Now that the main floor is almost done, we’ve been focusing on adding creature comforts and making the space feel more homey. In other words, accessorizing.
Last weekend we were in Portland, OR visiting some friends and before leaving town we stopped by West Elm. It was our first time visiting an actual store (oddly there isn’t one in Seattle…yet), but we’ve ordered a few things off their website (like our pendant light and metal ledges) and have been happy with the design and quality. I wouldn’t say that any one store represents our design aesthetic, but West Elm is doing some interesting things lately and the prices are really reasonable.
So, this is what we bought:
This was my pillow choice, a nice lumbar with a funky embroidered design.
The mustard yellow was Kyle’s pillow choice. They live together on the couch for now, but I think we might need one more to tie it all together. (We also need a cozy throw blanket.) The open shelf of the stair cabinet was feeling a little lonely so we decided to move some of the books out for all to see. Not only does it add some texture and color, but it enables our friends to form opinions about us based on what we read (I’m not the only one who does that, right?).
On a total impulse (which was probably encouraged by no state sales tax), we also bought this wool chevron rug for the flex room. It’s 5’x8′ and fits nicely in the space. This room still has a long way to go, but the rug is a start.
I’ve also been fussing with the art ledge. I love pairing new and “vintage”, like this Jenn Ski print next to a 1920 photograph featuring 5 generations of women in my family (the baby being held in the bottom right is my grandmother!).
Obviously we need more vintage, but you can’t buy that at West Elm.
Great choices! I love West Elm! We recently bought their Toumani Dot Pillow for our master bedroom.
bonus points for an aalto vase as well! I’ve been oogling that wool chevron rug for awhile – looks great in your space.
I love the rug in the flex room! Also, my crotchet hooks and knitting needles overheard the part about you guys needing a cozy throw blanket… : )
And speaking of judging people based on literary/artistic works they have on display, LOVE that you have Sufjan on vinyl. I already knew that we had similar tastes, but this clinches it. Now I must go rustle up a chevron rug.
haha, Liz, we were listening to Sufjan for a couple hours on Sunday while designing our back porch, some of or fav sunday music. Lauren will be blogging the back porch design later this week;)
Good eye! The Aalto vase was a wedding gift and I filled it with sea glass picked up along the WA and OR coasts.
Ooh…yes please! (I’ll e-mail you…)
We almost bought that one too!! Love it! I’m thinking we need something in that shape and size to complete the look, but maybe a different color since we already have the yellow.
funny thing is that sea glass came from a trip with our friend Nguyen, who gave us that alto vase as a wedding gift;) thanks Nguyen if you’re reading this;)
oooohhh the rug.
Also, I love the five generations photo… I’d like one of those in my apt…
I can understand not wanting too much yellow. I think something in that size would be great, though.