Hello, wonderful readers!

Spring Living Room Refresh: Vintage Finds, DIY Transformations, and Styling My Bungalow

Happy Monday, everyone! The past couple of months have been nothing short of spectacular on the treasure hunting front, and I’m absolutely relishing every moment of this incredible streak. It feels as though the stars have perfectly aligned, showering me with good fortune in my quest for unique home decor. I’ve managed to unearth some truly exceptional pieces recently, and this past weekend, I dedicated time to a bit of thoughtful rearranging, integrating my most recent scores. Having already begun to infuse subtle spring touches into the bungalow here and there, it felt like the perfect moment to give the living room a proper spring spruce-up, making room for these exciting new additions.

The Mid-Century Modern Chair Dilemma: A Deal of the Century with a Twist

If you’re among my followers on Instagram, you’re likely already aware of what I consider the deal of the century: scoring a pair of authentic Mid-Century Modern chairs for an astonishing $40! This kind of find is what every vintage enthusiast dreams of, and I was absolutely buzzing with excitement when I brought them home.

Initial Hesitation: When Perfection Isn’t Quite Right

However, once they were in my living room, the initial euphoria began to wane. To be completely honest, I found myself questioning the purchase. The chairs themselves, let me be clear, are phenomenal. They boast seriously amazing vintage condition, a testament to their quality and the care they received over the decades. The original fabric is still intact, without a single blemish, and even the original purchase tags remain affixed, a rare and delightful detail for any collector. If you’re a devotee of Mid-Century Modern furniture, these chairs are an absolute dream come true.

The Challenge of Scale and Color in Vintage Decor

What initially attracted me to these chairs were their clean, classic lines and their inherently appealing scale. They represent quintessential MCM design. Yet, what ultimately fell short for my space, quite literally, was their size and color. These beautiful babies are remarkably short, and while they are undeniably comfortable, they felt too low to the ground for my personal preference. I admit, I was experiencing a bout of buyer’s remorse. Determined to make them work, I embarked on a mission: a complete rearranging of the living room, combined with “shopping my house” for existing pieces that could complement or elevate their presence. My goal was to see if I could find a configuration that truly embraced them. This weekend also brought another incredible score – an amazing Milo Baughman inspired burlwood coffee table – and I was eager to see how it would integrate into the refreshed space as well.

A Burlwood Dream: The Milo Baughman Inspired Coffee Table Transformation

Oh, you guys, this table! I am absolutely head over heels for it. As many of you know, my adoration for burlwood runs deep, and I’ve been actively seeking ways to incorporate this unique texture and pattern into my home’s aesthetic. So, when the opportunity arose to snag something for FREE, it presented an irresistible, commitment-free chance to try it out in the space. The table, in its original state, stood at 22 inches tall, which was simply too high for a comfortable coffee table. With a circular saw and a bit of DIY confidence, I carefully shaved off 4 inches, bringing its height down to a much more functional and aesthetically pleasing 18 inches. While I briefly considered going down another inch or two, I personally prefer my coffee tables to be on the slightly higher side, and 18 inches is a widely accepted standard height for such a piece.

From Good to Fabulous: Embracing Character and Imperfection

I am utterly smitten with its generous size, rich color, and expansive surface space. While my previous bamboo coffee table had its charm, this burlwood piece is nothing short of fabulous and, by far, a much truer reflection of my personal style. It’s important to note that the table does exhibit some natural wear and tear on its top surface, and a small knick is visible along one of its edges. However, far from being flaws, I believe these imperfections only add to its unique beauty and storied character. Moreover, once I meticulously styled the tabletop with carefully chosen accessories, these minor blemishes became barely noticeable, blending seamlessly into the overall aesthetic.

The Evolving Living Room: Decisions, Discoveries, and Future Plans

The verdict on the Mid-Century Modern chairs is still out, a testament to the ongoing evolution of personal style and home decor. I must confess, I like them significantly more now with the new living room setup, especially after layering in some carefully selected textiles to soften their presence and integrate them more seamlessly. Despite this improvement, I’m still not entirely convinced they’ll find a permanent home here. My friend Naomi firmly believes they need to be reupholstered without delay, and if I do ultimately decide to keep them, that will certainly be a project I tackle fairly soon. I’m also toying with the idea of keeping just one and finding a new purpose or home for the other. My current design vision includes an Eames-style lounger for the cozy corner next to the fireplace, meaning the chair currently occupying that spot will eventually move on once I secure that dream piece.

Beyond Trends: Defining Personal Style in Home Decor

Through this process, I’ve gained a significant insight: I’ve learned that I’m simply not much of a Mid-Century Modern chair gal. While I find their design absolutely beautiful and stylistically wonderful, embodying an iconic era of design, they just aren’t quite “me” in terms of comfort and overall feel for my space. This experience has truly highlighted the importance of listening to your gut when it comes to decorating, even when faced with an incredible deal or a highly coveted style. Sometimes, a piece can be objectively stunning but not align with your subjective needs or the functional requirements of your home.

A Vision for Balance: Lightening the Aesthetic Load

What the room truly needs now, I’ve realized, is something with a bit less upholstery. I’m yearning for pieces that introduce more wood, perhaps open arms, or elegant caning. These elements would help to visually balance out the inherent heaviness of the substantial burlwood coffee table and the “big beige beast” – my sofa – which, while comfortable, anchors a significant portion of the room. Introducing lighter, more open furniture designs would create a refreshing contrast and enhance the sense of airiness and balance. I’m keeping my eyes wide open, hoping that my recent streak of luck in finding unique treasures hasn’t completely run out!

Until next time, my loves, happy decorating and treasure hunting!

Xo-Shavonda