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Inspiration

From Elle to Ours

August 6, 2012

Do you ever look at a photo of a room and think, "That could be our house!"  Maybe it is the way the furniture is arranged, or where the window is, or your own upcoming plans in an already finished space that catches your eye and inspires you like crazy.  That was the case this morning, when this photo of the great room from the 2012 Elle Decor Modern Concept House landed in my inbox with a bunch of other photos of faucets (??).

Maybe it is because we got almost-black walls on the brain, and the window is exactly where our large window is in the living room--but, I mean...it could be our living room!  I even started googling around and finding the pieces they used for this space.  In some cases, I found the exact (I think) item--like those wall sconces are totally from Restoration Hardware (and Chris and I are drrroooolliinnnggg), and so is the coffee table and the plant stand/end table, and wow--the chaise is, too.  #branchout.

But, we're all about finding close (more affordable copy cats), which anyone can do just by googling around.  For instance, Rugs USA sells a similar shaggy Moroccan area rug:

And this white, leather x-bench from Ballard Designs would make a great substitute for the one in the picture.

There's no way that's Ikea's Ektorp couch, but it sure makes for a close copy-cat, right?

Throw on some green ikat pillows, like this I found on Etsy:

Annnddd bones and candles to accessorize.
We don't plan on completely copying this room in our own space (toddlers and all of those accessories don't mix), but we are definitely taking notes! We'd love to skip table lamps and spring for wall lamps instead.  And those big leaves on a plant stand are screaming at us. And just maybe a round coffee table is in our future. The almost black wall?  That's already a given.
Anyone else feeling majorly inspired??
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  1. I love those sconces, I just clicked on the link and had a small heart attack when I saw the sticker price. EEEEKKK! If you find a less expensive option please post it.

  2. If you aren't looking for a super comfy rug, you could get that look from a drop cloth and some cabinet liner. I actually did a runner after I saw your curtains. ;)

  3. LOOOOOOOOVE IT. I love the dark and cream contrast. It's pretty darn romantic I think.

    and when I saw that picture, my first thought was, did Julia completely redo their living room over the weekend without telling us her idea/thought process!?!?!?!

  4. I LOVE the dark wall...that's what we have in the works for our master bedroom. After I save a little money...we sort of spent all of it on a house recently. :) Can't wait to see your after shots!!!

  5. I thought it *was* your living room at first! Gorgeous inspiration. And I'm holding my breath to see what you guys bought during the big RugsUSA sale! I really wanted to get some new rugs then too but there was no convincing the husband ;) So you have to share with us when it comes!

  6. What a great inspiration room. Funny that much of it came from Restoration Hardware. I think the black wall is stunning and I can't wait to see something like that in your home. A dark gray wall would look great, too. Or navy blue. I'm so excited to see your living room changes. :)

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