The Treehouse: Living Room Plans & Ideas

INSPIRATION: (Above Chaffee Braithwaite's living room AGAIN ;) I'm using it as inspiration... I'll be going with a bit more warmth & a little washed/ muted pattern. My goal is for the room to feel light airy, natural, raw, fresh with a classic modern feel and a hint of old-fashioned pretty. I want a fairly neutral backdrop for ever-changing accessories & shots of color. (In the image above, I love the jolts of green from the wheatgrass and views for Springtime!)

Below, here's what our living room looks like now: (Since the living space is on the second floor, you're way high up in the trees, hence the name "treehouse.") For now, I'm keeping it this shade of white & will get the perfect white on the walls once we're more settled. (we've got bigger fish to fry for starters!!)

For now I'm putting the sofa on the right wall facing into the room. Opposite it will be two chairs with a table in between and under the window i'd like to have a couple of chairs or possibly a settee. (My computer & scanner are still down so I'm not able to get you the floorplan) We're hanging drapes from the ceiling on simple iron rods. I'm going with simple white linen for an airy feel & a fresh, clean backdrop for changing up accessories, slicovers, pillows, etc: For the sofa, I knew exactly what I wanted: English arms with turned legs on casters. (Because- #1- I like to rearrange often & usually do it by myself while my husband's gone & the sofa is always the toughest thing to move, so casters = problem solved!! #2- I want the space to feel large, open & airy, and of course legs will help with this, and #3- I love the classic with a hint of old-fashioned lines of this sofa. It'll work perfectly with both traditional & modern pieces. So, below is what I was looking for ( I was hoping for 1 or 2 cusions instead of 3)

And the sofa below is the one we just bought on Craiglist!!! (Since we're on a budget & the similar sofas I was finding were all around the $2500- $3000 range, I decided the search on craiglist. After searching through listing after listing & saving a few possible options that were close to my dream sofa, I came across this one!!)
I couldn't believe my (exhausted) eyes!! it was exactly what I wanted!! It's a Lee Industries sofa that retails for around $3000! We picked the sofa up in our new (to us) pick-up truck (it's actually old- 250,000 miles) in Capitol Hill and the family couldn't have been nicer!! The owner of the sofa worked for the Kellog Collection for many years & was so sweet & her son arranged the whole deal & helped my husband load the sofa. (I'm sure I sounded like my usual nutcase-self, because I just couldn't stop telling them how excited I was to have "THE" sofa I was looking for!! haha) So, we're reupholstering it in this cotton velvet below:
As I mentioned in my previous post, this image doesn't do the fabric justice. It changes witht he angle and it looks creamy, golden or whitey-beige. It should look something like this chair (from Oly Studio) below when reupholstered:
I'm planning on pulling in some grays & whites in the pillows for "base" time (when the room's not decorated seasonally with other colors) with lots of different textures including this super-nubby linen (below) *** You can find a very similar fabric to this one at Calico Corners called "Slubby linen" ***
Now, here's where things become less settled-upon. I'm using the fabric below on the reverse to give the piece a more time-worn, muted look. (Darryl Carter's trick!!)
Now I'd like whichever piece the fabric goes on to be situated under the windows & facing into the room. So, this could possibly be couple of chairs or a settee (I was condsidering a gilding settee with a shirt, how fun would that be?! I don't love the shape of this one but did come across a pretty one & have now forgotten the source!)
The only thing is, I just came accross this driftwood chair from Oly Studios & I'm sort of in love... I really like balance & don't feel that a piece like this should have a matching partner & don't so much have a spot for a lone chair... (I might be able to squeeze it on somewhere though)
Now, across from the sofa will be two chairs with my fun metal vintage table in between:
I'm having so many different thoughts on the chairs. (In reality, I'll most likely thrift store/ flea market or craiglist them but here are some of my loves now. Also, any of the chairs pictured could possibly under the window as a pair or combined with the reversed toile or driftwood chair)

A pair of (washable!!) slipcovered wing chairs like the chair below would work really nicely because the shirts to the floor would stop the eye and that's sort of what I want because the dining area/ work area is on the other end & I like the separation. This is pretty budget-friendly because old wingchairs are really easy to find via thrift stores & craiglist and they could be easilty reupholstered!
I also can't help loving this modern wingchair from Oly Studio (below). It comes in other leathers but I really love this one... A pair of these with the silver table between would be amazing... I love the modern jolt in the room (I'd like to have at least 1 in each room becasue the house is so contemporary).. These could go across from the sofa or under the window. (Oh, and quick reality check here--- these would not be arriving for a VERY long time because of the unfortunate existence of a low budget.)
And here are some other chairs I like:
I like the thought of this one (below, Martha Stewart) upholsered in the toile... The only problem is the legs are a bit red for me & don't come in other colors... I'd hate to buy a new chair that I'd need to change...We love to entertain & of course kick up our feet so I love the idea of one of these 2 leather 0upholstered benches from Oly Studio:
I picture them moving around wherever needed & think they would look really pretty accross from the windows when you first walk in, so as to clsoe off the conversation area but not block the view. Here's the other:
I also have a cool camel saddle that looks similar to this one (image from here) but isn't in cow hide. (It's in a terrible brown vinyl right now & I'd reupholster it in a prettier one.)

I actually would love a cowhide rug... Here's the view of the dining area/ work area... Since we'll have an eat-in kitchen & island with stools I don't envision nightly meals in the dining area. We'll primarily use it for projects, reading, and entertaining. It'll be nice not to have to put projects away every night!


I love the idea of a trestle table piled high with books & 2 comfy chairs on one side and a bench on the other ... I'm having so many thoughts about tables, but it will have to be something rectangular & fairly narrow... (However, my square folding table will have to do for a while!)


But I love some of these options, like this zinc sawhorse table from Bobo Intriguing Objects: (I wonder if we could try to make something like this??--- I did look up some zinc countertop places & they seemed INSANELY expensive... does anyone have a cheap source for zinc sheets?)


I'd also love a trestle table similar to the one in Kirsten Hollister's (of Boho Belgian) dining room: (And look, she has the bench I want too!!! - I know Ikea used to make a bench like this, does anyone know if they still do? -- I couldn't find it online.)


I picture the table with wingchairs & I could possibly go with the white slipcovered ones if I don't go with them in the Living room: (Again, they'd be nice on casters so I could always have options)The wingchair below is one of my favorite wingchairs, by Martha Stewart. It's got nailhead detailing & is of a really manageable size for smaller spaces. (Some are so huge!!) Now, for the chandelier... Here are some I love from Bobo Intriguing Objects: The wine barrel chandelier:


And also the "planet" wine barrel: (I think this would be kind of cool with all the books!)

And this one I'm CRAZY over, but it's way too big for my house!!! (Over 4 feet high!! JEESH) The drfitwood chandelier: (I really wanted it in my entryway & it would still be too big!! arg)

And here's a chandelier I really love that's so much more in my price range. I saw it at On a Whim & need to go and see if they have anything like it or if it could still be there: (Please don't go buy this!!! heehee ;) Part of me thinks I need to stay natural & rough & quirly like the others but it's just so hard to resist this pretty vintage crystal!!!

And for the back wall behind the table, I want some type of storage. It's really important to me that I have surfaces that I can change up accessories on & also some hidden storage for my son's toys. (I like to keep toys in all the living areas as long as they can be hidden away so that every room's kid-friendly.) I'd use big baskets for toys on the bottom shelves & put pretty things & books on the upper shelves of this pharmacy rack from Bobo Intriguing Objects:



(It's highly unlikely we'll buy that exact piece but we'll be looking for similar items.) I'd also like some type of dresser or cabinet in the living room for more toy storage.

Well, we move tomorrow & over the weekend & I am having a bit of blogging withdrawal from not having my computer!! Also, I just did another post right before this one as a follow up on my kitchen decisions(2 posts in 1 day, I know! haha) so check it out below.

miss you guys,

lauren

24 comments:

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

I can't wait to see it coming together. You have so many great ideas I'm certain it's going to look fab!

You had me ohing and ahing of some many of your picks. I so wish money wasn't an option. I want one of everything.

Good luck with the move!

Miss ya!

xoxo

LindsB said...

I cant believe how much you have done and you have not even moved in yet! Your taste is amazing, and everything you have picked out here will look just beautiful once you have it all in your house.

I LOVE that shelf you posted last, I can see beautiful baskets holding all of Christians toys and other things on the bottom too- perfect choice!

Good luck with the move!!

bluehydrangea said...

I can't wait to see the finished room! I love the chandeliers. Good Luck with your move!

Jennifer said...

looks like it will be beautiful! I have to resist the urge to buy old wingchairs when I see them in flea markets, but I'm dying to get one and have a slip made! really no place to put at the moment though.

what about stainless steel instead of zinc on top of sawhorses? not quite the same, but kind of the same look. and I bet it's cheaper!

Anonymous said...

That sofa is a find! How much fun is this - putting it all together in a new place. Loving your picks!

Beth said...

Love the plans. Your choices remind me of the Califorina house in The Holiday--one of my favorites. I love the mix of different chairs and sofas with ottomans.

My Notting Hill said...

Love your ideas. What an awesome Craigslist find!!

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

You have a great eye! Your place is going to wonderful. I am so excited for you!

from the right bank said...

That's one of my favorite sofa styles! I'm so happy for you that you found one. I should have thought of wheels when we bought our couch! I could be rearranging constantly if only I could move everything myself. :) I also love that your house is called the treehouse. So cute. Good luck with the move!!!

Oliveaux said...

It will be fabulous to watch you design your space. Love the chairs and sofa's. Good luck with the move - so exciting!

DesignTies said...

I so love how you've put together your plans, Lauren! Me... I'm much better at planning around and envisioning renovations to a space. Even though most of our main floor renos are pretty much done, I've done nothing to decorate the rooms. What am I waiting for? I'm going to take some inspiration from you!!

Love the sofa you found... love your ideas!

Victoria @ DesignTies

Unknown said...

That sofa is going to look fabulous after it is re-upholstered.
I'm loving all the ideas you are coming up with, you are on fire with creativity right now!
I know you are probably up to your neck in moving, but when you get a chance you might like to look at my post "Pared-back Paul". I've posted about a lovely London home, which reminds me very much of Atlanta Barlett's style, so I thought you would appreciate it.

Izzy said...

Go to a roofing place and have them cover a piece of plywood in galvanized steel. Did it for our table and it has been amazing for the kids projects etc..

Maria Killam said...

I love all your ideas, but I think instead of painting your walls white (since a lot of your furniture is already white) you should paint it muslin or natural linen (from Benjamin Moore). That would be such a nice backdrop for all the white!!

You are a talent!

Jenny at LGN said...

This is such a great plan, Lauren!! Love it all!

I screamed a little when I saw your wing chair slips. I bought a pair of great wingbacks on Craigslist for $50 a few weeks ago. Slipcovers are being made as I type (hubby's doing it for Mother's day). I used a very similar picture of white linen slipcovers for as my inspiration photo. I'll post when they are all finished.

Best of luck with the move! I can't wait to see your plan unfold in your new house!

Angela at Giannetti Home: Design Online said...

Can't wait to see! Will be so beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Lauren! Im back from market were you there? Hope you got to stop in the Oly showroom. Bobo had some great stuff too. Keep in touch!

Velvet and Linen said...

I can't wait to see what you do! Love all of the Oly pieces. They have such great designs. Bobo is another of my favorites.
Happy weekend, Lauren.

xo
Brooke

Janis@An Inspired Life said...

Those lovely ladies over at design-ties said I had to check out your wonderful blog..........and I'm so glad they did!!!

I think I've been sitting here for hours just soaking it all in.

Can't wait to read your next post!!!

Haven and Home said...

I think I might have to move in. I can't wait to see this come together!

DesignTies said...

I can totally feel your excitement about decorating you new home :-)

I don't really have any helpful suggestions or feedback for you, just wanted to say that you've got some great inspiration pictures, and I'm sure you'll be able to pull together the exact look that you want :-) Go with what you love, and you'll make it work :-)

Great find on the sofa from Craigslist, BTW!!

Kelly @ DesignTies

Anonymous said...

i adore that fabric!

great sofa find!!! :)

Unknown said...

don't know if i've said it yet but congrats on getting your dream house!

i LOVE all of your plans and how detailed you are. i can't wait to see it all come together.

Kara said...

so glad you went w/ the grn velvet!