Since our den was a new addition, I kind of had a clean slate when it came to decorating it. Although it’s technically a “playroom”, too, at this point, I didn’t want to plan the entire room around toys that my kids have little interest in the majority of the time. So, although a much slower process than when I was working on rooms for clients, I’ve approached decorating it in a similar way. Here’s how I normally come up with—and execute—a plan for a room, start to finish.
Of course, there’s no tried and true way to do it. Others may have a totally different approach. And, I don’t always go in that order if I find something that’s just perfect for the room earlier in the process.
With our den, we’re just starting to get to the fun stuff. We have the main seating, window treatments, and a rug. And, I just got this industrial end table from Birch Lane. (They’re a new home furnishings site—traditional but very fresh. I really like the overall look.)
I think an industrial piece can fit in just about any room. Plus, it’s big enough for a lamp, a few pretty things and my snacks :)
The floor lamp (also from Birch Lane, but currently unavailable on their site) is another new addition:
I like that it’s simple and sleek so that it doesn’t take up too much space, and with just the right amount of gold:
Up next in the process: figuring out what to do with the big wall behind the sectional. I have some thoughts, but I’m taking my time until I feel really excited about it.
(A few “over the sofa” ideas I’ve talked about before can be found here.)
Thanks to Birch Lane for providing the products for this post.
Emily, where is the terrarium from? I love how the den is coming along.
A yard sale–of course ;)
Wow – that’s a great yard sale find! :-)
Emily, I love the table lamp! Where did you get it? Thanks!
Ummm, it came from my parents’ garage. I “borrowed” it permanently.
Great post Emily! Thanks for introducing me to Birch Lane. I’ve been looking for the perfect rug for my living room for months and found it on their site. It would be a great inspiration piece for the room. Any possibility they may offer a discount to your readers??
Hi Stephanie,
Check out our site now for 15% off all full-priced items!
Best,
Kate
I am loving your rug and have been looking for one like that!! Where did you get that rug from?
Craigslist :) Search Persian rug.
Love this! I think I’ve been going about decorating backwards…maybe that’s why I always end up stuck and frustrated :) Thanks for the tips!
Where is the table from?
Birch Lane–link is in the post :)
So many great tips on creating the perfect room. Just love how it all came together!
Where’s the round mirror from? Please don’t tell me it’s the discontinued one from Ikea. :)
It’s actually from Kirkland’s :)
Thanks you for putting this together, Emily! I really do feel that you let yourself take your time which makes me feel a bit better about my own decorating projects that drag on and on and on. My first inclination is always to paint first but I’ve read time and time again it’s better to wait until some of the decorating has already been done (which makes sense).
What about your sectional? Where is that from? Where do you recommend looking for couches and other big furniture pieces?
LOVE your blog! Thanks!
All of it is lovely! Where is the recliner from?!?
Love it so far!! Can you tell me about your leopard pillows? Do you have a link or know the fabric?
I have to agree, I use a similar process myself. Show me a fabric or rug you love and we can make a beautiful room. Problem is here in Germany the (affordable) rugs are so NOT pretty. Might be the area we live in but they look like they are stuck in the 80’s. Makes me want to cry sometimes especially since I can’t get a rug shipped over here without paying an arm and a leg. For the cost I could just take a trip to Turkey grab one myself. Hey maybe not a bad idea ;)
Looks great! What is the source for the inspiration room?
Emily, is the wall color SW Shoji White?
Yes!
I’m in love with the succulent that you have on the table inside that little shape thingy :)
xo,
Seng