My living room is the first room you see when you enter my home and is probably the room that least represents my style.  It’s a mix of old furniture, hand-me-downs, and recently, some new pieces, too.  It seems like forever ago that I first shared with you my plans for updating the living room and originally, I didn’t plan to share it with you again until the project was finished.  But why?  That’s not how real life works and that’s certainly not how I work!  I don’t just get an idea, run out and buy everything, and poof my room is done!  {I wish!}

If I wasn’t working within a budget, I could easily find things I love and purchase them, but finding things that I love and that work for the space AND that fit within a budget – well, as I’m sure you know, that’s much more difficult.  Sometimes you have to make concessions in certain areas that then force you to make changes in others.  And changing the plan is absolutely okay!  So long as you know your goal, it doesn’t really matter how you get there.

So today, I’m sharing some of the progress I’ve made in the living room.  It’s NOT finished – not even close!  And while I have some new pieces, none of them really tie together just yet, but for me, that usually happens in the final stage where the details and accessories help to pull everything together.

This is where my living room design plan originally started.  Remember this?

TIDBITS & TWINE Living Room Olioboard

Well, I did eventually make my own gold-framed chalkboard…

TIDBITS&TWINE-Boxwood-Wreath

 

I also finally purchased the wing back chairs I’ve always wanted.

TIDBITS-&-TWINE-Lorraine-Chair-2

 

My original vision for the room included adding two windows.  The room is particularly dark, but unfortunately, adding windows just isn’t realistic.  Instead, I found this amazing 7ft tall, arched wall mirror that mimics the panes in my existing window and bounces the light around the room.  I ordered one more for the other side of the fireplace {it hasn’t come yet} and I’m waiting on my handyman to hang them.  For now, they are just leaning on the wall but already, I am in love.  While I do love the black color, believe it or not, I might end up painting them…I’ll decide later once I finish pulling the rest of the room together.

TIDBITS-&-TWINE-Arched-Mirror

 

I love that the mirror has a panel at the bottom with this beautiful detailing…

TIDBITS-&-TWINE-Arched-Mirror-Detail

 

I also wanted to add some lighting to the room, but again, that wasn’t in the budget.  Instead, I found these gorgeous brass candlesticks that I added to the mantel.  The arms swivel allowing me to fold them up a bit so they actually fit on my narrow mantel.  And of course the design also includes lots of books and boxwood….two of my favorites!

TIDBITS-&-TWINE-Living-Room-Mantel-Update

 

Over the weekend while shopping at Target, I found a chunky cable knit throw in my favorite shade of blue.  It of course had to come home with me.  :)

TIDBITS-&-TWINE-Cableknit-Throw

 

And last but not least, I bought a cowhide rug!  For those that follow me on Facebook, you know that something came over me the other week and I suddenly decided I wanted to add a cow hide rug to my living room.  It looks a bit odd at the moment since it’s sort-of floating in the space with no coffee table to help anchor it, but I think I’m going to love it.  You can tell I literally just unfolded it for the picture since it still has lots of creases in it… :)

TIDBITS-&-TWINE-Cowhide-Rug

 

 

So now you know…for me, designing and updating a room is a process that takes time.  I buy a few things, live with them for a bit, return what I don’t like, keep what I love, and then continuing buying until the room finally comes together.  The only big ticket items left are the sofa, coffee table, and writing table, but I’m waiting until I sell my piano to figure those items out since my baby grand piano is taking up pretty much the entire other side of the living room.

 

What’s your design process?  Do you figure things out and buy all at once or buy a little at a time?
Tidbits&Twine - Signature

 

 

 

Sharing at: The ScoopSavvy Southern Style

 

 

 

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26 Comments

  1. I’m blown away. This is looking incredible…all the rich details and yet it feels so light and comfortable. AMAZING job. Would you consider sharing this with us at the Found & Foraged party? We host on Saturday nights. It’ll be open starting at 8 pm central time tonight at http://www.averystreetdesign.com. I so hope to see you there! xo, Laura

  2. I love your design style, and I can’t wait to see the finished product! You have such elegant taste!

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Valerie – Thank you so much! I’m anxious to get the living room finished but it will be a while yet. I’ll definitely share once I’m done, though!

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Thank you, Jessica!

  3. I’ve never once gone out and bought everything all at once. It takes me forever!! Your vision for this room is so unique and gorgeous. I cannot wait to watch the progress.

  4. Hi Kim! I think your living room is coming together beautifully and with the last items on your wish list it will be magnificent! I decorate like you, on a budget, and sometimes it is hard to wait. I do love Home Goods though as I can steal a little from my grocery budget to add pretty additions! Thank you so much for sharing your decorating talent. Blessings, Patti

  5. I love your living room! Where did you find those brass candlesticks and your mirrors?

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Lisa – Thank you! The candlesticks are from HomeGoods – I just bought them so hopefully, you can find them, too! The mirror came from a locally owned craft store but I will do some investigating to see if I can find the manufacturer… :) Kim

  6. Your living room is looking great! Can you tell me where u got that wonderful mirror?

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Thank you, Mary! I bought it from a locally owned store but I’ll see if I can find out what brand it is and I’ll share when I know. :) Kim

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Thank you, Leslie!

  7. Kim,
    I love the room already. I decorate the same way. I almost think a budget is better, it reins in my compulsive side. I am forced to think about the item and whether it’s worth whatever I’m spending. Where did you order the mirrors? I love them.
    It’s really coming along and I love your choices for furniture and accessories.
    xo,
    Karen

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Karen – Thank you! The mirror came from a locally owned craft store called Richards. They are ordering me a second one so I’ll see if I can find out the brand and I’ll share details on the blog once I know.

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Thank you, Marty!

  8. Could you share your source for your new fantastic chairs? They are fantastic! I love how your room is coming together. It is refreshing to see how the real world lives! All the best. Janet

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Janet – Thank you so much! As for the chairs, I’m not going to lie…they were a splurge…and the reason why the rest of my room is on a tight budget! Lol! They are the Lorraine chairs from Restoration Hardware. I purchased Belgian Linen Sand and I believe they are the Burnt Oak finish {I can look it up and tell you for sure if you need}. :) Kim

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