My husband and I are attempting to (re)decorate our living room. (I’m not sure whether we’re decorating or redecorating. We’ve lived here for almost four years, and the living “room,” which is part of an open plan kitchen/dining/living space, is completely dysfunctional.)
As an attempt to finally wrangle the beast, I’m reading—and following—a book called Apartment Therapy: The Eight-Step Home Cure
My goals?
1. Pull together the jumble of styles (mid-century modern meets what I can only describe as cabin chic… then they both meet toddler.)
2. Acquire some vital missing furnishings, such as the area rug (which we got rid of once we realized the deep, cream, wool shag was not compatible with ground-in bunny crackers), a decent lamp, and some art for the walls.
3. Be able to manage clutter better.
But this is a gardening blog. So why am I talking about home decor? Because I like these Pod Aluminum Planters by Pad Outdoors and wanted to share them with you.
Despite having no talent for houseplants, I would love to find a place for a really great-looking plant in my new living room. Obviously, choosing the right planter is key. A bit of a splurge at $175 each (and extra for the stands), these spun aluminum planters make me happy. They’re going in my “style tray,” as the Apartment Therapy book prescribes.
There are so many great options for indoor plants/containers, so I’m going to continue to explore and share my discoveries/living room decor possibilities with you. Check back often this month, and help me create a home I love (please?!). I’ll be eternally grateful.
PS: Yes, I’ll post some “before” photos. Soon.
PSS: Check out my only other online foray into decorating with Lila’s nursery on Flickr.
GeorgyGirl says
Hugs and success on your livingroom intervention! Our style is mid-century modern meets thrift store meets cat ;)
I’m currently looking at no carpet, a rug that definitely does *not* tie the room together, about a half a dozen paint swatches and the view of a balcony which needs sorting. A week ago.
So, consider me follow your progress with an eagle eye and making notes. :)
Liz says
Take a look at “At Home with Laurie Ann.” One of the styles she talks about is shabby chic, as opposed to your cabin chic. And the book is just filled with help whether you’re decorating or redecorating (as I have the yen to do). One of the things I like is how she shows you (with examples — that’s key for me, I must tell you, as I’m style-impaired) how a few small changes can absolutely transform a space from something really ordinary into something wow-ish.
Andrea Bellamy says
GeorgiaGirl – Sounds like we’re in the same (sinking) boat with our livingrooms. Grab hold the liferaft! Ha. Hope I can be worthy of following :)
Liz – Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll definitely check it out of the library. I like the way she says she works with what you have already.
Tzipporah says
Just found your blog yesterday while searching for ideas to redesign a woodsy area of our backyard and love it! I’m another big fan of Apartment Therapy.
Honestly, I gave up indoor plants when we got a cat who started eating them, and never got more after our son was born (he’s 3 now) because I was afraid I’d forget them and they’d just die. If you want tending in my house, you need a voice! ;)
Jenn says
Plants are good. We who love the green are happy to talk about just about anything with chlorophyll!
robin says
…but i LOVE your living room!
Andrea Bellamy says
Tzipporah – welcome! Glad you found me. I haven’t given up on indoor plants yet. I just need to find the right one. The ones I have are always look so crappy and mistreated. Sigh. Maybe I should give up on them!
Jenn – :D
Robin – thanks, doll.
Tzipporah says
Well, I have the luxury of a huge yard where I can dedicate myself to the plants (and see them through the windows). As an urban-dweller, you probably have more need for indoor ones. Good luck!
Meredyth says
You have a great blog-I always enjoy reading it. I know the feelign re living rooms-I had the worst time just trying to find the right wall colours and I thank Rachel who worked at long gone Simple for saving my life-choosing a rug was tough as well and several came home (or a smaller version)before I found the “right” one-Pottery Barn. Like those planters and I look forward to your book.
Helen says
I’m a huge fan of Apartment Therapy too and the book is really helpful. The planters look wonderful and should be motivation to get you into houseplants for sure.
Living wall artist says
I love those planters there. They really make whatever you’re planting in them that much better. I’m a big fan.