When Samantha and her family contacted us with a design request for their living room, we were more than happy to take a look at what we could do to help spruce up the space.
They just moved, and upgraded in the world of square footage and all things California homes. {Woot woot!} And they’re ready to make this home their own. They were looking for something of a gathering place, that expressed them more as a family… as well as a space that reflected who they are. They also wanted something that reflected their love for the coast {as they aren’t too far away} without being too theme-y.
So here’s the before of their space:
We wouldn’t say it’s coastal all the way, so we hope the title isn’t a scare factor. Because we tried to give it a subtle nod without being over the top, just like they requested ;} But we hope they’re happy with the colorful solutions we cooked up!
So without further ado, as we always go out of order… a colorful coastal family room design!
Here’s some goodies we rounded up… along with their furniture placement plan for the space.
Map + Mantel + Walls
1. We adore this etsy shop. So much, that we’ve mentioned him a few times, on our site. And we recently ordered a beautiful star map from his shop for our kids space. We know first hand that his prints are grade-a and totally gorgeous. We love his prices, too. They can also search his shop for more vintage california maps if they’rewanting a specific location, so we hope this helps give you a great start!
4. We would frame and hang it over the mantel – which from the photos, looks like a great centerpiece over the space! We think they may want to look into a light to heavy mortar wash or white wash for their brick. Just a suggestion because once they paint those walls {we chose a pretty blue (super light in person) it’s so soft, it almost reads as a neutral.} A mortar wash would give their brick a little history. We’re about to tackle it in our new home and will have a tutorial coming soon…
We would find some old reclaimed wood for a simple mantel once the brick has been updated – example here but you never know what you’ll find in the countryside or antique stores! All these changes would make a huge difference in their space and help the fireplace blend a little more.
They may want to consider painting their built in as well, for a cleaner look. We would choose a nice crisp white to go with the blue, like Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace or Oxford White.
If they prefer a more modern look, they may want to simply paint the brick. I would definitely research which look they prefer for the space. An example of this would be our mantel before and after at the Ronald McDonald House redo we completed this winter. We hope these ideas are a great place to get started.
Sofas + Chairs
They initially requested a sectional, and we didn’t want them to think we were ignoring them. ;} Sectionals are really for rooms that are either tight on space, or wide open to accommodate their special shapes. They have a generously long living room, and we’re afraid a sectional may limit what they can do with other pieces, and in the future. So we chose two sofas instead, to give them flexibility.
7. We love this sofa as a great base piece. If they look on the furniture plan, we think they should place it near the window, where their current sofa is, now. Paired with this {2} tufted show stopper of a piece. It’s a beautiful classic piece to last for years to come. Both of these pieces are generously large sizes with nice upholstery that should be easy to clean with littles. We also love their prices so there’s value in what they’re getting at those numbers.
8. Paired with two wingback chairs on the other side of the space. This keeps their living room open and airy with furniture placement.
These pieces give the family and guests plenty of places to gather and sit. However, if they still had their heart set on a sectional, {We get it ;}} I would check out this one, here. And pair it with similar chairs in the space once they confirm their measurements to make sure it would fit. We chose a symmetrical one with an open chase so it doesn’t close off their space too much. It also offers maximum seating.
Rug
3. We hope this rug under foot meets their requests regarding materials and allergy concerns – it’s shag and made with the appropriate materials for little knees and easy playing and lounging. We would go with the largest size possible for the space.
Side Tables + Lamps
5. We love the natural feel this table brings to the space – and the price.
6. Paired with this table for a bit of a rustic modern appeal. And these lamps which bring in another beautiful element at a great price. We would have one on each table to bring a little symmetry on each side of your main sofa {Paired with these shades}
Coffee Table
9. This style is so awesome, we couldn’t help ourselves. We love the fun, unique shape this coffee table brings into the feel of their room. Something a little unexpected, for sure.
Chandelier
10. A great chandelier is always like a crowning touch to the space. It gives everything a little extra oomph.
Poufs
11. We love the idea of poufs for the kiddos during family hours. Just a little extra seating for extra guests, as well. It ties in that subtle color pallet perfectly.
12. Pillows + Throw
Speaking of color pallet, we definitely want their space to feel versatile and dynamic. Color is always our favorite thing so we couldn’t agree with them more on not feeling limited by just a few colors. We hope we’ve created a nice backdrop where they can pull in whatever they want over time.
That being said, we love these pillows and their fun organic shape. We’d love to see them paired on their main sofa, as pictured. Then with these amazing block printed pillows for a touch of an eclectic vibe on your grey chairs. Along with {the practical} fun stripe to balance out all the shapes and colors on the tufted sofa. They could play more when you get them in their space, of course… these are just the initial suggestion.
Every family space needs a good snuggly throw, and we think this one ties in those colors perfectly.
Bookshelves
13. Because of the length of their room, we think that your space would look amazing with some of these bookshelves in the back. {See furniture placement suggestion attached} It would be an awesome space to display some of your globes, books and other family memorabilia front and center in the space. Between these and your built ins, your living room should have plenty of functionality as well as pretty.
TV Solutions
15. We love their piece that they’ve already purchased for their TV, but kind of wonder if they could use something more substantial on that wall. Something along the lines of a console like this, would be great and is just a suggestion to think about since it would help anchor the space.
Curtains
16. Since your sofa is mostly in front of your window, a broad mount with swoop of curtains would be a great to frame it up. We love these here.
Please note, out of respect for our paying clients we can no longer share all of our sources here, with the exception of an independent artist or small business {because we love supporting small businesses!} Or something from our own site. To share all the sources here, would be unfair to our clients who have paid for these services. We do share all of our own sources for our own home, along with any additional sources that we possibly can. That adds up to a lot of sources.
We share the boards here with the permission of the client, because we do hope this still inspires our readers to create from your own ideas, and to discuss the space along with our design services. So thank you in advance for your understanding.
Janet says
Such amazing ideas as always! Love it!!!
Christine says
Hi there, I love the curtains but see no link under #16 ? Thanks so much!
Lisa says
Love your ideas! Inspirational as always!! What is the colour you’re considering for the walls? I’m also looking at blue for a family room but curious about one that almost reads as neutral. I would love to know!! Thanks!
Ps. Also looking forward to your upcoming tutorial about whitewashing your fireplace bricks!