Decorating Meddler Strikes

Danielle has her first real gig. Not really. True to my meddling form, I went and stole a picture from my Aunt's blog and went to town with online shopping and photoshop. Be careful what you post on the internet! She casually mentioned she needed curtains for her living room and I came up with a solution for her.

BEFORE:

My aunt recently moved with her family to Canada from southern California. They are busily enjoying the cold winter and settling in making their house a home. I am very impressed with the new green paint they found on clearance in the mis-mixed section. Great idea! It looks great with the white trim.

From what I can tell from the pictures, the couch looks like a neutral cream. The hardwood floors and other wood accents warm up the space, but I think the room needs more texture, more pattern and an additional color or two.

AFTER:

I found a great throw pillow at Pottery Barn. It has the green from the walls and also pulls in a subtle red since I know there are other red touches throughout the house. The couch, floors, fireplace, and clock all lend to the classic feel. I wanted to add to that, but not get too "retirement home" about it. The 20" pillow covers are $39 each plus the insert for $14. I am sure my aunt can find an inspirational pattern for pillows for much cheaper and sew them herself. I used really pretty store-bought napkins once for pillows, $3.99 a piece.

I added a tonal, paisley gold panel curtain also from Pottery Barn. They are a $89 per 50" panel *gulp*, so I think a similar look from JC Penny (they have great clearance drapes) or making them would be the best idea. The brown linen roman shades are from JC Penny for $29 per shade. I would hang the curtains out from the window and above the casing, making what will look like a whole wall of windows.

The rug, from Overstock.com is $378. They have free shipping right now. A big rug that adds color and texture is just the right touch I think.

When the beautiful Christmas tree comes down, I think 2 chairs in front of the window would be perfect. These are also from Overstock for $170 each.

That's all for this post. Danielle will strike again soon.