Jen's Dilemma

Since making the announcement that I would start designing for your spaces too, I have been up to my eyeballs in mood boards.  At first, I was worried that I would virtually design the same space over and over--but it has been quite the opposite.  I feel like I have really connected with so many spaces and readers and have been able to inject their personality in making a unified room.  I have worked with a $200 budget, an unlimited budget, an new unfinished build, a teeny tiny room, a mulit-use room, and more.  I have seen SO many different spaces and I have loved being involved with each one. Some of you have asked if I would be showing all the mood boards on the blog.  In short, there are far too many to share each separately, but, I thought it would be fun to peak in on one every once in awhile.  That being said, here's one I finished earlier this week from reader, Jen.  

She says:

With the help of your inspiration photo (the peacock feather) I put together a few ideas that I think would work great in your room.

1. A dark, moody accent wall will really make the room spectacular. Try Underwater by Behr and reserve it for the wall behind your couch and extend it all the way to the dining room wall.

2. Above the couch, go for a monochromatic, oversized photo as art. Use this one as an inspiration and take one (or have a photographer friend take one) similar. I'll link you to a great tutorial on a cheap way to blow up and hang photos.
Large photo found here.
DIY Large photo art tutorial here.

3. You said you like clean lines, which means your curvy end tables should go. I love these small ones from Ikea that double as storage.
End tables found here.

4. I don't see anything wrong with your existing table lamps. From what I see in the photos, I really like the bases. Either paint the shades a warm teal color, or splurge on all new ones like I have pictured.
Lamps found here.

5. Ahh, the pillow round up. Pillows are going to do amazing things for your whole room. Mix and match patterns and colors. I have picked out a golden yellow, one with navys, a turquoise with bright green accents, a soft gray fox, a yellow-green print, and a bright orangey-floral.
Yellow found here.
Navy brush stroked pillow found here
Turquoise pom pom pillow found here
Fox pillow found here
Yellow-green print pillow found here
Orange Floral pillow found here

6. I mentioned an accent wall in number 1, but for the rest of your walls--I found a great warm gray like you suggested. See how Martha Stewart Sharkey Grey looks!

7. From the photos I see you are not afraid of an animal print. I would ditch the double Ikea rug and lay a large cowhide on a diagonal. There are tons of options:
One shown found here
Alternate here
And another here

8. I love the idea of a round, leather storage ottoman for this room. It will balance out all the square edges and provide plenty of extra storage for you.
Ottoman found here

9. To solve your TV situation, I'd go for a rustic-looking cart. Mount your tv, or set it on top and fill the shelves with baskets and a few other pictures in frames I see around the room.---even your inspiration photo would be a nice touch.
Console found here

10. As for the dining room side of things, I worked around your existing table because I thought it was nice! I'd start with some lighting since you don't have any overhead. A great arc lamp can be tucked in the corner and still hang over the table.
Lamp found here

11. Underneath the table, define the space with this great, orange 5x7 area rug that's less than $75!
Area rug found here

12. Instead of the curvy console table you currently have, scour craigslist for a great dresser to use in its place. Store spare dishes, wine and on top display a beautiful bowl of lemons or oranges.
Crazy expensive dresser found here

13. Above that dresser (on the accent wall), hang dishes. Collect them from thrift stores, check out Pier one, and even go for a couple woven bowls like the one I included.
Inspiration photo found here
Woven decorative bowl found here

The only other suggestion I have is to paint the frame of your chair in the living room (next to the plant) orange. It will really tie things together and provide a great pop! I hope you find great inspiration from this mood board and I can't wait to see where you end up. 

Who's next?!  For more information, check out our mood board page here, or

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