rusted2's Profile

Mendocino Vintage in Fort Bragg, California. Kind of a sleeper, like the town of Fort Bragg itself. Insanely great things. http://mendocinovintage.com/

Completely wonderful. Dear AT, please do a House Tour?

Interesting & inviting, very genuine, very original.

For me your use of this space could pay more attention to what is already great, its architectural elements--the handsome windows and beautiful wood floor, and especially the fireplace.These convey an old-school craftmanship and honesty that's well suited to the elegance of an essentially monochromatic palette (I like your choices and wish I showed that much taste while under the influence--and not just taste in furniture). What doesn't work as well with the room's architectural elements, as people note, is the furniture arrangement, with the television distracting from the charm of the fireplace (and the front door opening right into the living space, is that true?).

I wonder if you could swap the living and dining areas and put the round table and chairs in front of the fireplace. The shape of the table would then contrast nicely with all the right angles of windowframes and fireplace, and having the table in front of the fireplace would suggest intimacy in dining and conversation (plus make for romantic dinners with the fire lit). The ghost chair could stay in that corner, and soft curtains would further enhance the intimacy. If I'm right about your front door opening right into the space, then do something to acknowledge the transition between in and out--a cool antique coatrack (because the room could use a dose of vintage), or small landing-strip table.

In this reconfiguration the sofa would go where the striped armchair is now, but facing toward the space with the double doors and maybe moved closer, with the t.v. on its table at an angle in the corner that now holds the console with the vase of reeds on it. Try the mirrored coffee table in the center, and if it worked you could switch out the light fixture with something more whimsical--playfulness would make a sweet contrast with the overall restraint. The striped armchair, which right now competes Leo-like for attention, could get a corner to itself where it would come across as visually strong and quirky, and make for a conversational triangle with the sofa. A vertical stack or some Lack shelves of books would add personality (and say the room isn't all about the t.v.), and their jackets would subtly enliven the palette. I agree with everyone who has said add texture--rattan, seagrass, velvet, driftwood, pewter, mercury glass, chunky wool knits.

There is a lovely sense of attention to harmony and comfort in the colors, textures, and furniture you've chosen, and I think that by working with what you have (and working against it in the form of contrast/whimsy/wit) you can take these rooms where you want them to go.