Furnishing a Living Room with Unique Design Elements

My living room is a mix of unique custom pieces and carefully curated vintage finds. Each element tells a story and contributes to the overall aesthetic. From my mother's beloved recliner to the minimalist Japanese motifs, this room is as much a reflection of my family history as it is a space for relaxation and entertainment. Let's take a tour through this living room and explore every nook and cranny.

Custom Furniture Pieces

Recliner/Couch: My mother's two-seat recliner/couch catches the eye immediately. It is a solid taupe faux suede with bronzed rivets along the sides. To liven it up, I added a silk area rug from an auction, which beautifully complements the couch. This rug also adds a touch of gold, brown, and gray that match the stone walls, creating a cohesive look.

Wall Decorations

Oval Mirror and Paintings: The focal point of the stone wall behind the couch is an oval mirror from Peru, featuring reverse glass painting on its scalloped frame. This mirror is flanked by two large square hand-painted inserts in a minimalist Japanese motif, showcasing birds, bamboo leaves, and flowers on a burnished golden background. These pieces are set into the wall, adding depth and texture.

Functional Furniture

Tiki Bar: On the right of the couch is the built-in Tiki Bar, adorned with an oak roof. The bar top is made from irregular shaped scraps of wood used in the floor installation and extra copper tile inserts. This is a perfect statement piece that ensures minimal waste while adding character to the space.

Architectural Features and Details

Flooring and Fireplaces: The living room floor is a scraped dark wood, but the area around the fireplace chairs features large imported tiles with a faceted diamond design. Interestingly, Mom’s dinner ring, made of a diamond center surrounded by sapphires, is embedded into the grout between tiles. This is a family secret in plain view, a charming and quirky detail.

Additional Decorative Elements

Cedar Wall and Conversation Pieces: Across the room from the fireplace are French doors leading to the deck, currently serving as storage or display space for the oak dining room table. To the left of this table is a black wood console, which now holds two interesting lamps, acting as a small divider between the area and the gray brick fireplace. The fireplace, flanked by two matching boxy leather chairs, is used for cocktail hour or as a cozy spot for kitty naps.

Paneling and Musical Instruments: On the other side of the room, a cedar wall made from leftover knotty cedar wood from our home's re-siding adds character. A large hand-woven Tree of Life from India, in neutral shades of cream and beige, hangs on this wall. An accent chair resembling a space-age modern design is situated below the tree, making for a wonderful conversation piece.

Wall Art: A shiny black lacquered Yamaha grand piano sits on a round glass-topped table, while further to the right, French doors lead to the backyard deck. Separated by stone wall, the doors provide access to a well-used space. Across from the doors lies a self-playing scaled-down Yamaha grand piano with a hand-hewn wooden stool. While I don't play it, the piano can entertain on its own.

Architectural Highlights

The ceiling was transformed from a flat 9-foot ceiling into a trussed 13-foot high ceiling, featuring redwood planks. This change not only increases the spatial feeling but also adds a rustic charm to the room.

In conclusion, my living room is a blend of unique furniture, functional works of art, and architectural elements. Each piece tells a story and contributes to a cohesive and personalized living space. While there are more layers to explore, this tour offers a glimpse into the creative and thoughtful design of my living room.