The Calm Before…
August 6, 2012
A couple months ago hubs and I woke up, walked into our living room and realized we didn’t like it. It was carefully put together, but we had stopped halfway. There were still elements we didn’t like, that didn’t fit. We made a list of all the little things that still needed done to create the mid century (ish), minimalist space we wanted.
We searched all over town that day for our dream rug — something big and white and textured. We couldn’t afford what we wanted, so we did what everyone our age does — looked it up at IKEA! They had just the one, and we had friends going the following weekend! We placed our “order” and waited impatiently.
The next weekend we were busy, and so missed the bewildered phone call from our friends. Turns out if you are going to order a crazy rug via friends, it’s a good idea to warn them that you know it’s a little crazy. Our friends spent the whole trip back wondering if we really truly wanted a polar bear in our living room, and if they were bad friends for not leaving it in the store! I couldn’t be happier with my rug, but I forget not everyone has my tastes!
So here is our mid century minimal-ish living room in progress. There are still a lot of things on our list, but I simply love this space. I photographed it as is, lived in.
myblacksketchbook 
August 6, 2012 at 9:42 am
That is gorgeous. I can’t wait until my children move out so that I too may have white furniture and rugs… (just you wait!)
August 6, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Well, the rug does shed quite a bit so it may have to hide while Liam goes through the crawling stage (I can just imagine handfuls of fluff). Everything has washable slipcovers except the white chair in the far corner, and there are slipcovers available to hide it once it gets stained. I admittedly bought most of this furniture before a kid was even in the plans!
August 6, 2012 at 9:58 am
Looks so beautiful! Like it came from a magazine! My husband and I are working toward making our small 1,200 sq ft home look something like this. We have 2 kids under the age of 5 and decided we weren’t going to child proof our home, but home proof our kids! So far, it has been a lot of work, but going very well. Its so worth it! Thanks for the post!
August 6, 2012 at 10:05 am
Home proof your kids?! Ha! I’ve never heard that before! You must be a ninja mom!
August 6, 2012 at 10:07 am
LOL, not a ninja mom. I just love my kids AND want a nice home! 🙂
August 6, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Tanya – my apartment is around the same size as your home! I still have SUCH a list of things to do, from finding and spray painting a statement lamp, to changing the art above the sofa! Step by step!
August 6, 2012 at 9:59 am
Bahahaha! I’m glad I can be the friend who delivers the polar bear rug of your dreams. Yes, we were scared you had no idea what it actually looked like and would hate it. And Nathan kept questioning your sobriety- that was the best part.
August 6, 2012 at 12:19 pm
The funniest part is that it actually looks tame in its new home on my living room floor! It makes for such a great story!
August 6, 2012 at 10:04 am
White furniture is brave! Especially with a kid on the way. Hope it goes well for you! Love the blog! Keep posting!
August 6, 2012 at 12:23 pm
I know! I had most of it before even thinking of a kid!