Guest Picks: A California-Cool Living Room
Toss a pair of these Hmong pillows onto the leather couch to add color and an organic pattern.
A lumbar pillow in a modern leafy print lends a beachy vibe.
A slender coffee table made of marble and teak is a subtle rustic touch.
Anchor the seating area with an oversize jute rug. The nubby texture is reminiscent of sandy shores.
A smaller kilim rug can be layered over the jute one for added color and pattern.
A woven rocking chair is nostalgic, but this one’s simple form is completely modern.
A comfortable side chair upholstered in a maize linen rounds out the seating area.
Toss this sweater-like pillow on the maize chair for an even cozier reading spot.
A round accent table next to the armchair provides a spot for a drink or reading material. The marble ties in to the coffee table, while the walnut ties in to the credenza. Repeating elements like this around the room creates a cohesive look.
A shaded floor lamp with a unique wire base is a casual alternative to table lamps on end tables.
The Case Study planter is my favorite medium for displaying houseplants. With its modernist design, it suits nearly any type of foliage.
This credenza is the epitome of form and function. Beautiful details like walnut casing and brass inlay handles make it special, while the clever design (USB ports and a line of plugs along the back) makes it practical. Place it beneath a wall-mounted flat-screen TV to create one killer media center.
Place a Nelson tripod table lamp on top of the credenza. The curves will help to soften all the linear pieces in the room.
Stash toys, blankets and video game accessories in a variety of woven baskets. Having large baskets on hand ensures quick and easy cleanup at the end of each day.
I would hang a framed, unassuming black and white photography print above the sofa. Art that relates to the ocean or beach stays in line with the California-cool theme.
Hang hoop wall art on a sliver of wall for a bit of whimsy.
A brown leather pouf can be used as extra seating or as a footstool, and it picks up on the leather sofa.
A soft throw draped over the rocking chair beckons family members and guests to sit and stay a while.
Danish-inspired candleholders make great tabletop decor in modern living rooms.Next: The Ins and Outs of Northern California Style
In my opinion, leather is the best material choice for a sofa that will be used for many years by an active household. I love the lines and saddle hue of this one.
Q