I’m pretty happy with how the living room at the house is looking right now, so I thought I’d put down the iPhone, pick up a real camera, and take a few photos.
Bruno went through a phase (and by “phase” I mean the first nine years of his life) where he pretty much regarded any kind of floor covering as a giant wee-wee pad, so rugs have mostly been something I fantasize about for a long time. Something happened this past year, though—I’m not sure what (his brain is probably the size of a walnut, so I doubt he knows either), but when I decided to take a chance and put my favorite rug down in the apartment Bruno didn’t pee on it. Not the first day, not the second day, not ever. Good boy!
I’ve been wanting the Stockholm Rand rug from IKEA for years now. Every time I see it come up on a blog or in an interiors magazine, my heart jumps a little. I decided that I’d buy it maybe make Bruno wear a diaper. The only thing is, though, that this rug is one elusive little sucker. I can’t even tell you the number of times I obsessively checked the websites for the Paramus, Elizabeth and Red Hook IKEAs hoping to find it in stock somewere.
Alas, it was not to be—until a few weeks ago. The Red Hook IKEA got about a dozen in stock, so Evan and I hustled over there on our way up to the house one night. He ran in with 10 minutes to spare until closing while I stayed in the car with the dogs, and the rug was ours.
It totally makes the living room. (I mean aside from the fireplace.)
See that good little boy under the chair?
87 Comments
Looks good, I like it I like it! I have very similar colours in my living room, even the pink cushions! I love the rug and I also have IKEA rug, Stockholm (with triangles).
I love how the living room is looking and that rug is awesome! I really like the pop of color in the pillows on the sofa and the throw on the back.
So beautiful and very thoughtful. A space I would love to curl up in spend some time with. Nice job on the rug score!
Just gorgeous!
Your blog/home has inspired me to have a spring clean and declutter … thanks
Looks great! Now if Bruno could only teach my 2 chihuahuas. I’ve been rugless for over 12 years!
Lovely! Where are those chairs from if I may ask?
Thanks Katie! The chairs are
antiquesold—standard mid-century Danish stuff, no maker’s mark. I had them reupholstered a few years ago in a Maharam wool.Love everything, and the rug is so cool, I want the same !!!!
Big hug
P. from France.
Fantastic! Congrats:)
Perfect!
Oh, Bruno and his walnut-brain. That’s pretty special.
Good boy, Bruno! Lovely living room, Anna!
I am so relieved to know that this dog rug situation is an actual thing and not just my dogs trying to ruin my life. They’re 6… so 3 more years until we get rugs? I’m going to start saving now.
Love the rug (and the fireplace). I’ve played the same chase game at our IKEAs and have yet to find the elusive things. I gave up and got a chevron, which I don’t love, but works.
Beautiful. I’ve always loved that rug too. You’re right, it’s charm just doesn’t get old!
my entire life/design style is basically dictated by whether or not my cat will attempt to eat/destroy what I bring home. Casualties thus far: 2 plants (both non-toxic), glass vase, cute cocktail ring (batted out of my ring holder onto the floor, where it was stepped on), carpet in the bedroom, 2 sets of blinds (I am not brave enough to experiment with what would happen to curtains).
I love the entire look…funny, that I focused on that small clay pot next to the fireplace. I really love that!
Love it Anna! I too finally acquired the rand rug! I live five hours away from an Ikea…it was tucked in the back but I spotted it! Aside from having to vacuum it every two days, I love it too.
Your home is so inspiring…I so look to you for inspiration and ideas.
Oh, how I love this rug! It’s been on my wish list for a few years now. I keep looking and it is never in stock when I can go to my local store. But I will get it… eventually.
You living room looks wonderful. It shows how great design from different eras can fit together beautifully. I imagine that as the light changes – by the time of day and with the season – the feel of the room slowly evolves. If I were you I’d be seriously chuffed.
I love your living room- the first pic with your sofa and the bold hot pink pillows looks amazing! And you make me try out black walls- unfortunately we have a strict white wall ony dictatorship set up by my partner.
How dark did your LR get after painting it black? Do you sometimes regret it, maybe on a grey day outside?
Nicolezh, I don’t think the room got perceptively darker at all, actually. If anything, the dark wall gives the room a feeling of warmth and richness that it didn’t have before. I’ve painted dark walls in my living room, dining room, bedroom, studio, and my former apartment kitchen! I’m addicted. Here are a couple of posts I’ve written about their effect—maybe you can convince your partner. 😉 I mean, it’s just paint! It’s not like you can never change it back if you hate it, right?
http://www.doorsixteen.com/2012/01/05/the-dining-room-has-a-black-wall/
http://www.doorsixteen.com/2010/10/24/the-bedroom-wall-is-finished/
Since when is mid-century considered antique? Have we done away with the 100 year rule or is it just a generational thing? I was born in 1954 and I don’t consider myself to be an antique. Just one woman’s perspective. Otherwise a lovely blog that I enjoy very much.
Vintage? Is that better? Used? Old? I’m not really concerned with semantics when it comes to that kind of thing. My only intent was to indicate that the chairs are not new. I promise to look up the correct terminology if I ever list them for sale on eBay. 😉
Also pretty sure we don’t refer to people as being “antique,” “vintage” or “used,” (or “mid-century,” for that matter) so please don’t take it personally! They’re chairs, not humans.
i became a very happy lady too when i bought that rug last year. it really made my living room a much better place. i also find that the ikea in hicksville has good stock on all things black since long island is more of a beige kind of town 🙂
Your living room looks wonderfu! I love the contrast of everything, and yet the way it all flowstogether within the same color pallette.
Earlier this year I purchased that same couch, and have not been able to find a rug worthy of it (i’ve been dreaming of the Karlstad for awhile before slpurging on it). I’ve been eyeing this rug at IKEA as a possible option, but haven’t been able to make a commitment. Seeing it paired perfectly in your living room gives me a preview of what they look like together… hmmmm…..
p.s. may I ask the source for the reverse-raindrop pillows?
I’ve very happy with the Karlstad. We’ve had it for about four years now I think, and we also have the loveseat version in the apartment. Can’t beat the price, that’s for sure!
The raindrop pillows are from CB2 🙂
Thanks!
Just wondering what the pic above the chair in the corner is, the colours swirly looking one? It’s just beautiful. But then, the whole room is just awesome.
Thanks Kirsty! The picture above the chair is just a photograph of smoke that’s been digitally colored in a rainbow hue. 🙂
Hello Anna,
I really like this rug everytime I see it, but it makes me kind of dizzy when I look at it (I mean in real life!)
The room is beautiful.
Do you mean dizzy in a bad way, like that it gives you vertigo??
Hi Anna,
em, no, not as bad as vertigo, but I can´t look at the rug for long, because the black and white pattern tends to “mix” and I can´t focus very well, so it feels kind of dizzy, but it stops when I don´t look. Actually I think it´s an eyesight thing (I have astigmatism) and it´s difficult for me to focus on certain pictures or patterns. Did you get these 3d dot pictures that were everywhere (ages ago)? I was never able to discover the “real” image inside them and I never knew why until a doctor explained that it was because of my astigmatism… and then I was SO relieved!! Hahahaha.
I´m chuffed to bits that you answered, tee-hee.
that rug was well worth the chase! Your pink pillows are fabulous as well 🙂
Man, that looks terrific, girl – and why did I think you had that carpet before, I wonder? Prolly because it’s exactly what you should have had all along, I guess… excellent score! (So satisfying, no?) Wonderful. I hope your furry little boy remains a good DRY boy!!
Hehe…yes, that rug and I were meant to be!!
Love the little pops of color. I feel like I’m not cool enough to have a room like that in my home. It looks great!
Looks lovely.
It looks so beautiful and makes me wish I had even 1/2 of your design talent.
Good boy Bruno ; )
Hi Anna,
Can I ask about your pictures? What height do you hang the frames? (I’m about to starting hanging and lots of online advice looks too high to me.) Thanks.
Hi Liz, I hang everything at 63″ on center. If I’m hanging a group of things, I go by the overall center point of the group. Obviously I make exceptions to the rule if there’s furniture/shelving involved.
Hi Anna! All looks amazing! I have been sporadically checking on the Rand rug in our Ikea too but to no avail….it was there about 6 months ago and when I went to buy it recentlly….nothing and no date for when it’s next available! Pass snuggles to Bruno for being such a great little lad!
love the cohesive design, and your little bruno, are you able to use the fireplace in winter?
I like how Fritz photo-bombed your pictures! 🙂
Looks great btw! 🙂
My first thought when I saw the first picture was “the rug, the rug – she got the rug!” 🙂
Looks fabulous! And I love the African textile on the back of your sofa…and the bits, not “pops” 😉 of hot pink…
I know!! And you didn’t even have to mail it to me. 😉
(Hahaha, yeah, you know how I feel about “pops”!!)
That rug is gorgeous — just like the rest of the room! Such great taste.
And this is a pointless thing to add, but I love how clean your floors always look.
Looking good!
You have motivated me to buy some dark paint. Thinking hallway and maybe bedroom next.
I absolutely love love love everything about your living room. Such amazing style. We have a similar white fireplace and I’d love to paint the wall behind it dark, but unfortunately we’re still renting. One day…!
Your landlord won’t let you paint?! I never understand that kind of thing!
there isn’t one thing i dont like about your space! Matte black wall is fantastic! I’d love to have a matte black wall in my future home as well and the pops of fuschia is beautiful! Very modern and chic! Great job!
Is that a cushion cover or throw blanket on the back cushions of the couch? Where is it from? I love it! Congrats on a beautiful room (I found you on Pinterest!)
Hi Kate, that’s an Malian mud cloth (bògòlanfini) on the back of the couch. If you search for “African mud cloth” on eBay you can usually find a few. They’re really beautiful! I have an indigo one on the bed in my guestroom.
Hi -all the way from Sydney, Australia! I soooo love your blog and following your home makeover projects! Your living room looks fab and I was wondering if you’d mind sharing the details of the coffee table? Thanks a bunch!
Thanks, Laura! The coffee table came from CB2.
Oh YES!!!!!! Perfection is in the details…I love how uncluttered yet accessorized it is, I have a hard time not putting out all my favorite tchockies (sp?) all at once. I’m taking this as a lesson in curating!
Never “curate”! Your house is not a museum. Keep what you love, and put things where it makes YOU happy to see them. Clutter can be beautiful!
gorgeous space Anna! you’re making me want to redecorate. 🙂
Love everything about your living room. Everything!
congrats on your new rug
what a feeling when it’s finally yours, huh?
enjoy!
I love your retro lounge chair, by the way!
danish vintage?
best wishes
Open^house blog, Norway
have you tried putting something inside your fireplace, btw?
huge candles look amazing. 🙂
Perhaps some decorative logs one day, we’ll see…
Yes, been there and done that—I prefer it empty 🙂
anna i love this. it looks like a space people actually live in and not some design experiment.
Hahah, I assume by “people” you mean me and Evan?
ha ha ha yes! awfully sick of people decorating their homes to look like museums not actual homes. it looks like a nice functional space. your blog is always fantastic inspiration. thanks!
That black and white rug just makes the room. Love the design! The old fireplace is pretty cool too though.
hi anna,
i’m wondering how you like your karlstad sofa. how do you feel it’s held up? is it comfortable, or do the cushions lose support? i’m thinking about buying the sectional b/c that’s what will work well in our space and i like how affordable it is! i currently have crate and barrels petrie couch and i love it so much, mid-century lines. but i cant’ afford the petrie sectional, and really just want something to get me through my kids, then splurge when they’re done spilling food and spitting up. would love to hear how it’s holding up for you! thanks!!!
Hi Suzanna, sorry, I missed this question the other day! Yes, we’ve been very happy with the Karlstad—no loss of support in the cushions at all. We also have the loveseat version in the apartment, and that one’s been great as well. Plus, the covers come off and can be washed. 🙂
anna, thanks so much for the response! we are seriously considering it!! just saw the photo of the loveseat – love the painted legs!!
Still rug-less here. [sigh] 9 years you say?
Such a perfect balance of modern and vintage. I just bought the Karlstad sofa and chaise and absolutely love it, but I haven’t been able to talk my roommate into the Stockholm rug. I can’t win all of the design battles… 🙂
Maybe Brungo just didn’t like the look of your ex rugs?
Hi Anna,
I always try to search through your blog before being another person asking you for the source for something… That said, I can’t find where the pink-ish/wine/magenta pillows in your living room these photos are from and would be very grateful if you could share the source. Thanks so much–your blog and design sense are endlessly inspiring!
Hi Lena, they’re hot pink and they’re from IKEA!
Hi Anna, could you please tell me where the tv console is from?
Hi Muoi, it’s from IKEA, but unfortunately I think that line (ANGA) has been discontinued.
Thanks, Anna!
I love the combination of black, white, charcoal, and magenta.
Hey Anna –
Wondering where your floor lamp is from. It’s gorgeous!
Thanks, Megan — it’s from West Elm, but unfortunately it’s long gone. I’ve had it for 8 years.
Hi Anna, I LOVE your style! Just wondering what size rug you got…I’m contemplating the same one and can’t decide what size would be best for my space.
The picture above the chair (rainbow smoke)- did you do that? If so, you should put it in your shop. It’s lovely! I’d buy it.
Hi Marissa, it’s a stock photo I colorized a long time ago—not really my style of work these days. 😉
Hi Anna, I second Susana’s question – would you mind sharing which size you got? I know I should be able to judge by looking at the sofa, but I am terrible at that sort of thing. IKEA are having a 20% off rugs sale here in Australia and I can’t let the Stockholm get away again! Thanks 🙂
Hi Ellen, the sofa is 80″ (I just looked on the IKEA site), and the rug is probably about10″ longer.
Recognized this place as your on HGTV today (3rd photo) :http://www.hgtvremodels.com/interiors/top-mantel-design-ideas/pictures/index.html
I love the pop of color, though I’m not a pink person. Nice job!
How is this rug holding up after these years? I’m thinking of buying one but it will get heavy use.
Hi Cindy, I’ve only had the rug for two years, but it still looks great. It’s really nice quality, but I’m not sure I’d recommend it for a heavy-traffic area only because you’ll have a very hard time keeping it clean. Black and white stripes really are the worst of all worlds in that regard!
Hi Anna! Great review of the Stockholm rug. I’m considering buying it for my living room (a high-traffic area adorned with two energetic kids and crawling baby). Do you recommend it for this type of room/lifestyle? How has it held up over time for you? Is cleaning difficult? Thanks for your input!