Today we are going to forge ahead on the Gummerman home tour and give you a look into the space where we definitely spend the most time—the living room! Even though I love dressing up and going out on the town, we are pretty big homebodies for the most part. Most nights are spent on the couch watching old Cary Grant movies or whatever TV series we are obsessed with at the moment (Mad Men, True Detective, Freaks and Geeks, the list goes on… ). We love the space that we've created, but it took more than a bit of work for us to get it to this point!
This room felt a little confused when we saw the house. The existing furniture felt too oversized for the space, and they had mounted the TV in a high corner of the room so it felt a little bit like the waiting room of an office. We had the popcorn ceilings scraped, and I painted the ceiling, trim, and doors white and walls the same color as the dining room and kitchen (Sprinkle by Valspar) so it would be one cohesive space. We also continued the dark walnut flooring into the living room and entryway—I love that floor! Even though we switched the flooring for a darker option, adding all that mint and white really brightened up the space and gave it a much more cheerful atmosphere.
One of my favorite additions to the room is this amazing Normann Copenhagen pendant light. It's a light that you have to fold and put together (like a giant plastic origami project), but it was actually kind of fun to build it myself. I had been drooling over this midcentury couch and chair for a while, and I finally convinced Todd to pull the trigger when we moved in. I like having a mix of trendy and classic pieces, and these guys have been cool for a long time, so I think they are here to stay.
I probably got the biggest reaction from people when I told them that I was going to paint the stone fireplace white. I know, I know; there are diehard people that are really not into painting natural stone or wood, but I am not that person. And it's my house. So there. The white fireplace actually ended up being my favorite change in the space. It looks so much more clean and modern painted white, and I'm so glad that I decided to do it.
I wasn't sure if I would like having a mantel over the fireplace (I almost had it removed), but I found that I really did like having that space to display plants and photos, so I'm glad that I kept it.
We spend 99% percent of our time sitting right in front of the fireplace in the winter, and for two people that hate being cold, it's a lifesaver. I actually made the drum floor pouf just for that purpose! I also love the black egg chair I added this past year (similar one here), and it's a favorite spot for napping kitties. Also, that photo pillow I made of our cat Charlie always freaks people out when they first come in—she looks so real!
Decor-wise, it can be tough to work around a TV in a living room. You don't want to ignore that it's there, but you don't want it to be the highlight of the wall either. I decided to use art above and on either side of the TV to balance out the space. The two matching art pieces were actually a leather wrapped canvas project, and they are still one of my favorite wall decor projects to date.
Plants are a must (the more the better!), and I find that it takes me a while to kill a cactus, so cacti growing it is!
We scored this midcentury bar cart at a local vintage shop and gave it a fresh coat of gray paint before stocking it with our favorite bar supplies (we are big on gin and tonics and White Russians around here). I found that glass bottles on a metal cart rattle like crazy every time you walk by it, so I added grey felt to the bottom of each tray, and now it's as quiet as an inanimate bar cart should be. I bought some vintage marquee letters and attached some gold glitter paper to the back of them to add a bit of sparkle above the cart.
I love that Todd keeps his little Wurlitzer piano out in the living room so he can randomly break into song or play along with the Mad Men or Bob's Burger theme songs. He's very good.
In case you're wondering, that camel teapot's name is Bruce. He just looks like such a "Bruce" to me…
Thanks for coming into our living room for a bit. I hope you enjoyed the tour as much as I enjoyed sharing our space! Now if you'll excuse me, there's a Law and Order: SVU marathon about to start, and I need to get snuggled into the couch and wrangle up a kitty to snuggle with… xo. Laura
Credits // Author: Laura Gummerman, Photography: Sarah Rhodes. Photos edited with Stella from the Signature Collection.
Son Geniales e inspiradoras. !!!!
Un hogar armonioso. La combinacion de colores y los muebles,son divinos !
Saludos desde Argentina !!
Daniela.
Love the piece of artwork on your mantel! Who is the artist?
what kind of paint did you use for the fireplace??
I love what you did with your space!! Painting the stone white definitely gives it such a clean, modern feel. And the mint looks gorgeous against the dark flooring. My dad has a Wurlizter too – it caught my eye as soon as I saw it in the corner of your “YUM” photo 🙂
It’s so hard to believe that changing out the colours like this makes such a huge difference. I love the aqua walls, especially with the white and black! 🙂
Lovely room! Quick question: as a fellow cat lover (1 cat, planning on a second), do you have any tips on cat proofing a home while still keeping it beautiful? Anything is appreciated!
This space is seriously just BEAUTIFUL!!
Lisa | c/oMKE
It’s AMAZING how much a room can change with just few great ideas and some paint! I LOVE this living room- the white and light blue paint make it feel so open, cozy and bright. Thanks for the inspiration! (:
Love the teapot. So cute! Of course he should have a name 🙂
The room is beautiful! I think that painting the fireplace was the right decision. The room is so light and airy looking.
This is just amazing! I always wonder how you’re turning out the beauty of every room. and btw, Laura – where are you’re shoes on that first photos from? They’re so beautiful!
this space is gorgeous! the mint walls are perfect!
xxoo,
nikki
www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
I could live comfortably here!
WOW. It is sooo beautiful…
Mademoisella
your living room is so full of hopes for sad living rooms like mine. thank you. <3 it looks amazing and i love that we get to see the sad before pictures. it confirms there’s a great potential for every room if you put enough time an love and it makes me feel so much better!! (i’m in kind of an organizing/decorating impass right now with my apartment!)
Such a lovely project, I love the make over it makes me anxious to start my own.
I also thought the cat pillow was a real cat for a few photos… =]
http://aclotheslook.com
I love the mint/blue with all of the black and white accents! So jealous. I wonder if I can talk my hubby into redecorating…? hmmmm
You’ve made an incredible change to this space. The change in lighting make this space so optimistic and positive. You’ve done such a great job!
Totally gorgeous. I LOVE that sofa and chair!
I absolutely love this room!