Get The Look: Cottage Style Living Room

Over the past few weeks I've been doing a little bit of redecorating around the house.

I think the match was really lit last spring when we decided to replace our icky jetted tub in the bathroom.

It was supposed to be a tiny redo that led to a complete renovation of the space.

Which, in turn, made me look around at the rest of the place.

And its tired decor.

I started by updating the window treatment in my bathroom and adding a bench to the kitchen.

However, the fire really ignited a few months ago, when I couldn't stop looking at the faded valances in the living room.


I mean they were almost eighteen years old.

It was time for a new look.

And while the kitchen curtains were actually relatively new, once that fire was burning, it was hard to put out.

The projects kept me pretty busy for a good long time. However, now that most of the big jobs are behind me, I have a little bit of time to answer a lot of the questions that have popped up along the way.

Most of them start with Where'd you get that...(fill in the blank)?

So today I've decided to dig into my emails and comments and try to answer as many as I can.

Of course, the hardest part about this task is the fact that I'm a cheap decorator. That means a lot of what you see, I've had for years. 

Or I've picked it up at a thrift shop or a curb and made it over myself. I can't always just share a link to an exact product.

If that's the case, I'll try to share what I did and direct you the DIY.

If not, I'll try to share something similar.

I hope that helps!

Let's get started, shall we?

Our Living Room

The Paint

There were lots of questions about the living room paint. The color is called Philadelphia Cream by Benjamin Moore. 

It's a very warm hue, treading the line between cream and a pale butter yellow.

It's a subtle way to add warmth to room when you don't really want color. It looks different in the room as the sun shifts and I love that.

It definitely adds to its charm.

The Sofas

Next up, lots of people want to know about the sofas.

Well, we bought those many years ago at a local shop. They were extremely reasonable and they are very comfortable. With kids and cats they've help up well.

They're not slipcovered, but they do have zippers if you need to wash them - which I never have.

I haven't been able to find our exact version, but they are Klaussner couches and I would say that this Klaussner version is the closet to our current couch and loveseat.

The Tables

So the tables are all DIYs and very, very old. 

That coffee table was from Pier 1. It was our first purchase as a married couple...way, way back when. I guess that means I'm old.

It was a floor model so it was cheap. We used it for years and when we wanted a decor change, we gave it a makeover.

We simply sanded and stained the top - exactly like we did with our kitchen table this summer - and painted the bottom and legs with one quick coat of cream for a distressed look.

We did the same to that old Ikea end table. And then even more years later, I added a skirt with this DIY.


My best advice to get this look, is to find an old wooden table at the thrift store and make it your own. If the top is in good condition, then just slap a coat of paint on the legs.

Easy peasy even if you're not crafty.

Especially since solid wood tables are very hard to find and they are generally pretty expensive.

If you are looking to buy, this one is very similar to the style coffee table I have.

The Curtains

I made the curtains the same way I made the kitchen ones. I just added a rod pocket.

The fabric is from JoAnn's.

Home Essentials Lightweight Decor Fabric 45" Bircham & Red.


If you don't sew, they are very similar to these panels. It's crazy how similar. 

And if you want the same custom trim look, you can add a red ball fringe like this, to them. It's a simple task that you can complete with an iron and fusible tape. 

Accessories

The blanket on the couch was clearance in an odd lot store, but it's a diamond knit/ fleece backed throw <--similar to this.

The tray was a trash to treasure thrift find.

Similar styles are all over though. This rustic version is lovely.


The silver bowl was a gift, however it's an 8" Oneida Paul Revere. They're all over Etsy.

And lucky me, I have two. 

The red hydrangea wreath is one I made years and years ago. Long before I started blogging.

I bought my hydrangea flowers with coupons at Michael's. And it really is simple to do.


If that's not your gig, there are numerous hydrangea wreaths out there that look exactly the same as mine.

The book on the end table is called The Romance Of Flowers. It's from Veranda magazine and years ago, I won it. It's absolutely stunning and in addition to reading it, it makes a great decor piece. 

Open and closed.

This particular book is out of print. It's out there used and varies greatly in price.

Honestly though, floral coffee table books are often found at yard sales or library book sales.

That's my go to...and my recommendation.

Oh...and while this item lives in the living room, and wasn't shared in this particular post, someone asked about it.


I've shown it before as a planter, but it's really a small candle holder. It's actually a Longaberger Candle Crock.

It's another older item of mine and again, it seems like second hand is the way to go if you want an exact match.

My goodness that was quite a list. 

I hope I've answered everyone's questions. 

Of course, if there's anything I missed, just ask.