Sunday, February 9, 2014

A New Look for the new Living Room

I've been looking forward to sharing this new living room space with you at the new house. I've taken photos several different times in here, but the light hasn't been "right", and to top it off, I left my tripod at the other house. But I decided to just show them anyway. This house is just darker because of the wall color, so photos just aren't as easy.



But I do love how it's come together and that it's cozy and comfortable. When we knew we were leasing this house we decided to buy a new sofa and loveseat. They're not the most expensive, but I really love the new look. I'm sort of fickle with furniture, I get restless for a new look long before they wear out. What I love one year, I'm often over, five years down the road. But I DO, and always have, loved a Chesterfield Sofa. We found these at the Ashley Home Store. The fact that they are classic styling and a neutral color will make it easy to change things up. I wanted a more casual look at this house, with a more masculine vibe. After all, hubby has to hang out here and feel like he can relax.



These shots show the wrinkles that are starting to ease out. They had been wrapped in plastic and sitting in a warehouse for weeks, I'm sure. I couldn't use my other sofas and white furniture here...they are just too big, and the white furniture looked bad with these sofas. The white just looks "dirty"next to these walls.


I couldn't have picked a better color if I'd designed these sofas myself. It's a nice taupe/beige/gray in a looser weave, almost looks like a linen-y burlap. At the showroom it looked lighter with all the bright lights glaring down on it, but when it was delivered it was darker. Fine with me, I prefer the darker colored fabric.




I didn't have a coffee table that was the right color or size, so I painted an old cedar chest that had the most horrendous finish on it. I painted it before I knew what color the sofa and loveseat were, but it turned out a pretty good match. The finish is a coat of Old White ASCP, the taupe from our bedroom walls, and a little wash of some gray paint I snagged in a Valspar paint sample pot at Lowe's. I did a stain glaze and liquid poly on top. It received some "extra" distressing during the move.



I had this gray washed wood tray on my coffee table in the other Living Room, which adds to a rustic look.



My good black rug from the lower level family area works I think, it's a nice contrast, and pulls the black in the lamps and pillows together. Miss Jenkins approves.


The arched window above the loveseat was becoming a cat perch so it needed something to deter "bad cat" behavior. Looks sort of cluttered, but it does the trick. You can see the kitchen through the arched pass through. A little of the Entry is shown here. There's not much to it; I'll share that a little later. (I tweaked my little white dresser)


Gray washed wicker basket with a galvanized tray from Pottery Barn.



We are short on space in here, so I had to improvise with this little accent table from the other Living Room. It had been white, but got the taupe paint on top, like the cedar chest. We bought 2 bronzed lamps from Lamps Plus on a 2-fer special. I liked that they matched the legs on the sofas and the rest of the hardware throughout the house.





Southern exposure almost drowns out hubby's leather recliner.






Here's the Inspiration Board I created on Polyvore right after Christmas. I kept pretty close to the plan, and it worked to help me see how to bring all the different elements together.



I knew before I even found the sofas, that I wanted to use leopard print pillows as accents. I found these at Pottery Barn. They even feel like real fur...meow.


I've always loved Charles Faudree's designs, where he used animal prints often. So I felt I had approval for the leopard print pillows on these sofas.



I think my Restoration Hardware pillows that were downstairs
 work well with the leopard print.




I'm keeping prints, paintings, and wall decor to a minimum, so just a few things are up.  This old print from the '40's matched the color scheme in here.



I had this little wing back traditional chair in our master bedroom. It had been reupholstered with two complimentary fabrics which I love, and just matches the rest of the room. I didn't have room for a table so this little floor lamp with a shelf from WalMart filled the bill. Since we have dinner in here with a tray on our laps it works for juggling a glass. WalMart...who knew... Miss Wrigley is waiting to lounge on the fuzzy blanket on top of the ottoman, which is usually here.



I debated on whether or not to show these last couple of photos. It's just part of renting a house. Like most houses there are things we'd like to change, except with a leased home you usually don't get to make those changes, like you would if you were buying. Case in point, the black marble fireplace which is in the corner has a piece of wallboard at the top, creating a functional place to have a tv or mirror or art. Only problem, someone painted what a 5 year old might consider a faux marble accent. My valiant attempts at convincing the landlord that it would be much better with a coat of the wall color, fell on deaf ears. This will be the one and only time you see it. I stressed about it for days and although we have an idea or two how to make it disappear, for the time being a large painting and some faux ivy will have to do. I'm not sure what looks worse, the yucky faux marble or the yucky faux ivy... The mantel may stay bare, I don't want to draw attention to it.

Maybe if I make the photo real small you won't see how bad it is...
the good news is the gas log part works great and really warms the room.


And another issue is the monster flat screen tv, I really dislike an uncovered tv. Call me picky, but it has never worked for me. The large entertainment center we had planned on using didn't fit, so we were left trying to come up with a quick replacement. At least the monster entertainment center would have camouflaged it somewhat. An old "Partner's Desk" that my husband used downstairs has had to work. Be sure to notice all the wires and cords underneath...such a great look. I guess more yucky faux ivy could be stuffed in there to hide it.


OK, there you have it, the good, the bad, and the extremely ugly. I'm really not complaining, I'm so glad to have this house to get away from all the work that's going on at the big house. They're tearing out kitchen stuff this week, so I wouldn't want to be living there. This place may be small with some quirks, but it's also clean and cozy. This weekend the Dining Room is the deal...packing upteen million dishes. Hope you have a great weekend!


joining in on these parties:
Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings
Mod Mix Monday at Mod Vintage Life
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm
The Scoop at Cedarhill Farm
Inspire Me at A Stroll Thru Life
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Inspiration Gallery at City Farmhouse
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

                                                                
xoxo,

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65 comments:

  1. Debra, your new living room looks warm and inviting! I hate the tangle of cords that we have too (around our computer) and I can never seem to camouflage them! You've done great in 'hiding' the areas that you're not so happy with! Hope you enjoy your new space :)
    Susan

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  2. A great big framed mirror would cover up that problem above the mantle. Just saying ;))) Linda@Wetcreek and Wetcreek Museum Blogs

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    1. that was my initial thought too, but it didn't work, having something that big, just made the whole deal look off proportion, I'm still working on that concept.

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  3. It looks beautiful! I love the finish on the chest! I might "borrow" that idea! Have a blessed day!

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  4. I love your new home Debra! It looks so warm and cozy. I know what you mean about the big tv. I have the same problem. I have to go with it for my husband .Like you said he lives here too. I keep thinking of a way to hide that big ugly tv!!!

    Kathy

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  5. Your living room came together so nicely. I recently wrote a post about my "thing" for animal prints, so I just love how you used them as accent pillows. I've notice that most decorating magazines always seem to use an animal print somewhere in the room. Your beautiful rug ties the whole room together - it looks great with your more "rustic" pieces. And don't you just love landlords who close their ears and minds to improvement?! Crazy!

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  6. Oh Debra... I just love your new look at your little house!... I have truly enjoyed seeing everyone's all white homes, but for me, I must have color... even neutrals... and I too must think of Jack and not have everything just what I want... we also have a big screen tv out, but I am okay with that... we live here!... you always amaze me with how you so easily can pull everything together and have it look totally fabulous... hello kitties!... love Miss Wrigley and Miss Jenkins and yes, it looks like they approve of everything!... your new couch is so pretty and the leopard pillows look great... and I love love love your wing back chair you put in there... cozy, warm and welcoming is what your home says to me... much love, xoxo Julie Marie

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  7. it all looks so pretty.. love the sofa and loveseat~!

    I can give you a quick cheap fix for the wires:)
    get a piece of poster board- measure that opening under the desk- cut the poster board to fit and paint it the wall color- then just slip it in behind the olive bucket or whatever you end up using there..no one will notice cause its just a flat surface - same color as the wall:) oh yea on the poster board Piece- measure the baseboard and paint that section white. cheap, easy peasy, totally covers the wires and unless someone crawls under there,no one will ever know.
    hugs

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    1. wow, what a super idea!!! I'm totally going to get on that one, thanks bunches!

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  8. Debra, it has all come together beautifully. It is always hard making a rental completely your own when the owner won't let you change anything. I think you are doing a wonderful job. xo Laura

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  9. Debra,
    I love your new sofa and love seat. They look fabulous with everything else. Just read Sonny's idea to coverup the cords! What a GREAT idea! I'm going to borrow that one too!

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  10. Debra what's the size up there ( where you are not happy ) as perhaps a wall quilt would work ...

    Meanwhile everything looks comfortable and homey...the couches look so comfortable and attractive!

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  11. I love your new living room. How about a false front for the faux marble wall? I can't wait to see more of your new house.

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  12. Everything looks so good and comfortable. You really did a great job on decorating. The couches are really nice and they go so well in the room. It's so hard when you have to rent a home and you've had your own to do with what you want. Great job.
    Mary

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  13. Everything looks quite beautiful Debra, and very warm and inviting! I so love your sofa! I don't know the size of the top above the fireplace but what came to my mind was...Hobby Lobby sells very large sized foam core that you could cut to size and paint the color you want. It doesn't seem like you see the sides so this laid right up against the "wall". I don'tI think you would ever notice it. Just and idea, be cozy in your new home!

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  14. loving your look, but a little confused. thought you were selling your old home to downsize? Sounds like you're remodeling instead? On the yucky shelf, how about a wooden shelf-like piece with a front trimmed like a mantle that you could sit right on top? I think it would be easy to make, even I could do it!

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  15. I'm envious of your new sofa and love seat, Debra! They look comfy and cozy and tailored at the same time. As for the wires, I painted a piece of beadboard the color of our walls and nailed it to the back of our computer desk. Maybe you could nail together some pallet boards to cover up the faux marble, or how about a piece of beadboard cut to size at the home center? You'll come up with something, I know. It looks like you're having fun in your new place. :)

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  16. Looks like everything is coming together nicely and I love those sofas! Great look.

    xoxo
    Kathleen

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  17. Hmmm...an old door, maybe tongue and groove, or paneled, turned on its side, then cut to fit would work well over the fireplace Debra. You could also even cut drywall or gypsum board to fit the surround and cover the marble...even trim it out so it fits right over top. I know what you mean about covering up things, though...I'm always having that issue with something. What great sofas...love the fabric too. You have done a great job. I know firsthand what a challenge a smaller space can be, but also in the end really cozy. LOVE that lamp from Walmart! I had not seen those there. It's a beautiful, warm and welcoming room and I know you are enjoying the process:-)

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  18. Just beautiful Debra...everything came together so perfectly! And I really like what you did with the arched window above the sofa...it doesn't look cluttered at all...it makes the room look eclectically lived in.
    Enjoy your wonderful new room!
    XO Barbara

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  19. I really am loving everything in your living room, Debra. The new sofas and your terrific paint job on the chest...everything looks very pretty and pulled together. You didn't stray from your inspiration board, I wish I had that quality; to envision, plan and then make it happen! Keep up the good work! :)

    XO,
    Jane

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  20. Your living room is cozy and inviting, Debra. I really appreciate how you shared some of the frustrations of living in a rental (we sold our home and are in a rental right now while we search for our next house to purchase), and how you're dealing with them. And I also appreciate how you're considering your husband as you decorate. I try to honor my husband in that way, too. I'd love it if you'd share this post at my monthly blog party Every Room In The House. This month we're partying in The Living Room, and I know your lovely living room would be an inspiration to everyone who sees it. Here's the link:
    http://www.ajoyfulcottage.com/2014/02/every-room-in-house-party-2.html
    I hope you'll join in the fun. ~ Nancy

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  21. Love the new sofas, Debra! You've made a cozy room here. I think you did a good job in taking the focus off the faux marble painted wall over the fireplace.

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  22. Ok...you probably have though of this, but could hubby take a piece of drywall just like the wall.....paint it and then just prop it up there? Just a thought! It looks like a sweet place though.

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  23. Love the new sofa, they are gorgeous and the perfect fabric. I think I would just cut a piece of beadboard the exact size to cover the fireplace faux marble and paint it the same color as the wall. That would totally solve the problem. Also in a small room, I really love an armoire for the tv. It does hide all those wires and also gives fabulous storage. Hugs, Marty

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  24. Debra,
    Your creative touches have made this room quite charming, dear friend!!!
    Some of my friends have used a foam core board with fabric to place over the back of a hutch when they were frightened to paint...could that work on your mantle above the fireplace???
    I love how the "fur" babies are beginning to adjust!!! The one looks confused as if saying, "Did you forget something"? (The ottoman.)
    Adore your new header!
    Keep focused on what lies ahead and remember...this is temporary quarters!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  25. Everything looks great. But Oh my that fireplace would drive me bonkers! I think I would try to find a lovely framed mirror that fit perfectly to cover the painted wall. The mirrors reflection would also help not draw attention to the area because it would reflect the rest of the room. Good luck.

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  26. Love your new sofa and loveseat. Looks like you are making the most of a rental. How frustrating not being able to paint stuff but it's only temporary. Love what you've done to make the house look nice. Now..that fireplace....it wins the ugliest fireplace award!!!! Oh..my....It's awful. All that black and the faux marble above! Really offensive. If the landlord were smart he'd let you do a remake on it. It would improve the house immensely. Plus a corner fireplace is the worst! Jenny at MFAMB covered her unloved marble with wallpaper and it's really pretty. As for the faux marble above....cut a piece of foam core to the exact size and paint it and then pop it in front of the faux marble. I have confidence you'll come up with a solution you can live with. Because you cannot stare at that monstrosity for a year or more!

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  27. Your living room looks so nice. I really like the new sofas! I bet you have been so busy with everything going on. I don't know how you even have time to blog. What a relief to not have to live in the house that you're renovating. That's a big bonus!

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  28. I think you have created a nice cozy comfortable home. Much better than living in filth.

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  29. Your new home is looking fabulous! You have such a talent for putting things together and they always look so great. Keep up the great work!

    Judy

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  30. The couch and loveseat have a wonderful look and texture. Did they have the couch in red? How about covering that thing over the fireplace with fabric? That's a temporary fix. Maybe take a piece of plywood cut to the same size and cover it? The only thing I would add to this beautiful room is perhaps something on the back of the couch and loveseat to add a little color against the walls. But of course that's me: Color solves everything!
    Brenda

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  31. Your living room is just gorgeous, Debra! It's just beautiful! Looks like something out of a magazine, girl! I'm lusting over those Chesterfield sofas. I've acquired a thing for them lately. lol As far as your fireplace is concerned, is there someway of cutting a piece of wood and painting it with a pretty patina to place up there (and around the black fireplace surround) to cover them both up? Just a thought.....

    xoxo laurie

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  32. Your living room looks so pretty Debra...love your new sofas and those pretty pillows!!

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  33. I think I need some of those leopard pillows, I do love them and they look great on your new sofa.

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  34. I love the leopard print pillows! Your new sofas are pretty and look great with the wall color.

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  35. Your living room is lovely and cozy, Debra...love your beautiful new furniture!

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  36. Debra, love the old tray on top of your painted coffee table! I enjoyed your blog a few years back from another blog. As life got busy, I stopped blogging and even taking the time to look at blogs. Now, that I've started a new blog, I'm enjoying you again! Have a great weekend.

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  37. Everything is looking great, Debra! I see you're getting lots of good advise on that fireplace wall, and I know you'll come up with something that will make you happier. I LOVE your new sofa. I have been such a cry baby lately about my big ugly brown sectional. I'm trying to not be jealous :) You've done a great job pulling all the details together and I really like that lamp/table too!

    Jeanette

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  38. You constantly amaze me......when did you find time to paint the chest to use as a coffee table??? Unreal!!!

    Love the fabric and color of the new sofas, also the tufted back and the tulip feet. The rug is great and the cat, of course, amazing!!! Great touch on the leopard pillows...

    About the fireplace thing on top......can you cover a piece of foam core board with fabric to match the walls and lean it up against that thing or use double sided tape to attach it???

    I knew you were settled in when I saw your new header....get some rest girl!!!

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  39. love the new sofa and loveseat, debra. great finish on the chest, too:) maybe, wallpapered foam board to cover the fireplace "marble"? my favorite cover right now is bead board. the room is lovely--you move fast!

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  40. Looks great! I am loving the Chesterfield sofas as well. They are classic and have lots of personality. I agree with the false wall idea for the fireplace area. You could probably have a piece of wallboard cut to fit fairly inexpensively and paint it to match the walls. Can't wait to see more :)

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  41. Well, I love the new furniture! I think it looks beautiful in your new home! Enjoy the week ahead dear friend, HUGS~)

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  42. It looks wonderful -- Very cozy and functional - Great job.

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  43. Debra,
    I love your new sofa's. They look comfy and are so pretty. You did a great job of hiding the things you do not want to see. The new space is really coming together nicely.
    Kris

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  44. It's looking lovely Debra!

    Big Texas Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  45. You have done a wonderful job in such a short time. It looks like you have been there a long time.

    Hugs
    FredaB

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  46. Just beautiful Debra!!!…the room is elegant, yet so warm and cozy…and I love those Leopard PB pillows!!!

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  47. Love the look Debra, so cozy!
    I'm going to Polyvore to make a board for my den!

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  48. You've done such a great job in making your living room so pretty, comfy, and welcoming, Debra!
    Mary Alice

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  49. Your new space looks great, Debra. I love Charles Faudree as well. His timeless decorating style is a must.

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  50. I love how you pulled this room together, Debra! I so agree with you about changing one's style and not to invest in pieces. I made that mistake once. I'd rather buy a cheaper sofa or chair as long as they are comfortable, and be able to replace it in a few years. I love your sofa and new look!

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  51. I LOVE your new couch and loveseat!!! Oh and the chest you painted also, and the archways! I think I would stay there permanently. lol
    Blessings~

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  52. oh my…where to start?! I've been MIA since around Christmas with an overloaded schedule, so the blog world has been off my radar for a long time!!! Wow. I had to go back and catch up on a ton of posts just to see all that you've been up to. Big changes! sounds like it is all good and some good things are on the horizon. I also wanted to tell you that I loved seeing your porch in Farmhouse Style magazine. I picked it up a couple weeks ago and smiled seeing your space. Wonderful. Your new place looks just like you, and I LOVE those couches. YUM.

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  53. I think your living room looks beautiful, Debra! You would never guess the sofas are not very high-end, and the color is perfect. I drive my hubby crazy sometimes with my pickiness about seeing wires and cords -- men just typically don't get it! You could easily add something to the beautiful galvanized olive bucket (I think that's what it is) and no one would ever notice the wires back behind it.

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  54. Everything looks so warm, cozy and beautiful! I absolutely love your new couch and love seat! You've gotten some great tips from everyone on how to cover up the "boo boos"! I've done the core board behind the entertainment center to core up the chords and it works great! I actually have used a large mirror unframed and it works good too! Could you just "decoupage" fabric to your wall above the fireplace with starch and then trim it out? I've done that to walls when I've rented and when I was ready to move, you just take the fabric down! Anyway....my two cents worth but it looks fabulous!!~~Ang

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  55. Hi Debra, The Chesterfield sofa with leopard pillows is pretty dog gone cool. See you have style no matter where you land, rent, or own. The beauty of blogging is we do not have to show those unsightly spots. I have some ceiling leaks that make me squeamish when I look at them daily. xo, olive

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  56. I love your sofa and love seat and your room looks beautiful. You are like me...I tire of things long before they wear out.

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  57. Your room is so pretty, and I love how you made your own paint mix with what you had for the chest, I love how it turned out. Take care - Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com
    History & Home link party, Tue-Fri weekly

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  58. Love your sofas Debra and I know exactly what you mean about cords and I just hate our big black box of a TV...there is never a good place for them is there?! Your home is so cozy...you could turn anything into a show place. You have great style and you take that with you where ever you go!
    You're being featured this week at AMM so hop back over!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  59. Hi Debra! Your new place is looking so lovely. I would expect no less from you! ;) Your new sofa is gorgeous an I love all of your tables and accessories!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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