Living Room Wow

I wrote in the last post about being inspired by the latest issue of Country Living and some great charcoal walls.

I haven't been able to figure out what to do with my living room since I moved in over a year ago. Light? Dark? Wallpaper? Plain?

All I did know was that the glossy cream had to go. I hate glossy paint on a wall.

I love to paint, in part because you can completely transform a space in a matter of hours. This is my living room "after".

Deep, warm charcoal walls and darker accents than what I'm used to incorporating, but I love it.

I got the old oil painting yesterday. It has some holes in it and has seen some miles, but that's why I like it so much.


I might keep the cabinet and paint it chocolate brown, another Country Living inspiration with the charcoal walls. And I thought I'd take a large old gold mirror from my booth home, but I found this one yesterday, a score at only $60!


It has a great green gold patina.

And the minnow seine adds some design interest to the space.

The old school lockers I found last week blend well with the darker gray.

I bought one gallon too many, even with the two coats, but I have plans that just might include a master bedroom makeover. That will be next weekend's project.

Visions of Design Ideas Dance in My Head

The latest issue of Country Living has really got me thinking. They featured a home with deep matte charcoal walls and I could feel myself turn green with envy. Then I thought, why the hell not?! I've struggled with my living room since moving in a year ago, going back and forth about the color and I've decided I'm going to go for it! It's just paint, right?

I've been doing some internet digging and have found some great inspiration. This foyer is striking.

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This room has that true French vibe I'll be going for.

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I found this deer head at the Mission Road Antique Mall last week and think it would be a great addition to the room. I also have a huge old gold mirror in the booth that I'm thinking about taking out and using as a focal point.

And how cool is this old gym locker?! I found it this week and it's really tall; it towers above my 6' tall husband. I'll also go in search of a perfectly banged up settee tomorrow - I can hardly wait!!!!!