Fall Sitting Area

Last month when I shared my "Holiday Cupboard" I mentioned that I'd show you the rest of the room. We have two seating areas in our walk-out basement. One for media, the other is next to the French doors where the light is wonderful, and the girls and I will set and hang out if the guys are playing video games or watching sports.

Someday I'll get new lighter rugs for down here, but it hasn't happened yet. This last summer I found uglysofa.com and knew I had a solution for this space. The slipcovers require a little tucking and nudging, but for the price you cannot beat them. I have a gorgeous red botanical print sofa underneath, but I was ready for a change. (I also have a quilt added for more "cushion") Restoration Hardware French Linen pillows and a couple of flea market finds make for a comfy spot to lounge or nap.

The round coffee table on casters had been my in-laws, that I painted out last year. Hey, one more place to decorate!! yay! The grain sack red stripe runner is a purchase last year from French Garden House. I love it Lidy!

The "Holiday Cupboard" is one of my fun spots to decorate seasonally. 

A vintage wicker settee, flanked by two of my fave tables, a vintage wicker, and a wonderful piece that I just painted out the base on. Love the contrast of the dark walnut top.

And the area to the left of the photo?

...it's my husband's hangout...'nough said.

The grainsack pillow on the back of the settee is an antique French piece with embroidered initials, I just have a couple of down ticking pillows inside.

My seed box is the base for a basket tray with note cards, antique spectacles, and family photos and notes.

I made this ceramic pumpkin cookie jar back in the ceramics rage of the 70's. During one of our moves the lid broke in two, but I had to glue it back. not a very good job, don't look too closely.

Some Fall vintage teapots, jars, and fois bois pitcher.

Old window box and hurricane candle that stays out all year. just change out the accessories.

Two mismatched vintage wicker chairs with Fall quilts, pillows, and footstools. 

I'll be partying with these gals,

         

            

      

       

We're supposed to have our first frost tonight, and I'm just not ready.

I've been lulled into complacency by 80 degree days!

I think I'm just going to have to throw a blanket over my geraniums,

since they're not ready to winter indoors and hope for the best.

See ya Thursday afternoon for 

xoxo,

www.fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com
www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com
www.funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com
www.decortoadore.blogspot.com

Design Challenge #5 Jen's Fireplace and Niche

Hi Everyone,

welcome to a weekend edition of

Design Challenge!

Sometimes we have design challenges that were ready made for us.

In this case, Jen from Easy Peasy Chic 

is trying to work with the placement of a fireplace

and adjoining niche in her Great Room.

Below are some photos of Jen's Great Room

that show the culprits.

She is trying to find a way to make the fireplace the focal point of the room

while at the same time utilize the niche for their flat screen TV.

 Take a look at the configurement and you'll see what she's up against!

Here we have it in Jen's own words:

It just so happens that I have a BIG dilemma and the only cure I am afraid, is very expensive. The builder's niche has made keeping the fireplace a focal point in my great room almost impossible!!! It is soooooo frustrating. I think a custom built unit to fit the niche may help but the best price I have found is $1000 and I can't swing that. Of course my dream would be to demolish it all and rebuild a fireplace in the center of the wall and hang the tv above that. But that won't be happening for 20 years! So ANY advice would be great!!! The TV needs to stay here and I need storage that the dresser so freely gives for dvds, wii etc. I sooo need some wonderful and cost effective ideas on how to help my fireplace win the focal point battle it is having with the dingy niche? :)
Jen :)

More from Jen...

Making the fireplace a focal point again!

Anyone ever stained a precast stone fireplace? I am wanting to make my fireplace more of a focal point. After finally choosing paint we love we realize that it made the fireplace disappear. So I have been researching the possibility of staining the stone. It sounds like it can be done and for probably under $45!!

Here are some lighter colored ones that stand out nicely against their background paint..

Jen is looking at a custom design cabinet for the niche,

but needs some help right now as that might be a little while in the making.

Anyone out there know anything about painting this precast stone

since she wants it a lighter color?

Also, it sounds like they just painted the entire room so that might not

be an answer to this challenge.

Put on your decorator's hat/thinking cap for this one.

Let's get creative and and see if we can help Jen out!

Thanks a bunch in advance, everyone!

Hope you're having a great weekend,

Design Challenge #3 Charlotte's Great Room

Hi Everyone, Time for another Design Challenge!

Today, Charlotte from Butterbean Row

is hoping for some good advice on how she can achieve a softer, casual,

updated look for her Great Room.

She has great elements that are a little masculine and rustic,

and needs our help to bring in a little chic.

Take a look, and think about her ideas.

Lets' see what we can suggest!

In Charlotte's Own Words

1. Being on a budget, I need to handle this re-do in stages.

2. I love all things white due to the inspiration of decorating blogs such as "White Ironstone Cottage", "My Romantic Home", "Common Ground", "Faded Charm" and many others.

3. I love country French and that casual elegance of some lovely flowers in an old bucket.

4. Casual but elegant. Not fussy.

5. I need HELP arranging items on my mantle and built in book case. I have never figured out what to do to make it pretty and not so cluttered looking.

6. My sofa is reddish brown leather. Is there a way to accessorize to brighten it ?

7. Thanks to you all for your help!

♥charlotte

This is Charlotte's Entry.

Don't you love the lighter brighter wall color,

and that great blue console table?

I can see where this lighter color could be incorporated in to the rest of the Great Room.

Thanks so much for all your great design advice and ideas,

I know the recipients really appreciate you all taking the time to weigh in!

OK, let's share our thoughts and help Charlotte get started!

And a special "Thankyou" gift will be going out to

 Eileen at Cottage Beach House

for spreading the word about Design Challenge!

xoxo,