living room refresh

Who knew a couple innocent little Craigslist purchases would create such a
staggering domino effect! I've been arranging and re-arranging furniture for the past
 two months, hauling it downstairs and back up and have come to the realization that
clearly we need a bigger house! :)
 I thought I'd share a few of the changes to our living room so far.

Remember when these vintage chairs popped up on Craigslist, and I couldn't resist them?
 I always knew a pair of chairs would fit perfectly in our bay window, and they did, but it
was the beginning of a domino effect I didn't see coming! The sofa had always been there
 and the only other option for it was against the wall - I wasn't sure what I'd think, but I'm
 loving the new look after placing the mirror from the dining room above it and creating
 an eclectic gallery wall.  

I love how the bay windows are more visible without the sofa obstructing the view, and
 the comfy down cushioned chairs tuck into the space and create the best reading nook.
 

As much as I loved the bold floral pattern I was a little skeptical if it would mix with
 what I had. You guys know I don't stray far from my neutral base so I can change things
 up on a whim. Well, it all came together and the only new items I bought were the citron
 ikat pillow and the artwork on the bottom right.
Remember the day I showed you how to shop Goodwill, both were finds from that
 outing, the coral chevron ikat pillow was a steal from there last year that inspired
  my family room spiff up.

(sorry about some of these bad pics, my weather app didn't forecast clouds till later)

I dug out this DIY Rope Vase I made a couple years ago for my Cinco de Mayo party
  centerpiece. I love the texture and the casual vibe keeps some of the traditional pieces
 from looking too stuffy.  

 

The other irresistible find that added to the chaos was this HUGE ornate mirror,
 originally finished in a dark stain giving it a heavy appearance. I lightened it up
 with two coats of Gold Rub 'n Buff, applying with a toothbrush so it still had some
 variation in color vs a solid painted look. See below.
My  DIY framed batik gallery wall that was here is piled in the dining room in the process
 of being re-hung, the good news is it gives the room a fun unexpected jolt of color, looks
 great with the chairs, and ties everything together without being matchy!  
 

You can see the finish on the mirror here, I'm still tweaking it, I think it needs a few
more brighter highlights throughout.
 The shelf and greenery hide our thermostat. :) It worked before, but now looks a bit off,
the thought of an ugly thermostat right there in the middle of the wall gives me hives!

Progress should be picking up over here after the One Room Challenge is over in
 just two short weeks! I'm thinking of having a sale and parting with a few
Craigslist treasures ~ you'll be the first to know!