Guest Picks: Get a Soothing (but Not Snoozy) Traditional Living Room
Fresh yet classic, these furniture pieces, lighting and accessories offer an updated take on traditional
This is a classic living room I designed. Much of the client's furniture was recycled via remodeling and reupholstery, and several pieces of furniture were repainted. The style is traditional but still fresh. A palette of soft and deep grays was used. Here, I've shared some shopping sources and ideas of how to get the same look using widely available alternatives. — Valorie from The Visual Vamp
The living room is the everything room. It's used for socializing and TV watching. My client's furniture is 20 years old and was refreshed with new fabrics. The club chairs were given new swivel bases as well.
Amelia Area Rug, Brown
My client had a classic Oushak rug that was in good condition, so it remained. This well-priced Oushak-style rug in gray would be perfect for a similar look.
Magnolia Home Fashions Java Ikat Fabric, Pewter
This is the ikat fabric used on the chairs. It looks way more expensive than it really is.
Petra Ikat Gray Fabric Armless Accent Chair
If you don't have club chairs to recover, a pair of these ikat slipper chairs could give you the same look.
Bauhaus USA Montgomery Newman Chair
If your budget allows a little more to spend, this armchair is really close to the look of the chairs in the room I designed.
Arteriors Connor Marble/Iron Nesting Tables
I used a set of gilded nesting tables with stone tops in the room. They came from a local shop, but these are similar.
Granite Metallic Nesting Tables
You could use nesting tables in a different shape too. These rectangular ones are pretty and very well priced.
Transitional Sofas
My client got a new bench cushion made to replace the original three seat cushions on the sofa. If you need a new sofa, this one is affordable and good looking.
Robert Allen at Home Linen Slub, Graystone
I chose this Robert Allen slub linen for the couch slipcover. Tip: Prewash linen before you make the slipcover to avoid shrinkage when you wash it later.
Robert Allen Crystal Lake Chinoiserie Pillow Cover, Brown/Amber by Playpurdys
I mixed prints by adding a pair of chinoiserie pillows on the sofa.
Imperial Trellis Midnight Pillow Cover by Martha and Ash
The Imperial Trellis print also mixes well with gray ikat.
Parsons Square Coffee Table with Travertine Top
The client had a stone-top coffee table that we decided to keep. I love this table with a travertine top and metal legs from Crate & Barrel. I think it has the same vibe as the one in my client's home.
They kept a console table behind the sofa and repurposed it as a desk.
Philippe Starck–style Louis Ghost Armchair
The classic console table got an update with an acrylic desk chair.
White Hardback Drum Lampshade
My client already had the collection of lamps, and I just refreshed them all with clean white drum shades.
Jenna Stacked Ball 1-light Pearl White Table Lamps
If you like the stacked ball lamp on the desk, these have the same look.
White Belgium Linen Curtain Panel
Simple and fresh white linen drapes were used in the new design in the living room.
Here's another view of the room. You can see another texture: a furry pillow on a classic French chair.
The homeowner had a pair of French-style chests that were brown. They were painted in a gray antique finish to lighten the look and the room.
Chateau Cabinet, Antique White
I love this demilune chest. Get a pair of these to get a similar look.
Gray Square Pedestal Table Lamp
There's a square-shaped lamp on each chest, and I think this gray lamp with a square base would be lovely.
New Hope Wall Art
The homeowner is an artist and did the paintings that are hanging over the chests in the living room. These affordable pieces of art are in the same vein.
Absolu Concorde Wall Art
Hang three of this style of painting over each chest for the look of the inspiration room.
Here's one more photo to show you another view of the living room. The homeowner already had the round mirror, which was made from rusted railroad spikes.
Solid Silk Orange Accent Pillow by Refined Concepts
I added orange silk pillows for the energy they bring. Plus, I think orange pairs well with gray. I found them at a local store, but I think these would do the trick. You could add white ribbon trim if you are in a DIY frame of mind.
Next: So Your Style Is: Transitional
Next: So Your Style Is: Transitional