Jessie's Dilemma

• The "entry" way! Right when you enter our front door, you are standing in our dining/living room, but the first thing you see when you walk in is a whole lot of nothing. Such a welcoming feeling :)
• I have almost nothing on the walls...so suggestions on photo arrangements, etc would be awesome
• We inherited both couches {from different people} but they really don't match...at all. Do you know anything about reupholstering a maroon leather couch?? Or ideas on where to find awesome furniture without spending all of the money in our bank account?
• I really want to incorporate some fun textures/colors into the room but again, I'm not sure how to make it all mesh together + look good at the same time...
• The arrangement of our furniture has also been a hassle. Our room is very long, but not very wide. I don't love how the two couches parallel each other and point directly at the fireplace, but I can't figure out how else to arrange them...
• Lastly, our dining area. I want a fun rug...any suggestions?
• Ok, I guess that wasn't the last thing...we also need some lamps, but again I have no idea where to start.

Wow...that was quite the list. I think I covered everything, but if you have any other suggestions, feel free to let me know! I am seriously all ears and would love any advice that you are willing to offer!

Thanks again Julia!!
Jessie

1.  The maroon leather chair needs a new home.  It's too big for the layout, and we got to make room for two of these dark gray chairs from Ikea.  They are technically dining chairs, but at $89.99 a piece, you can't beat that price for accent chairs.  Not only are they priced right, but the size is optimal for your living room.

2.  This lamp from Target is $99.  I love the unexpected pop of yellow on top in the shade. The tripod legs are unique as well, but if you don't feel like dropping 100 bones, feel free to snag some yellow fabric and cover the shade of a tall floor floor lamp you find thrifting.  Whichever way you choose to go, the lamp should sit by the chair and window on the left (see round shape in room layout).

3.  That white end table you have floating around would look rich spray painted a dark brown with a few jars on top.  Dress up the plastic ones (kid-friendly) you can find at Wal-mart or thrifting with loads of buttons or other monotoned objects--even candy.  Stick with one color in each jar and if you decide to switch up the color in a different jar, just stick to the color palette and you can't go wrong.

4.  I think your existing throw pillows on your couch are fantastic.  They definitely played a part in the inspiration of this room, add in some patterned purple throws like these found at Target  and World Market.  This will add a nice pop of color and tie in that accent wall in the dining room.

5.  This storage cube is perfect for your house.  It will sit right behind your couch as an entryway definition.  Think sitting to put on/take off shoes and you can store toys in it!  A DIYed purple pillow on top the length of the cube would really complete the piece.

6.  Moving into the dining room.  This 5'x8' rug is an investment at $249, but it or something similar (maybe even stencil your own!) would be money well spent in the dining room under your table.

7.  This light caught my eye instantly when I was researching for lighting for your room.  It's industrial, it would tie in those dark gray chairs from the opposite side of the space and you could make it for a whole lot cheaper with some pendants and a wire basket.  Think about it.

8.  Lastly, is art.  Look past the lady with the megaphone and turn your attention to those squares in the background.  Solid scrapbook paper framed in chocolate brown frames all lined up in a grid pattern would complete the look on the wall directly across from the front door.  The colors in this picture are perfect ones to choose.  The base is definitely the palette from your room, but I wouldn't hesitate to throw in a light yellow or blue pop either.

As for the art on your mantle, I would lean the picture of Christ instead of hang it.  Bring in an old mirror to lean as well, and one other piece that represents your family.  Maybe a painting of your house number like I did here.  All layered and leaning, instead of hung.

I hope this helps Jessie.   Whatever you choose to do, we'd love to see pictures of your progress!