Guest Picks: Update a Traditional Living Room
Give traditional style a younger look with a few well-placed pieces
I'm currently helping a family update their living room décor. The traditional wood cabinetry they've had for years dictates the vibe of the room, so we're looking for furniture and accessories that will work well with the classic look yet portray the family's fun and young personality. Here are a few picks that will help you update a traditional living room, too. — Chedva from Rooms and Words
Vintage Suzani Pillow, Large
Vintage textiles are so great for adding depth and personality to a room — I just can't get enough of them. The pink one is my favorite.
Treetop Chandelier
This chandelier, inspired by treetops, is both classic and tongue-in-cheek. I love décor that doesn't take itself too seriously, and I think this will be a great fit for a living room.
Tan Moroccan Leather Pouf
I love this leather Moroccan pouf because it adds some bohemian fun to any room, yet it still looks timeless because of the leather.
Ditte Sofa, Tufted
This is a brilliant take on the classic tufted sofa! This sofa has tufting on the outside instead of on the seat. The legs are so elegant.
Lilly Pulitzer Home Lillian Side Table
Doesn't this side table look like something out of Beauty and the Beast or Aladdin? I would smile every time I set my coffee mug on it.
Washed Hexagonal Tile Printed Dhurrie
I think this dhurrie will look great in a room with traditional bones because of its lightness and slightly geometric pattern. The color will also help lighten up the heavier feeling of the wood cabinets.
Fairmont Nickel & Mirror Side Table
What I love about this mirror table is that it can function as both a side table (you can never have enough of those) and a display/storage piece. The mirror and the nickel are great because they're reflective and make the space look bigger. They look good in any decor scheme, whether traditional or contemporary.
Calla Lamp
This is such a fun lamp. Accent lighting is so important to create a mood, especially in a living room. Plus, if you pick table lamps, you may as well make a statement. I love the size of this Calla Lamp.
Faceted Mirror Side Table
It never ceases to amaze me how versatile antiqued mirrors can be. I love the triangles that the facets create on this piece because, like all geometrics, they make a space instantly more hip.
Contemporary Decorative Pillows
This pillow is based on a timeless Moorish pattern, and the colors bring it right to modern times.
Etch Pendant, Brass
Tom Dixon designs lighting that is cutting edge yet looks like it has always been here. This pendant is perfect for adding a modern twist to your traditional living room.
Rens Sheepskin, White
You don't have to use this sheepskin as a rug — just throw it on any modern chair to cozy it up and make it speak to the more traditional pieces in the room.
Wassily® Chair, Canvas
Marcel Breuer's Wassily Chair is an instant modern update for your room. It's breathtaking.
Contemporary Loveseats
I love the clean lines of this love seat. It's like the perfect marriage between Swedish and French design, and it can work in so many different decorating schemes. Versatility is key.
Subway Sign Art Washington
Typography is an instant update to any room, especially when it's in black and white.
Nelson Limed Oak Screen
Another quick update is adding a screen. It's a great way to add pattern, height and interest to a room. I love that this one is made of limed oak.
Origami Coffee Table
Simple, clean lines plus a glass top is perfection in my book. This is a coffee table that will allow your decor to shine and won't dominate too much visual space.
Jonathan Adler Lacquer Tray, White
I love trays because they're useful as well as decorative. This one by Jonathan Adler is sophisticated with the lacquer finish, but it's still simple enough to work with traditional decor.
Meurice Rectangle Chandelier
This is another fun chandelier to love. It has midcentury-modern style, but the gold and brass will make it fit in a more traditional setting while adding some glam to the mix.
Ceramic Elephant Side Table
This elephant is so whimsical and sweet that it will take years off of a too-serious living room. You can use it as a side table, a plant holder or a place to just put a stack of books.
Next: So Your Style Is: Transitional
Next: So Your Style Is: Transitional