And…. I’m back! So I’ve had a whirlwind couple of weeks whilst I’ve been away from the blog – some of it dusty and messy, some of it rather lovely. The week before last, as you may recall, we had the electrics replaced in the living room, master bedroom and hallways (downstairs and up). Our electricians were amazing and everything went well and when they left on Friday afternoon, we spent the rest of the evening and Saturday deep cleaning and putting the living room back together.
One thing we did to prepare for the work was to remove the carpeting in the living room. It had always been our plan but we figured as the room had to be cleared out anyway, we’d take the opportunity to rip it all out prior to them coming. As soon as we started, I knew it was going to be the right decision. The floors had been finished at some point in the past similar to what we have in the bedroom already but they aren’t in great condition – so I can kind of understand why the previous owners wanted to make it easy on themselves and cover it up!
While they don’t look too bad in my pictures, look closely and you’ll see indications of woodworm damage throughout (from long ago) and some of the boards are damaged and cracked, the finish has worn away in some areas and there are places where a messy filler has been placed on top. There are also huge gaps between the boards which means you can see right through into the cellar – so it’s not terribly energy efficient!
All that said, the room just looks bigger and brighter without the grey carpeting sucking the life out of the space. I’ve also been able to dig out my white cowhide rug to give some comfort underfoot. In time, we’ll be replacing the flooring. I’m desperate for parquet herringbone throughout the downstairs and this room is no exception to the plans but for now, I’m happy with the marginal improvement even if the floorboards aren’t in great shape!
While I couldn’t put any of my old lighting up in any of the other rooms just yet (there’s a lot of filling and plastering to do!), the electrician did hang my beloved gold fixture that you may recall was in the master bedroom in our old house. This room was the least affected in terms of digging out for new cables (he went through the hallway and from the cellar up so there was minimal wall damage) so the rectifying work won’t be too terrible. I adore the light fixture in here and I’m so thrilled with how well it contrasts against the papered ceiling and the beautiful ceiling rose. Every time I pass the room now, I do a little double-take because it just looks so perfect.
I also received a few new bits that had been gifted to me for Instagram collaborations but I wanted to mention them here too as they ended up in this room! The handmade velvet cushions are from Oia, a French brand that’s new to the UK. I absolutely adore them with the sofa – they marry the colours of the space so perfectly and the designs give the whole room a very romantic vintage feel. I adore them! I was also gifted a new candle you can see on the coffee table (I’m obsessed with candles!) from a company called Lavender & Lillie with the most beautifully detailed illustration ceramic container and a gold lily on top. It’s just stunning!
Okay, so now on to the ‘reality’ behind the pretty pictures… as you might remember, I originally had my little yellow sofa in this room which looked great but I ended up moving it to the bedroom so this little grey chair has moved here instead. While in the pictures, it doesn’t look too bad, the truth is that the chair is far too small for the space. Behind it, there is quite a lot of wasted space including the large bay window. From the angle we’re looking above, it looks just fine but when you are in the room, it looks completely disproportional to the room…
See what I mean? Even though Quito is modelling like a pro, even he can’t make up for the big empty space behind him! Oh also, ignore those curtains, by the way – they were put up simply for privacy but they will soon be replaced with window shutters which are currently on order! More about those to come… Also, I want a pretty new radiator – so much to do in here!
So, the truth of the matter is that both the chair as well as our current sofa are too small for the space. Obviously, in our old living room, we chose furniture that fit the small proportions but here, with a larger space, it really doesn’t work all that well. In time, I’d like a longer 3 seater chaise sofa in its place and I’ll be replacing that little chair with a 2-seater sofa. This will look so much better in terms of utilising the space to the fullest rather than have large areas that are simply going to waste!
So while this side looks nice, there’s still lots to do in here, not to mention changing the paint colour (sorry to those of you who love it!), adding wall panels, updating the tiles on the fireplace, changing the mantle, getting some new artwork… well, let’s just say the list is pretty long even for this room which may appear “done”!
Sadly, I can’t really move too much on this room just yet, as much as I’m itching to! I am waiting on some drawings from my architect which will allow us to get quotes and schedule the contractor for the building work due to take place on the other side of the house. Until we have the quotes in, we don’t know how much we actually have to spend on this room so it’s all a bit of a waiting game. While the small updates in here will suffice for now, there’s plenty more to come so stay tuned!
I found being in this house rugs chairs and light fittings were all too small for the rooms that I now had. I know it is a total first world problem but I feel ya.
You need 2 sofas now and a big ass chair
Hi Kimberly!
I love your blog and appreciate your point of view on decorating/styling. Did your electricians create a lot of holes in the plaster for rewiring? We could use some electrical upgrades but it seems like such a mess with plaster walls. Also, are y’all repairing the plaster yourselves? If so I would love a “how to”.
Lastly, you mentioned wanting new radiators and I hope you do a post on that! My partner will probably disagree with me (you know, budgets!) but I would love to replace the radiators with something that looks like an art installation and more efficient. Our house was built in the 30’s and I believe the radiators are original so you can imagine all the peeling paint they have. They’re covered so they’re not a huge eyesore but they do take up quite a bit of space and limits lay out options.
Thanks for doing what you do!
Rebekah
Love the sofa & dressing & *adore* the cushions.
I so love the things you do, but can’t and will never understand the passion for the antler craze that seems to be everywhere. I can possibly see it in a strictly narrow desert theme decor but yikes people!
I know, I know, each to their own – and while I love eclectic …… I’ll just stop talking. Can’t wait to see what you do with each space as rooms are completed.
Hahaha! Oh Pat, your comment made me laugh and honestly, it’s totally cool! I know not everyone likes the look and I for one, am not a fan of the crappy faux ones that were everywhere a couple years ago. In my defence (if I may), this one is kind of special to me – it’s created by the Balinese who create the detailed floral carvings as they use every single part of the animal but they have no use for the skull and so they create the carvings as decoration as a way of giving the animal dignity in death (which, personally, I think is kind of beautiful).
However, if it makes you feel any better (ha!), it probably won’t stay in this room. I literally had nothing to put above the sofa that worked and there was already a really strong hook in the wall so I hung it there for now and I think you are right – it doesn’t really work well as there’s a much more ‘romantic’ vibe going on in here. When we redecorate, I’d like to get some artwork for the wall instead ;) So you don’t have to look at it for all that much longer! LOL! Thanks darling! xxx
It’s looking fabulous. Love that ceiling light and I adore the floor boards and your cowhide rug. Pretty room.
Just gorgeous!
The floor is much better , but surely you will freeze in winter! I’ve seen rugs billowing up when placed on similar floors. Is there a way to insulate the floor from underneath before the winter – you mention the cellar. Just be sure you’ve done all the electric and plumbing installations first. This will keep you cosier even when eventually you get your dream parquet.
Yes we are planning to insulate once all the electrics are completed (as they’ll need access in the cellar prior to this) so we won’t be freezing in winter time ;) xx
When I renovated my flat 2 yrs ago I had to make some tough budget decisions, and the builder didn’t believe me when I would say: ‘ok let’s do that – I just won’t buy furniture for a couple of years’ … well, guess what, I’m only now able to go ‘shopping’. So I totally agree with you spending on the building work first (can’t go back later!). On the plus side for me I got to live in the space and not feel rushed into choosing décor. I’ve even managed to pick up vintage pieces on the cheap. BTW your sitting room does not look ‘temporary’ – you have that talent for putting things together in a stylish and inviting way – and so quickly too!
Kimberly – that opening fishot is a knock-out and I love the pillows. That room does not look at all temporary! Please don’t change it too, too much – I can clearly see you in that room. When I had my old old house, I had orientals everywhere on the first floor – my rooms were 18×18 so I could get the big ones cheaply. So, a little tip – if you can’t get everything done, try the big rug tip – it really works.
I was wondering where you were – I need my Kim-style!
I just finished watching the “House Doctor”. I know she is American as you are…and me! But I think her taste is strictly in her mouth – and those out outfits she wears! You need your own show – and it would be so much better!
XO
Susan
I’m in love with your marble table and cowhide rug. We are redoing the floors in my living room so I have to live vicariously through your gorgeous living room!
Angela at Blush & Pearls
I love it. And I still love those purple walls 😬
I get they look different in pictures though. It’s so good, I can’t wait to see what you do with the space. You’ve actually inspired me to start my own blog!
You’re doing a grand job Kimberly. The room looks miles better without the carpet. It’s such a messy job when you have your house rewired but at least once it’s done it’s done. Xxx
The purple paint is absolutely gorgeous! And all of the gold details make the room look so regal and elegant. I’m in love with this room!!!
Love the colour of your walls! What paint/shade is it??
Thanks Lorna – we inherited them from the previous owner (although in time we will be changing them – I want to make the house our own!) so I’m not 100% sure of the colour but I believe it MIGHT be Dulux Mulberry Burst. It’s very very similar anyway! Hope that helps! xx