Guest Picks: Bright New Style for a Craftsman Living Room
How to highlight the architecture in a 1920s bungalow? Try midcentury furniture and colorful accessories
When my husband and I bought our 1920s bungalow, it was in need of TLC. As an interior designer–carpenter couple, we saw the potential and history it possessed and chose to restore it to its Craftsman glory. We decorated minimally to highlight the home’s original and new architectural details and moldings. Here’s how we did it. — Rachel from Raenovate
Midcentury modern furniture balances aesthetics and utility in a simple way that works perfectly in our house, and the tapered legs are largely to thank for that.
Gray Owl 2137-60 Paint
Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl can do no wrong in my book. Whenever I’m asked for a gray wall paint suggestion, this one is the winner.
Oriental Weavers Bali 4902X Outdoor Rug - Grey
We have two large dogs and an infant, so finding a stylish indoor-outdoor area rug was key for easy cleaning. This geometric Sphinx rug cleans up like a charm!
Rocker Plastic Lounge Chair, White - $93.00
During my pregnancy I searched high and low for a small-scale and affordable rocker. This Eames-inspired chair was the perfect find. And now that the baby is here, I find myself toting it from room to room with us.
British Bouquet Pillow
Injecting color into a space is most easily accomplished with accessories. Caitlin Wilson’s British Bouquet pattern adds the perfect pop.
We trimmed out our giant red brick fireplace with a Craftsman-style mantel. Then we flanked it with poplar bookshelves for a dramatic transformation.
Decorators White CC-20 Paint
Benjamin Moore’s Decorators White is my go-to trim paint — it’s the best of the best.
Angenäm Wall Sconce for Block Candle
I’m a huge fan of wall sconces flanking the fireplace. But installing electric sconces proved to be too expensive and complicated in the 90-plus-year-old fireplace wall, so sconces for pillar candles had to do.
Colorful Striped Taper Candles, Set of 2
Stripes bring a modern twist to the traditional taper candle.
Grundtal Mirror
Using eye hooks and rope from The Home Depot, we turned the Grundtal mirror into the ultimate Ikea hack!
Assembly Home Modern Coat Rack, Gray
Closet space is a hot commodity in our old home. By using a coatrack, we’re able to steal some storage space for other pieces.
Capri Blue Jar Candle, Volcano
I am sensitive to smells, but this candle has the most magical of scents and looks great.
Sea Urchins, Set of 3
Brass-finished iron spikes create whimsical urchins that can be hung or used to create tabletop vignettes.
My parents bought this brass bamboo-tiful tea cart in the 1970s. I’m so fortunate that they held on to it!
Lisbon Vintage Brass Two Tiered Storage Bar Cart
Appropriate virtually anywhere in your home, the bar cart is both stylish and functional. What’s best is that you can edit it easily anytime.
Amy Gourd Glass 1-Light Yellow Table Lamps, Set of 2
Bright yellow gourd lamps add a splash of color and light.
Honeywell 7-Day Wi-Fi Smart Programmable Thermostat With Voice Control
Honeywell’s smart Wi-Fi thermostat has been a game changer. It looks sensational, can be accessed from an iPhone and even responds to voice commands.
Next: How to Plan a Just-Right Living Room Layout
Next: How to Plan a Just-Right Living Room Layout