Home DecorEclectic Cottage Living Room Reveal October 18, 2017This post is done in partnership with Wayfair. All product selections and opinions are 100% my own. Today, I am so excited to reveal our new living room over here at The Buffalo Stone Cottage. This has been one of the craziest seasons we’ve had as a family and there were days I thought this room might not ever get done! But here we are and she’s a beauty. We are so happy with how it turned out and are enjoying it so much as a family. Before we get into the reveal, you can catch up on the progress of this room here: Living Room Befores Living Room Plans Living Room Progress – The First Layer Okay, we’ve all waited long enough. Let’s dive right into our new space! Oh what a difference some paint and layers can make! Turn on your JavaScript to view content The first thing I nailed down for this space was the fireplace. You can see in the before photos above that we had a stone fireplace and mantel. I’m all about having the fireplace be a focal point in a living room. It’s such a natural thing to turn into a focal point, but it also just immediately screams cozy! We built in columns and trim above the existing mantel to make the fireplace stretch to the ceiling. I heard the tip long ago that anytime you can stretch something floor to ceiling, the ceilings feel taller and the room feels bigger. It is so true! That made such a difference. I knew I wanted it to be a contrasting color and I have really been feeling this blue/gray (Benjamin Moore Templeton Gray). I love how the white antler chandelier we’ve always dreamed of contrasts against it. I’m going to do a separate post about this white buffalo picture above the fireplace, but this moment here makes me so happy. Not only does this art have a ton of meaning for me, but I also love the style and how it all mixes together. I talked a lot about our layout and small-scale furniture choices in the progress post, so I won’t rehash all of that here for you guys. Finding furniture and a layout to fit this small space with a lot to work around wasn’t easy. But despite all of the rooms challenges, it really has turned into a space we love to be. The function is maximized for us and while I had to compromise on some style things I love like symmetry in places, etc., I truly love everything about how the space turned out and most importantly, it works so well for us. While a love seat might’ve been the best choice to maximize floor space, it was a horrible choice for how our family lives and lounges together. We also love filling our home with people, so as much seating as possible was key. This small-scale sofa fits that bill perfectly, but also fits well in the space. While the large pieces of furniture are all new to fit the space, we were able to use a lot of things we already had in other places. This wicker bookcase is a great example of our goal for this house: don’t buy something new when you have something that can serve the needed function. It provided exactly what I needed it to: a drop spot for our bibles, journals, and books we use on a regular basis so they aren’t strewn all over the coffee table. I love the coffee table so much. I wanted something kid-friendly without super sharp edges. I wanted it to add a bit of modern edge. Also, I was worried about this room feeling too jammed with furniture, so the clear table with the rug showing through is perfect! It provides the function we need without taking up much-needed visual space. I love these leather chairs against the fireplace so much, and tufting is always a win in my book. The size of them is perfect for a tiny space, but they’re still super comfortable! I really didn’t want to go with a small, uncomfortable accent chair, but knew we needed super small and these are awesome for that. The table in between came from a yard sale years ago and I still love it so much! Plus, it’s narrow build was needed here. I put a basket underneath to store our seasonal kids books. I want this to be a space our children feel completely at home and welcome. We all pile up on the couch and read a lot, so having our fall books in here and handy made a lot of sense. I had a lot of plans for the other side of the room where you enter the house. First up, this area had to function as an entry and that meant hooks to hang purses, coats, etc. My friend, Eileen, has double racks like this in her house for kid stuff on the bottom and I loved the idea! I wasn’t even thinking about Rosie being able to use it when we installed them! I was just thinking about maximizing the storage capabilities here, but she loves it so much! This often has about ten little girls’ purses on it. She piles absolutely as much as she can on it! Now, let’s talk about that huge gallery wall. This is one of the only large blank walls for art we have in the house! We opened up so many walls and there are so many large windows, which is a win in my book! But, it leaves little to no space for artwork. And we were determined to have a ton of family photos in this house! One of our main goals was meaning and purpose and not just design, so photos of who lives here is huge. We’ve always had some, but they’ve never really been the focus. It was time to change that! So, I decided this would be a family gallery wall. But then I started thinking about how many meaningful, favorite pieces of art I have that wouldn’t have a home in this small house and the idea for a “Favorite Things Wall” was born. Since there won’t be a lot of art in other places in this house, I decided to take up the entire space. What art got picked? Anything that had meaning….that when I look at it, something is sparked. I’m going to break down this wall in another post and talk about the meaning found here later, but this is a super inspiring thing for me. You may remember this entry “console” is made up of our two nightstands in the last house pushed together. We didn’t have another place for them and while I loved the look of them with the leather pulls (they bring in another hint of modern in the space), I most of all loved the storage! I’ll break down exactly where we’re storing everything in this small house later, but in summary, these drawers are holding a lot of kids’ supplies (coloring stuff, art stuff, our learning games and toys) so that Rosie can easily pull it out, play with it in the room, and then put it away. They’re also holding my work stuff since I often work on the couch these days. This vintage kids’ rocking chair tucked in the corner gets a lot of use and I love it! Already, this is a space Rosie is playing a ton in and that makes me so happy! This home is already seeing life lived as I envisioned. What I love most about that too is finally realizing and accepting that a space can be welcoming and accessible for kids without compromising a look you love. I spend my mornings here on this couch, drinking coffee, reading and watching the sun come up out the window. I was so worried that this space just wouldn’t work for us, though I was determined to try and lately, my mornings spent looking around at the house I never dreamed we’d live in with two kids has made me feel so many things. I’m grateful for how our hearts and life visions are being shifted. I’m grateful for the provision of a beautiful, special home to raise our family in, regardless of its’ size. And I’m reminded of the beauty of creativity…you can make something marvelous out of anything. I put together a before and after video for you guys to really see the space and get a more realistic feel for it! Plus, I talk a little bit more about the design process and choices we made here. A huge thanks to Wayfair for catching our vision for this cozy, collected, and functional space and for joining with us in this journey! Here are all of the sources used in this space: Turn on your JavaScript to view content Navy Sofa – Wayfair Tufted Leather Armchairs – Wayfair Modern Brass Sconces – Wayfair Lucite Coffee Table – Wayfair Mexican Blanket – Yard Sale (had previously) Cowhide Pillow – Wayfair Floral Curtains – Vintage Vintage Persian Rug – eBay (had previously) White Antler Chandelier – Wayfair White Buffalo Print – Jet Woven Cream Fringe Pillows – Target (had previously) Weathered End Table – Yard Sale (had previously) Wicker Bookcase – Yard Sale (had previously) Wooden Stool – Final Cut (had previously) Entry Console – IKEA (had previously) Marbled Navy Lamps – Wayfair (had previously) Art – Vintage, Collected, Family Photos White Letterboard – Amazon Entry Hooks – Amazon White Desk Lamp – Target (had previously) Let me know if I missed anything or if you have any questions at all! We’re so happy to have this space to welcome us home and enjoy!
Rachel Winchester says October 18, 2017 at 1:03 pm Looks amazing! I’ve been feeling the lack of family photos in our house so I really like how you incorporated those into your gallery wall. The black and white is lovely and feels so meaningful. Reply
Lindsay says October 18, 2017 at 3:18 pm Thank you, Rachel!! I really started to have a problem with that in the last house…I love design, but when I’m too into design to put photos of my kids on the walls, THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. I’ve really been working to move towards spaces that still feel beautiful to me and fit my style, but that are homey, personal for our family, and not perfect! Reply
AmandaKB says October 18, 2017 at 1:40 pm Wow! This looks so great. I can see why you love it so much. It might have been a challenge, but you met that challenge beautifully. God is so good π Reply
Lindsay says October 18, 2017 at 3:17 pm Thanks so much Amanda!!! He is! Even in the small things like a living room hahaha! Reply
Austin says October 18, 2017 at 3:17 pm So charming! Gallery walls can be so tricky, and I love how you did yours with a mix of art and photos – not something you see a ton of. Source question – where did that awesome gold flying pig come from?! Ha ha. I had a larger version (mine was black), but gifted it to a friend. Love yours! Reply
Lindsay says October 18, 2017 at 3:25 pm Thanks Austin! I know, I used to stress so much about getting a gallery wall to look right! On this one, I totally went “Okay, what do I like?” and then just did it! I’m trying to worry less about a finished product and enjoy the process…worry less about how something might appear “design-wise” and just do what I like…but actually doing that is a constant battle! This wall was so fun!!! I hung one picture, then another, then another, and just worked out from there without a plan! It was freeing! And it came from Minted! Reply
Kris Atkins says October 18, 2017 at 4:27 pm It’s so, so beautiful Lindsay! I hope I can see it in person next year. It’s been too long, dear friend! Reply
Lindsay says October 18, 2017 at 6:50 pm YES! When you come back to visit family, please please come! Reply
Libby Westcott says October 18, 2017 at 4:33 pm I love your living room, and it’s hard to name my favorite thing! I love the antler chandelier, and of course the buffalo print! I am looking forward to that story! just a couple of weeks ago my husband and I were in South Dakota, and we were SO close to the real thing! I could almost touch them. They are awesome creations of God! The gallery wall is so…familyish! I’ve always heard you don’t hang personal family photos in the living room, but I disagree! I love the way you incorporate family photos with other art. I am leaning toward the drapes, though, as being my favorite thing in your room (everything is a hairsbreadth away, tho, from top billing in my book!) I ADORE those drapes – the color, the flowers, it just ties the whole room together. BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for sharing your renovation journey – and your heart – with us, your loyal readers! π God bless! Reply
Lindsay says October 18, 2017 at 6:55 pm OH Libby, I just love you!!! Seriously – sweetest comment! I so want to visit the midwest!!! For many reasons, but I really want to see a buffalo! A friend was in South Dakota a few years ago and sent me pictures of every restaurant and place named “White Buffalo” and I have got to go see it all! I think that’s one of the most beautiful areas – from pictures atleast haha π I love that! Familyish!!! Yes, I’ve always heard the same thing!!! Family photos don’t go in living rooms or spots where they’re going to be really seen, but my gosh, who is our home for??? I used to buy into that and am kicking it to the curb! I long to fill my walls and my home with reminders of what our life is about…often that’s the family photos, sometimes it’s art, but there have got to be pictures of the fam up there! Now to me, no home is complete without it! And I’m with you – I do loooove these curtains. They were such a happy accident! I should’ve shared that story! Or maybe I did? Haha, baby brain never leaves. But I knew I wanted floral in here and my mom sent me a photo of this remnant literally after the rest of the room was totally designed! And they look like I chose them first and planned the whole room around it. I love little God winks like that! Obviously, it’s just designing a living room, but I think He often uses such small things to say, “Hey, I’m here and I care about you, your heart, your gifts…I’m using you.” Reply
Sherry says October 18, 2017 at 4:57 pm I love small cozy spaces and you did a great job with your home. Makes me want to come visit and have a cup of coffee with you. God bless you guys as you pursue what He is calling you to do. Reply
Lindsay says October 18, 2017 at 6:48 pm Oh Sherry, come on! I’ll have it waiting on you and we’ll sit and chat about all of it: faith, family, struggles, and joys of life! Thanks for your sweet words π Reply
Shamrock says October 18, 2017 at 5:10 pm I absolutely love your new room – I think my favorite piece is the picture of the buffalo and how everything ties into it. What a cozy room! Reply
Lindsay says October 18, 2017 at 6:46 pm Aww thank you SO MUCH!!! I’ve got to admit, I think he’s my favorite too! I’ve got to give him a name… π It did feel like he pulled it all together somehow, which I love! Reply
Lindsay says October 18, 2017 at 6:47 pm Any name recommendations?? Maybe I’ll do a poll, haha! Reply
Sharon says October 18, 2017 at 5:25 pm Your living room is so perfect, in all three of the areas you listed. It’s hard to balance it all and not be either stark or crowded…you hit a perfect mix. What a testimony to how God takes care of even the little details to accomplish his plan for us! Reply
Lindsay says October 18, 2017 at 6:46 pm OH Sharon, thank you!!! Your comment seriously made my day π While it’s totally about designing for our family alone, it is encouraging when the vision we had for it does come through in the finished product! Thank you for saying that! Reply
Karen Eversgerd with KLE Interiors says October 19, 2017 at 9:23 am This room looks fantastic! It’s hard to say what I like the most; however, I’m very impressed with the leather drawer pulls. All the details really look great. Nice job. Reply
Anne says October 20, 2017 at 10:43 am You look so happy in that last photo! great work, I’m happy for you π Reply
Denise says November 4, 2017 at 9:56 am Love it! I usually don’t comment, but I remember your post about refocusing on keeping things simple, beautiful, meaningful, attainable, etc. and I just have to say that I feel that purpose in every post you do. I absolutely LOVE this new cottage and the designs so far, especially your children’s rooms – there are toys, and real baby gear stashed under the crib, and Rosie’s plastic doll house out for her to play with, and their not-perfectly-arranged-by-color book collections that you obviously read with them often, and in the last photo in Rosie’s room progress – her sweet little head in the bottom corner. In this day and age of perfectly styled rooms that don’t seem authentic, I find you to be a unique source of inspiration for having a beautiful home that a real family lives in and can enjoy the beauty and functionality together. Thank you for choosing sponsors that complement your goals and purpose, while always keeping in mind attainability and fit for readers. I appreciate you and thanks for sharing your family and home with us. Reply
Lindsay says November 5, 2017 at 9:17 pm Oh Denise, I am so so glad that you commented this. It’s been a tough season for me and I really needed to hear this tonight. Thank you so much!!! Reply
SAMANTHA LEE HOOPER says November 7, 2017 at 11:29 am I completely agree with you Denise! Lindsey I love your blog & I am one of those who was very anti-blog. Yours made a blog-believer out of me! I love your design choices & that you embrace real life not just a glossy magizine styled life. Your blog has also got me back into my oils & I have seen a difference in my health & my husbands health. SO thank you. I can’t wait to see the rest of the Stone cottage. I absolutely love everything so far. Jack’s & Rosie’s rooms are darling & pratical for their needs but without skimping on design. I take insparation from you. PS. I also check back daily to see if there is any new posts! I know life happens but it does make me smile at work when I see something new on your site! π Reply
Lindsay says November 7, 2017 at 3:49 pm Oh Samantha, thank you. Seriously, it has been a very tough season for me, which I’m just about to publish a post about! And I cannot tell you how much I needed this affirmation today! You are wonderful and God used you in a huge way today to build me back up!!! So much love for you girl! And yay for the oils! Oh my goodness, I’ve been really diving into them even more lately with some things I’ve been facing and I cannot tell you….they are powerful! So thankful for those tools and so glad you’ve using them again! Reply
SAMANTHA LEE HOOPER says November 7, 2017 at 4:06 pm I’m glad I could encourage you! I have a women’s Bible study at my place tonight & I will keep you & your family in our prayers! If you need to talk or prayer don’t hesitate to ask. That is what being a community is about! I know it would be imposible to post everyday! lol. Love ya girl! Reply
Lindsay says November 8, 2017 at 10:02 pm Oh Samantha, you are wonderful! Thank you so so much!!! What’s funny is I used to post almost everyday when I first started! Before babies haha…oh what was possible with work before babies π But I wouldn’t trade them for one day of that old life haha! Thank you so much for sending such love and support!
Lindsay says November 7, 2017 at 3:49 pm And I TOTALLY want to post daily. Trying to get into a better routine now that Dax is getting a little older π Reply
Louise says November 10, 2017 at 7:49 pm Iβm curious as to what color the baseboards are trim are painted. This room is beautiful! Reply
Alisha says November 18, 2018 at 1:58 pm You did an excellent job on this. I love a good mix of color, texture, and the blend of styles keeps the room from feeling boring or stuffy. The curtains work great with the rug. I wouldn’t have thought to use that type of coffee table in there but it’s so much better than a standard glass coffee table. My new favorite room. Reply