Design

8 Things I’d Love to Add to Your Living Room

June 25, 2012

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I have done a countless amount of mood boards since March, when I started custom mood boards for your spaces.  During that time, close friends and family have asked me, “Does it get easier?” or “Does it get faster?” referring to the time and effort I put into each design.  The answer is–not really, because every space is so different.   However, today I wanted to share with you a few of my go-to accessories when putting together a room.  I guess you could call them my “MVPs” of mood board making.
1.  I am hooked on these storage baskets.  For their natural look and their booming functionality.
2.  This table lamp is not only sleek and modern, it is incredibly affordable.  I’ll take two, please!
3.  A punchy pillow is a must-have for every couch. I love this quirky pom-pom one for its bright color and surprising shape.
4.  An oversized photograph can completely amp up a room.  This one is from 20×200, but try following this tutorial to make your own!
5.  Area rugs, people!  Even if you have wall-to-wall carpet, don’t dismiss the power of layering an area rug over top.  My current crush? This one from Shades of Light that comes in a slew of different colors.
6.  Something that’s alive…errr at least looks alive.  If you have a black thumb, or just don’t want to think about taking care of indoor plants, this faux potted grass is easy to maintain and incredibly contemporary.  If you still have ivy draped around your place, or worse, above your cabinets.  Throw it out. Now.
7. I love mixing photos, art and typography for a curated look.  This typographic print is June’s chalkboard drawing, but feel free to find something that spells out what you feel about your space.
8.  A throw.  A throw. A throw.  And not just to tuck away and pull out when you hunker down to watch the tube–it is also an accessory that can add a cozy pop to your room.  I love these vibrant ones draped over the arm of a couch.  Psst. They’re on clearance!

There you have it.  Some free design advice from yours truly.  Anything you would add to the list?


Still itching for more? Is there a room in your home begging for some help? Are you stuck in a design rut? Send photos and your dilemma to moodboards@chrislovesjulia.com and let’s get started. Check out our Mood Boards page for more info.

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What do you think?

  1. […] and a day ago, I posted about 8 things I’d love to add to your living room. That was over two years ago! The point was, and is, that sometimes you just need some key […]

  2. Oh yay!! As for the rug, the design and dark colors might be perfect under the dining room table. We have a flat woven design under ours and it hides all sorts of stuff. :)

  3. Haha! I feel like you have said that before.

  4. Jessie McKinley says:

    I love all these ideas! I’m especially glad you mentioned that the throw’s from West Elm are on sale! I just bought one a few weeks ago and I was able to get credited for the difference :) Every penny counts right?? We LOVE that throw…and I’ve been eyeing that rug too. I want it for under my dining room table but I’m afraid it won’t hold up to my 2 kids…

  5. Amy says:

    Love the table lamp! I wish I could keep plants alive…. love the idea of them inside!

  6. I love the design of this post, and hahah sorry but the last line of your post i just wanted to say “call 1-888-MAURY, thats 1-888-MAURY”

  7. so i was totally in love with that table lamp upon first glance and was so afraid that it was unaffordable…color me surprised!! what a great value…methinks i might need one of these ;)

  8. Ashley Rae says:

    I LOVEEEE those West Elm throws. It’s ridiculously soft — and super thin, but still warm. Seriously the perfect throw.

  9. Rebecca says:

    These are definitely must-haves in a living room!

    A large statement bowl is one of my staple living room accessories. We have a large red and gold one on our coffee table and throughout the year the contents of the bowl change – candles and cranberries in the fall, Easter eggs in the spring, candy at Halloween, and, currently, magazines.

  10. Victoria Bradley-Morris says:

    This is really inspiring me. We’re in the process of moving into our new house right now, and this post makes designing it seem really approachable. Our first room will definitely be the living room!

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