Monday, October 24, 2016

When a Room Finally Works!

Hi Friends!
Hope you had a nice weekend.
We enjoyed a beautiful fall weekend here in Texas
and more of the same is on tap for this week.

I hope to spend some time here soon.
With all the work going on here,
I'm sad to say, I have missed this space!



As some of you already know,
the last 6 months,
 I've been on a roll with my renovations
 and redecorating ideas.

Just when I think I've finished,
something has to change.
It's really the snowball effect when one update leads to another.

As for the recent renovations,
I am almost near revealing the bathrooms.
We are just waiting on the shower glass doors to arrive
this Wednesday then all will be complete.

However before this project began,
I did some big changes in our family/library room
back in August.

This room  is one of those spaces that is very difficult to arrange.
One large wall, one window wall, bookcase wall and half bath door
on another wall,  make this room a real challenge.

I've had furniture many different ways over the years
and recently I realized what the real problem was.

Sizing!!
Yes, the size of the sofa 
and the fact that I really don't have but one wall to work with.


This wall of windows is the best spot for the sofa.
It measures 93 inches long.
Most standard sized sofas run about 84 to 88 inches and more.
Love seats run around 64 to 66 inches.
I needed something in between but still seat 3 when needed.

So I began my search and found that Lazy Boy Furniture
makes Apartment size sofas.
Hurrah, the perfect size for the wall and still fit an end table and lamp.
These sofas have to be custom ordered and made  but you can choose your fabric 
and that is always a plus. 

This gorgeous sofa above measures 73 inches long
still allowing for a side lamp table that measures around 18 to 19 inches wide
to fill the space nicely without feeling tight.
Remember I had 93 inches to work with.

The fabric I choose was a soft light creamy wheat.
I did go ahead and have the manufacture add a coating of scotch guard to the fabric to repeal spills and more.
It has a lifetime guarantee.





I also love to place a sofa away from a wall or set of windows.
This makes for a conversation space.

The depth of the sofa was also important 
so the room wouldn't feel cramped.

Many of the newer style sofas are very deep front to back 
measuring up to 40 inches for some sofas. 
I needed one about 32- 34 inches and this was also a plus
using an apartment size sofa size.

It's nice to walk behind a sofa if possible to open window treatments.
I placed a large window style mirror behind this area which
gives the room a feel of being wider as this is what you see when you enter the room.

Over all it is a very large room, just not configured properly
with the placement of the doors and powder room and of course the book case.

We did not build this house, I would have placed things a bit differently. lol

Anyway, these sofas take about 6 weeks to complete.
Mine happened to be complete sooner, which is rare, but I was happy 
it arrived earlier then expected in just 4 weeks.

At the same time, I decided to have the side chair made too.
My inspiration for this room was to lighten it up.

With wood floors and wood bookcase, it sure needed a brighter look.
I could have painted these bookcases like I have painted the rest of the cabinets
in this house, but decided, 
since this room is a library,
the wood tone just looked better and more library like.

This fabric by Waverly in
Ballard Bouquet Robin's Egg Blue 
is one of my favorites and it was also my inspiration
to blend and brighten.
I have always loved it and wanted to add it somewhere, so this was it.

I ordered 3 yards of  fabric from Joanne's online
and it was enough to create a slipcover for this ottoman I already had
and a lumbar pillow for the chair.



There was even enough fabric left to create
a fall pumpkin with the same fabric.


Well when one thing leads to another, 
hubby has to have a comfy chair too, right?

So I also found this wall recliner in a darker chocolate leather to blend,
 but not be the same color as the wood.

Wall recliners do not need to be cornered to recline,
saving space and help with placement in a room like this one.



So the colors here are now ivory, blue and brown.
It's a warm cozy combo that can change easily
to another accent color if I decide that later.
You all know, that will happen in time! Don't you? lol

I'll take you around the room with a few pics 
so you can see how it all turned out.


Two hand sewn pillows for the sofa.
This sofa came with two matching pillows in the same fabric but
I always prefer to change those out with a color to coordinate.



Adding a soft cozy throw in aqua invites you to curl up
and enjoy watching TV or reading.



This little table was a great thrift find a few years ago 
and I simply painted it with chalk paint in robin's egg blue.



The lamps pick up the color of the recliner in the dark chocolate.


For the slipcover, I made a pattern layering the  fabric
over the top portion which opens for storage.
Measured down from there about 5 inches allowing for
seams and double stitching.
For the soft fullness I measured around the ottoman
and then doubled the length for the gathering.
I just wanted a soft fullness not a ruffled look.

Lastly, I pinned all in place and adjusted as I went.
For the corners I pinned and base stitched a double style dart
for the curve.
This is all done in just two pieces.

I base stitched everything first, then fit it all before I sewed
the final slipcover.
Hemmed the skirt and lastly pressed and done.



With about a yard of fabric left, I made a lumbar pillow and added
 a little end trim to complete.




This wood fireplace is on the opposite wall in the center of the room.
It gives another focal point beside the bookcases.
The gorgeous frame on the painting happens to be the same dark chocolate
like the leather of the recliner.
It's great when you have treasures in your stash that just work out, isn't it?


I added a little writing desk on this narrow
wall with a vintage drop down desk found many years ago
at a brick and mortar shop where my shop was also located.

See the bank of light switches? (not a fan of these)
I have plans for those.
That will be another post!


This old vintage hutch was my mother's and it holds my tea cup collection.
Painting it white, also lightens the room and blends with the tables.


This is the view as you walk into this room.
The wall color is called Churchill Maple.
It's a light wheat and just goes with everything.


The TV lives in the center of the bookcase behind the double doors.
Love being able to hide it away when needed.


I also love to anchor a room with a rug. 
This one under the coffee table is an indoor outdoor style.
Easy to clean when needed.
Take it outside and hose it down, let dry and ready to place again.





This room also leads to the second floor with a back staircase.
The door to the right is the powder room.

Now you can see why this room is difficult to place.


The bright French door leads to the patio and pool.

To the left, the open doorway leads to the kitchen.

The sign near the ceiling between the light scones  is hard to see in this photo, it reads,
"It's A Wonderful Life"


Before I end,
I thought I'd share a few ways, I utilize some of the space for storage.
Basket sitting under the coffee table hold extra throws, pillows, magazines and of course books.


Stacking boxes in the accent color used in the room, live under the side table 
ready to neatly store whatever.

So there you have it.
Sizing!!
Consider the size of a room and shop for furniture armed with your measurements.
It can make all the difference.
When you're in a showroom, thrift store, junkin trip and more,
items can look like they will fit till you get them home
only to find, the size may not be right.


This room is pulled together by mixing my very old vintage treasures
 with a few new treasures that worked.

It all makes a house a HOME!

Thank you for stopping by to visit.
I hope to share the bathrooms completed next time.

Till then, have a great week and see you soon.



54 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ciao Celestina! I love the room. It's so cozy and the light blue accents are beautiful. I love floral fabrics and great job making the slip cover for the ottoman. It looks fabulous.

Maria Elena said...

What a beautiful room! You have done an amazing job decorating it and setting it up. Love, love the fabric! xxx Maria

Valerie-Jael said...

It all looks so beautiful, you have worked very hard to get everything done. Hugs, Valerie

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Love your new sofa and the floral fabric is so pretty! The room looks great.

Karen@Southern Gal Meets Midwest said...

Lovely room! Your furniture choices and decor really show off all the wonderful architecture of the space :)

Sue Kosec said...

Sounds like what we did is what you did. Sizing is so instrumental to make everything perfect. I don't understand what builders have in mind when then throw in so many obstacles to decorate a room. Grrrrrrrrrr. You've done an outstanding job - love the colors and your style is so homey and comfy. Yes, I know you'll change colors in the accent pieces but with the base colors, you have that opportunity. Looking forward to see what colors you'll use.

Happy decorating!
xo
SuZeQ

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

What a lovely, comfortable and homey room. I just love the library wall. Love your color scheme also. You've done a great job and are such an inspiration.

Happy Fall ~ FlowerLady

craftyles said...

Celeste, it looks fabulous. I love your new sofa and chairs. The ottoman cover is so sweet. I love the fabric and how you used it for extra pillows. The colors are amazing. Love how you mixed old and new. Also enjoyed reading about the process you go through when you decorate. Excellent post, friend!

Summer said...

That fabric fall pumpkin is the cutest thing ♥

Unknown said...

What a beautiful room Celeste. I know all top well the challenge of a room with one usable wall. 🙂 aaahhhh... size. Yes... especially in a challenging space. I luv what you have done!
Hugs, Gee

Thistle Cove Farm said...

LOVE the room! The chair and ottoman is MY size...always like the "little old lady" chairs because my feet touch the floor..lol. I'm not short, just split equally in two and so often my feet are skimming the floor which is very uncomfortable. The room is cozy, warm, sweet..the perfect place for one to enjoy or a several to chat. It's beautiful, Celeste!

Donna said...

What a gorgeous room, Celestina! The colors are so pretty, I especially love that cozy looking aqua throw. You shared so many great ideas with us, from storage to sizing! Many rooms in our house have the same issue: lots of windows, and many doorways, so it can be a real challenge! Your vintage typewriter is a fun accent. I just love it all!! Oh, your Waverly fabric is gorgeous, the ottoman and pillows turned out beautifully!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Your room all came together beautiful, my friend! I adore your new Waverly fabric for the pillows and ottoman, and yes, so easy to change our since you have neutral main pieces. I never like the pillows that the sofas come with either! Your fireplace, mantel and art work blend so well with everything. Keeping the wood tone on the built-ins was a great idea. Thanks for sharing your pretty room with us! Love and hugs, Kitty

Art and Sand said...

What a lovely space.

I understand completely about limited design choices in a room and furniture size - we need to have a custom made sofa made just a tad bit smaller.

quakerhillfarm said...

I love the fabric you chose for your ottoman and pillows. It is so very pretty. You have certainly been one busy gal! Wonderful pictures. Have a great week.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Everything turned out beautiful, Dear Celeste! Love the color combinations and your inspiration floral fabric - so lovely. The new sofa is perfect, and I have made those sizing mistakes before in my small cottage and have had to live with them for far too long. Live and learn! Your slipcover and pillows turned out beautiful and I love the storage ideas. You have turned a difficult room into a lovely, cozy sanctuary. Sending hugs and blessings for your week ahead. xx Karen

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Hello Celeste! It seems to never end, the idea wheel spinning in our heads! Everything looks great to me and no matter what the dilemma, you always seem to figure out what to do. LOOKS GREAT!

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

You did a great job making a difficult layout look warm and cozy! I love the neutrals with the aqua accent.

Createology said...

My Dear Celeste you have such a wonderful way of making your home so warm, inviting, comfortable and elegant. Each detail is very well thought out and incorporated. Apartment size furniture sounds a lot like Model Home sized furniture my SIL used to work for a company that custom made it. Lovely Library you have created. Home Sweet Home...

Kim said...

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful room! I love the colors and the pieces you chose. I totally get your furniture dilemma. Our tiny cottages have been full of odd shaped rooms and furniture size and placement is always a problem. Furnishing rooms is always a challenge, a bit like a treasure hunt...but when you get it right, if feels great, doesn't it? Yours certainly looks great! Enjoy it!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Oh what a lovely library, love the colors. You did a terrific job.
The couch is perfect and I love the flower pillows and foot stool.

Looking forward to seeing your bathrooms all remodeled.

Enjoy your week - we are having much needed rain. Yea Yea Yea.

Hugs
Mary

janice15 said...

You did a wonderful job. Love the blues with the brown.. The ottoman looks pretty love that material too. The room turned out great. Happy new week with love Janice

Claudia said...

Dear Celeste,
your Room is wonderful, such a lovely place to spend time in!
Thank you for all those lovely pictures!
Wishing you a wonderful week, sending much Love and hugs and blessings to you, my dear friend, Claudia xo

Unknown said...

Beautiful as always Celeste xo

Anna said...

Your sweet home is so beautiful and looks so cosy....
Enjoy it !!!!
Hug
Anna

Alessandra said...

Your home is so cozy and warm! Such gorgeous pictures!!! I love everything: the floral fabrics, the cushions, the white cabinet...EVERYTHING!!!!!
Hugs Alessandra

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

What a cozy, comfortable and inviting room.Your library wall is fabulous and a favorite of mine. Your color choices are so pleasing to the eye and relaxing. You have done a beautiful job and are such an inspiration. I love this pretty fabric you have chosen for your ottoman and pillows too!
Have a blessed and beautiful week!
xo
Jemma

Eilis said...

Love your new sofa, especially with the pillows. The whole room looks beautiful and cozy.

Lisa said...

Celeste your room is gorgeous! I love your new couch and the fabric you used for the ottoman slipcover and pillow is lovely! The whole space is so cheerful and welcoming. You really did a beautiful job!

cloches and lavender said...

Celeste I LOVE these changes. I'm envious of people that can sew. I so wished I let my mother teach like she wanted to. She was like a seamstress. The money I could save and changes I would be able to make now instead of waiting until it was the right time for the funds. GORGEOUS, my friend.

Cindy

Unknown said...

Celestina Marie, Excellent Excellent post! The changes you have made are fantastic looking and beautiful!
LJ

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

Your room is lovely, but most of all calm. I can feel how great sitting there together in the afternoon would be. thanks for sharing your approach to putting it together.

Deborah Montgomery said...

Just beautiful! I do love that shade of blue you've used, esp in the throw and the end table. Oh, and that beautiful blue pumpkin on your mantelpiece. You did a beautiful job with the ottoman. Looks professionally done. And of course the wall of books is the best. I have a wall of books too, and love seeing their friendly faces. Curious what you will do with that row of light switches. xo Deborah

ps my husband just asked, what are you typing. I told him I was commenting on your blog. You know, honey, the blog friend that made those pumpkins on our mantel! Love them.

Homemaker'sThoughts.blogspot.com said...

Thank you for sharing all the beautiful photos! Out of all of them, I liked the one with the big basket (behind the couch?) filled with blankets and accent pillows. SO pretty. I may have to try that. Thanks again for inviting us in to your home.

Okio B Designs said...

Hooray! I can comment on your blog again. =) Quaint and cozy, love it!

Jeanine

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

What a cute room! Even though they eat up the whole wall I love the built in bookcases and tv cabinet- very dramatic! Your new furniture is perfect and I like how you created a cover for the ottoman. I'm glad you could find a sofa that was more tailored to your sizing needs. The new leather recliner is very handsome!

Junkchiccottage said...

Good Morning Celeste. This room is so cozy and inviting. Love the new couch sooo pretty and love the chair and ottoman re love. Love the Home pillow too. Lots of fun and pretty "news" in this room. Can't wait to see your bathroom.
Hugs,
Kris

Stephanie said...

Once again, you have amazed me with your sweet and charming home. Everything is so beautiful, my friend, and I just love the colors you have used. Also, I LOVED the basket of pillows and blankets :)

Wishing you a joyous day. Hugs

Creations By Cindy said...

Oh my goodness! I just love it all. The colors are so pretty. Love the living room Celestina. It speaks warmth and welcome. My kind of room. Love, love, love the colors you have over your fireplace. The photos are stunning my friend. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Lovely post Celestina. Love the color of blue you have in your home. The comfy throws look so cozy. What a beautiful sofa and the fabric you chose is gorgeous. Your home has some warm welcoming feel. xo

Anonymous said...

Hi dear friend, Oh how charming and comfy your makeover looks. Love the addition of the blue. Your mother's cabinet housing your tea cups is very special. Love the wall color and the sweet pillows. What a great find in the shorter/more narrow sofa. I know it was a lot of work but the end result is truly beautiful.

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Celestina, the room is so lovely. Love that soft wall color and it all looks so comfortable. Love the Sunshine wood sign and your pillows and foot stool cover are just beautiful..Really looks like home!. Thanks for your visit to me and Kai sends kisses right back to you. Yuck!!..Happy Wednesday..Judy

Dorthe said...

How very beautiful Celestina, I love the light blue accents , in the room, and the beautiful fabric you used for pillows food stool, and pumpkin :-) Also the big flower painting is to fall in love with . Thank you for showing your lovely makeover !!
Dorthe, xoxo

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

You really have a way of making everything look so beautiful. You have such a gorgeous home! I love the fabric pumpkin you made! Have a lovely weekend.
Julie xo

Ingeborg van Zuiden said...

Oh Celeste, it all looks so cozy and warm! The Waverly fabric is so pretty and inviting. You did it again! I hope all is well with you. Hugs and blessings, Ingeborg ;-)

Feral Turtle said...

Right out of a magazine! Gorgeous my friend!

Katie Mansfield said...

Beautiful furniture. It all looks so cozy and comfortable.

NanaDiana said...

Absolutely fantastically beautiful, Celestina Marie. You did a phenomenal job on the whole room. AND--you used my favorite Waverly fabric. I love apt sized furniture in rooms that can't take over-sized furniture. I have an apt size L-shape couch in an upstairs sitting room. You did a great job pulling it all together. Bet you smile every time you walk into the room. xo Diana

Stacey said...

Oh girl this is so beautiful! I love your new couch and the way you incorporated the soft blue is perfect.

Anonymous said...

Hi Celeste! Oh, my goodness your room looks so beautiful! First I love your pretty new sofa and that's nice to know you can get shorter ones. My hubby needs a new recliner and I like the idea of a wall recliner too! Now that fabric is one of my favorites and you did such a beautiful job on your ottoman. Love that there's storage in there. You always make your home so lovely.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Wow! What a cozy room and all the details show what a great decorator you are! The light blue is my new favorite. I LOVE the drape fabric! Can't wait to see the bathrooms. I recently did my master bath down to the studs and wow...That was a HUGE undertaking, so I know what you are going through, I bet you can't wait to get it done

Carol

Decor To Adore said...

This room is just gorgeous! I love the touches of blue. I can't wait to see the bathroom reveal. Have a wonderful weekend.

cynthia lee designs said...

So pretty!! So glad I had some time to get online tonight. Hope to be back to blogging soon.
~Cindy

Red Rose Alley said...

I love that blue space over the fireplace, Celestina. Your home is so cozy and welcoming, and I know what it's like to have a small space, as I just moved to a smaller home. But it's fun decorating any room, isn't it, and I'm starting to love blue in the home. Your mother's vintage hutch is so charming and such a special place to hold your tea cups. And I love the "you are my sunshine" sign, such a delightful one.

~Sheri

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Celestina Marie
Celestina Marie

Welcome To Rose Garden Market from Celestina Marie Design. It is so nice to meet you. My name is Celestina Marie named after my grandmother and my friends call me Celeste.My creative journey extends over 30 years enjoying the love of painting and redesigning vintage and new treasures. I love to go treasure hunting and the fun of finding great vintage pieces to redesign..