Last month I wrote about some changes I was planning for our sitting room. I’m now delighted to be able to show you the results.
What did we want to achieve? Two things. James wanted to set up a better sound system. I wanted to freshen the room up, whilst retaining its cosiness. Over the last month we’ve made some simple but effective changes. Surprisingly , there’s been no paint involved, and relatively little expense or mess.
Here’s what we’ve done…
We’ve moved our TV to the other side of the door – which is a better place to to see it from both sofas. It used to stand on a dark console table. We’ve swapped that for a vintage Ercol sideboard, which was in our study.
It fits the space perfectly and has lots of space inside it for the DVD player, CD player and amplifier. Two new (to us) speakers now sit on top of the sideboard . We’ve invested in a Google Chromecast Audio to allow us to stream music from Spotify through the amplifier and speakers.
We’ve acquired a new Habitat coffee table. My parents invested in this great design a while ago, but weren’t using it anymore. It’s a large, classic table in solid oak and has really changed the way the room looks. Usually we have a vintage blanket box. Interestingly, a bigger coffee table has made the room feel much larger. It’s no longer available, but I’d imagine you might find one on eBay.
The antique table which used to hold TV is now tucked between the two sofas. I was a little worried that the dark wood would clash with the mid-century-style wooden furniture, but I think the room can take it. This fabulous lamp (£29) is a great buy from IKEA.
Soft sheepskins and a new throw make the sofas feel cosy and welcoming. Layering everything up feels luxurious – essential when the weather feels this grim! The sheepskins are faux and cost £10 each from Ikea.
This gorgeous red blanket is £28 from the National Trust:
We also invested in a new, coppery lampshade from IKEA (£25).
The room feels more modern, but hasn’t lost the cosy, vintage feel. Our furniture has moved from the nineteenth century to the twentieth – and the technology has finally reached the twenty-first. The palette still includes my favourite greys and yellows, but now with hints of red and copper. I love it.
It looks so bright and cosy Lizzie. I love to see these kinds of posts. Small changes and a bit of rearranging can make such a difference.
Thank you! I love that none of it has cost much, yet it feels SO different x
I adore all the pops of colour in your living room and it’s so much fun to be able to have a little re-arrange to make a big difference. I remember changing my bedroom around all the time when I was a child, guess I didn’t realise it at the time but it was an early interest in interiors 🙂 X #HomeEtc
Yes, I used to do that a lot too! x
What a gorgeous room; I love all the pops of yellow you’ve included 🙂 #HomeEtc x
Thanks Laura!
LOVE this and what a cosy, stylish space 🙂 Really love the accessories and the photos look great. Thanks for sharing and linking up! #HomeEtc
Ah, thanks Jess! It’s amazing how different you can make a room feel just by changing this around x
It looks GORGEOUS Lizzie!! SO bright and welcoming!!!! In love all the little touches — the copper inside the lampshade and all the fab patterns on the cushions. Just fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing! Cx #HomeEtc
Thanks Caro! I love the lampshade – a great IKEA find! x
I was looking at that exact same blanket a couple of weeks ago – I think they’re made very close to me here in North Wales, actually. National Trust has so many treasures in their shops – their tea cups are lovely, too. Your whole room looks thoroughly lovely and springlike – I’m waiting for St. David’s Day on March 1st to fill my house with daffodils.
Oh yes, I do love a NT shop! Their blankets are gorgeous! Glad to hear they’re actually made in Wales!!