Name: Pamela Reynolds
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
I'm an artist, so my home has to function as both a home, but also a "gallery" for clients and gallery owners. My challenge has been to incorporate color and pattern into my 1,120 square foot space because I didn't want to live in the typical white box. At the same time, I did not want color and pattern to compete with my paintings and artwork, which change from week to week.
I am particularly proud of what my husband and I have been able to do with this space, which originally felt dark and cramped, since there had been a wall between the living and dining rooms. (In fact, Apartment Therapy did a Before and After post of our place when we first moved in: Look! Before & After in Boston. Well, we knocked down the wall, opened everything up (I finally got the "loft" I could never afford) and we have been enjoying the space and light ever since.
Thanks Pamela!
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That before & after post is awesome.
Welcome to IKEA Cult!
In all honesty, I don't understand the living room. The sofa color is the ONLY color not present in the rug, and the pillows are just more busyness competing with the rug. The rug is GORGEOUS, but it overwhelms everything else in the room.
It's just my opinion, but I would limit myself to my art and my rug, and make everything else a neutral color. The sofa is the place to start. It even distracts from the rug, which is hard to do with such a beautiful piece.
Art IS the focal point of the home, and nothing should draw the eye away from that. The rug is pulling enough interest.
I'm not an artist, but I do like to hang only one artist in one room. I keep everything else a frame for the art, as it were.
I think the traditional rug gives your modern living room a dollop of funkiness -- some Nutella -- if you know what I mean! ;-)
I understand the living room and it is very nicely done. Nothing is overpowering, everything is in balance. The art work takes center stage. The rug and pillows are strong enough to anchor and unify everything. The fluffy white ottoman and hand on the table make a nice surprise.
It looks arty and unpretentious to me
Boy, I don't agree with one thing that Team Decor said. I think your place is awesome. First of all, you certainly don't have to match your sofa to your rug, especially this type of rug. Second of all, there's plenty of green in the room (and out the window), so the green almost acts as a neutral in this scenario. Third of all, and I quote:
"I'm not an artist, but I do like to hang only one artist in one room."
What??????
Honestly, I'm still trying to process that one.
Its way to much going on, there's some good pieces to work with but they need some editing... One room one idea keep it simple.. Matthew Izzo :-)
I agree with Nauseu: Funkiness!
love it. lots of energy and fun movement. did you create that coffee table, or was it built like that?
I love the living room, and the art is gorgeous. I just find that the lighting is poor, even though I see windows :s must just be the pictures
I really like the the art display in the dining room!
I also agree with Nauseu regarding the funkiness factor of the rug!
And -- I LOVE the color of your sofa!
You have a very groovy living room. Love your rug, coffee table and that furry ottoman! Such a fun room!
I see green in that rug, and I think the couch is cute. Nothing is as cute as the giant white tribble, though. I want to squeeze it.
what before and after pic?
Why is the tv so low?
Green looks so much better than the orange. A lovely space.
Your coffee table is the same bean shape as my couch. Where'd you get it?
Contrary to the mixed opinions. I like your apartment. By seeing your artwork, the surroundings suit your style. I believe you have a good eye.
My only concern is the tv, either designate a section in the apt as the entertainment area or move it into the bedroom. That's my two cents.
Where did you purchase the ottoman?
i love it & the rug in particular & think the juxtaposition of the traditional & abstract paintings are wonderful. i also think there's some green in the rug--& even if there isn't rugs like this go with almost anything.
Hello everyone,
Thanks for the comments!
The bean-shaped coffee table was a Craig's List find... I've never seen another one exactly like it.
The ottoman I got on Ebay. It was sold through www.flokatirug.net.
The rug comes from esalerugs.com (And yes, there's green in it --- although you can't see it much in the photos.) If you are willing to take a chance on buying a rug through the internet, they are a great resource and they make it really easy to do so by providing lots of photos.
On the TV --it actually is in a paneled cabinet in which the doors can be closed off on either side or left open on either side and swiveled around, depending on whether we are in the living room or dining room. In the photo they're open, obviously. Since this is the only gathering spot in the apartment to watch TV, it necessarily remains in the living room.
oh --- also, someone mentioned the couch. Both the couch and chair are from Natuzzi's Italsofa line --- their lower-priced line. The chaise lounge in the corner is from Mitchell Gold.