Design Drafts: SF Living Room

The layers I’d like to add to a white couch and jute rug base.

May 31, 2024

Happy last day of May! I spend a chunk of of the last month simply staring at our living room. Riveting, I know, but I’m finally inspired to rearrange and decorate for the first time in a while. Sitting in the space, jazz playing, with no other distractions is just how to get the imaginative energy going!!! FUN.

Since Christopher and I moved in together last August, we haven’t done a lot to the apartment for the practical reason that we had all the necessities. I was already living in this spot since 2021 so dining room table, chairs, couch, coffee table, TV and bed were already accounted for. Since the move, we’ve filled some picture frames, filled a newly minted ‘study’ (aka the second bedroom) with pre-loved furniture and moved the living room rug into the primary bedroom. Besides that new study, the apartment hasn’t undergone much of a transformation.

I am ready to shed a bit of that practical rut. Apologies in advance to my checking account. It’s time to fill in the design gaps in our space.

Starting with the living room.

The rugs are the newest (and only) updates to the space since Aug ‘23.

We were rug-less in the living room until a couple week ago. It’s actually against renter agreements in SF to go without a rug on hardwood floors, so we’d been breaking the law for 9 whole months. I am so so so sorry downstairs neighbors! The reason I’ve held off on getting a rug is because I was planning on dropping dollars on this William Sonoma one. Month after month, though, I couldn’t get myself to order. Then one day a handful of weeks ago, I scrolled across Aimee Mazzenga’s endorsement of this Amazon rug. Same aesthetic, same jute, but a fifth of the price. I added the 9’x12’ rug and 2’6”x14 runner to my cart on the spot.

And you guys, they are so perfect for the space. I can’t speak to its shedding yet, but the jute is actually soft underfoot and the color is exactly what I’ve been wanting— more dark browns and less yellow. These rugs are what kicked off my eagerness to finally touch up our living room. I’ve been manifesting this space for a while. Below is a collection of photos of my vision. I’m still a little all over the place, but hopefully some key individual pieces and trinkets bring it together in the coming months.

The images below show the layers I’d like to add to a white couch and jute rug base. Love the idea of blue porcelain, tapestry accents, dark woods and not being ashamed of too much white or white-adjacent hues. Most of the images below are from the design work of Phoebe Nicol.

Eying: bench, window curtains, mirror and vase. Designer: Phoebe Nicol

Eyeing: blue and white porcelain, rug (I actually think it’s my exact one), and wicker basket. Pinterest Source

Eyeing: baroque mirror and window curtain. Designer: Phoebe Nicol

Eyeing: lamps, tapestry pillows, side table. Designer: Phoebe Nicol

Eyeing: alabaster lamb, candle sconce, candelabra and photo albums. And for another part of the house someday, that TABLE. Pinterest Source

Eyeing: wrought iron chair and cushion, table (smaller version behind the couch would be nice), moody art. Designer: Rose Uniacke

Eyeing: melting disco ball. Pinterest source

Eyeing: mirror, horse statue, accent chairs. Home of Nancy Meyers, Designer Mark D. Sikes

Home of Nancy Meyers, Designer Mark D. Sikes

Eyeing: Green felt, ottoman, layered picture frames. Pinterest source.

Eyeing: bookcase, blue and white porcelain pieces. Pinterest source.

Below are some specific trinkets, art and furniture I’m looking to layer in or decide between. I’d love to swap the 3 small frames above the couch with one large piece. Maybe I’ll make that art the one colorful focal point of the room. The dream would be a Ben Crase piece. But if I decide to keep it neutral, I have inspo for that too.