Dark Chocolate Craving

I would like you to meet my dream living room.

Ain't it lovely? Small, cozy, bright, simply gorgeous. I could go nuts.

However, this is far from reality.

When we bought our sectional a couple years ago (wow, time does fly!) I would drool over white and cream furniture. There's something so sleek and modern about it, yet welcoming. Perhaps too welcoming. This magazine spaces might work for adult-only homes, but not ours. I can perfectly picture our 9-year-old throwing herself into it, shoes on and all. What about when her friends come over? Let alone kids, what about having a small friend reunion? What about dust?! WAY too much stress for me.

So, instead of the cream color we went completely opposite and chose a very rich, dark chocolate faux leather sectional. I love it. It looks great, it's very low-maintenance and kid-friendly (love those words). It definitely works better for us.

Yet, I've been having a hard time making it feel cozy. For one thing, we're using borrowed, dark chocolate tables (both the coffee table and the side table are dark). So it all looks like a huge dark spot.  Not quite right. (Right, Micah? =)

Problem is, most magazines show gorgeous light colored living rooms (such as the one above). They're cool alright, but it's hard for me to translate that into my own space. I researched a little and I found great inspiring pics to share:

A great way to brighten up things is using throws and pillows on the sofa. I could really use a 2 level coffee table like that one.

This is quite an inspiration pic. Dark furniture on dark walls and still looks cozy. Once again, the bright orange pillow and flowers bring the space alive. I love this space. The bookshelves, the use of two tables instead of a large coffee table, the large mirror... sigh!

This is a different, classic look. The beautiful sofa stands out from the white layer. Interesting table there.

This is not quite my style, though it helps visualize the dark sofas with a dark element in the center.

Oooh, this I like! Ok, it's not dark chocolate, but it's dark alright. LOVE the grey/yellow combo! Once again, the little tables are a great alternative to the coffee table (I think those are already in my wish list). I spy a mirrored demi table in the corner!

A softer kinda grey, but still dark sofa. Colored accents all-around... Cute!

Last but not least, a lighter still darkish living room. The inspiration here to me is the combination of different elements in one room. The clear glass coffee table helps brighten things up and once again, the beautiful pillows and throw.

So yes, there's definitely inspiration for dark colored living rooms... which is your favorite?

{images: house beautiful and house to home}

Great (and Easy) Ideas for Your Living Room

1. Use mirrors to double your space.

This works wonders for your space, especially if you choose an original mirror, such as this one. Swoon.

2. Instead of a coffee table, use a cluster of tables.

Using a couple (or several) side tables, instead of the large coffee table gives you a chance to move the furniture according to your needs, while it makes the living room look more modern.

3. Incorporate plants.

Who says plants go outside? Try going with ferns or topiaries to add a sparkle of green to your living room. Real plants are great elements in decor.

4. Frame your walls.

A popular move for walls in your living room (or any other room) is to hang up many frames instead of a large one. It's a perfect chance to display anything, not just pictures. Try using paper shapes and tape to avoid mistakes when nailing.

5. Add interest with large scale images or phrases.

Nowadays it's easy to have different looks on walls with vinyl stickers for the purpose. Best thing is, once you get tired, you just peel it off and you're ready for another makeover!

6. Shelves on walls.

The living room is the perfect place to read a book, so why not use a wall to install shelves? This is probably not as easy as the other ideas, but it gives you room to keep books, papers and decor elements, and perhaps even the chance to settle your home office in a tiny nook. And they look so pretty.

7. Slipcover your sofas and couches.

It's trendy, casual, and kid-friendly!!!!

Do you have ideas for living rooms, or any other room in the house?

Let's hear it!

images:

1, 5: via decorpad

2: metropolian home

3, 9: house beautiful

4, 6, 8: country living

7: via nest

Sharing with:
 Melissa at The Inspired Room

Beveled Mirrors

I love the use of mirrors in decorating. I like the way they open up the space and reflect light making the room feel bigger, and warmer.

However, there are some mirrors that go beyond that.

Take a look at these beveled mirrors.

{uttermost}

{pottery barn}

{crate and barrel}

{ballard designs}

I would love to recreate the look of the third picture in my Master B or living room.

Which is your favorite?