Last week I finally finished decorating my living room. I had a photo shoot/interview with a design magazine and a camera crew coming from HGTV so I had to get my living room looking hot!

My living room is very small and awkwardly shaped. I always had a sofa and no matter how many times I moved it around or what size it was it never seemed right for the space, so I decided to mix it up and try some thing a little different.

I wanted to create enough seating for guests but I also didn’t want the space to feel busy and full of furniture. So my solution was to purchase four chairs, which I was lucky to have found two sets of cane chairs that looked almost the same. I had them lacquered in black gloss and each pair was re-upholstered in the same coordinating fabric.

I also purchased a large Asian cabinet that was deep enough to hold all of my books, cd’s and a small stereo. I also used a bar cart instead of shelving unit to open the space up but still create some storage against the back wall.

This turned out to be a great solution for my space and could be for someone who has a small living room or an awkward size room. With just four chairs, a circular coffee table and a rug you can center almost any room.

Another idea is to replace two of the chairs with a lounge or a chaise with something like this from Ikea or this one from Z Gallerie.

Or perhaps four upholstered chairs like these from Plummers if you have enough room.

Following is a list of where I found most of my items for my living room.

4 Cane Chairs and Bamboo Coffee Table – Vintage (Misc. Antique stores)

Asian Cabinet – Vintage, Casa Victoria

Drapes (Ritva) - Ikea

Small Vintage Lamp and Bamboo Bar Cart – Torrance Antique Market

Mirrors (Riska, not available), Shag Rug – Ikea

Key Box – Jonathan Adler

Upholstery Fabric and Trim – Michael Levin’s

Vintage Books and Paintings – Ebay

Tall Vintage Lamp – Antique Store, Santa Barbara

Saarinen Marble Table – Craigslist, Austin

Paint – Behr Trail Print 790- F6

-Vanessa (aka Turquoise)