Hello my budget decorating lovelies!
It’s starting to feel more like Fall here in Atlanta and thinking of Fall makes me long for cozy blankets and cuddling in front of a fireplace.
Luckily, our new condo rental has a fireplace. It was one of the things that really drew us to the space. Unfortunately, we just discovered that it’s not a REAL working fireplace!!! Looks like someone had plans to make it an electric fireplace, but then they abandoned that concept after installing the mantel and box. So the only fires we’ll have in there (unless you guys have some clever, inexpensive suggestion) will come from the gentle flicker of a very limited number of tea light candles!
Fairly Empty Living Room (photo by Kenneth Hamlett)
Anyway, thinking about Fall cuddling put me in the mood to start shopping for new living room furniture… as you can see, there’s currently NOTHING there to sit on! Starting from scratch, so to speak, has given me the opportunity to review my style. In the old townhouse, I was so focused on getting furniture within my price range, I was willing to pretty much make due with almost anything. Ok, not COMPLETELY. I mean, y’all saw my old place, it’s not like I was living with basement cast-offs from some old relative! But still, I had a “make due” mentality.
With this place, I want to furnish it with pieces that hubby and I love. Sure, I’ll still be shopping on a tight budget, so I’ll have to find the best deals… but I want the major pieces we purchase from here on out to be things we can (I can) feel happy living with for the next five or six years at least. (I know, this isn’t the longest time to live with furniture, but 5-6 years is practically a life time for someone like me, who needs regular change to stay happy and motivated.)
Anyway, I thought a good way to get back into the swing of blogging again would be to share some of the things I’m loving right now…
As I wandered through my favorite haunts, I completely fell in love with this family room from Pottery Barn:
Pottery Barn Family Room featuring Seabury Sofa
The fireplace and the room shape immediately made me think of our condo and I really, really, really love how the warm colors in the accessories transform a fairly plain white room into something cozy and perfect for relaxing.
I’ve also fallen deep in like with these chairs from West Elm:
Curved West Elm Side Chairs
I would pair them with a big, dark wood, almost rustic table in the dining room. Maybe something similar to this one from Pier One Imports:
Torrance Dining Table from Pier One Imports
Not the best picture, but you get the idea… modern rustic, not turn of the century farmhouse rustic.
As usual, I find myself constantly torn between a contemporary/modern aesthetic and a more girly/romantic look. Given that I’m decorating with my husband’s taste in mind as well, our home will probably lean more toward the contemporary/modern look. But if I can find a way, I’ll slip in some girly bits like these great accessories from Anthropologie:
Anthropologie's Cooled Globes Lamp
Anthropologie's Flamenco Shower Curtain
Honestly, can’t imagine where that would fit in our home, but the girly part of me just SQUEALS with delight over them!!! 
That’s it for now my dears! Before I go, I do want to leave you with one more picture, also from our new home:
Inviting Kitchen (photo by Kenneth Hamlett via kennethhamlett.com)
I’m proud to say this comes from my hubby’s portfolio and it’s our kitchen. Trust me, the beauty is a testament to his skills as an interior/architectural photographer because I see this place in person every day and it doesn’t look this beautiful! If you get a chance, please go by and visit his website at KennethHamlett.com. He has an amazing eye (I say this with only a slight bias!) and I think you will find his urban and city landscapes well worth the visit!
Until next time!
xoxo- Shauntelle
