about 9-inches tall.

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