Traditional Christmas Living Room Tour 2017

It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is already in full swing.  I’m probably the world’s slowest decorator, and I’ve been very slowly decorating my home for the holidays this year.  It seems like everyone is way ahead of me.  Oh well, I’m finally finished and so happy to share my home with you today.  I’m also linking up with the Jennifer Rizzo Holiday Housewalk Link Party.

I shared our den/living room a couple of weeks ago. You can see that here.  Today, I’m sharing our main floor living room.  While I would hardly describe myself or my home as formal, this is the more formal living space in our home.  Our front door opens right up into this room.  This is the view you see when you enter our home.  Come on in!

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I haven’t shared this space in our home much this past year, and I have been slowly transforming it since my holiday tour last year.   We use this space to watch TV, but because of all the windows and lack of walls, the only place for it is above the fireplace.  I really didn’t like to have to always have it visible, especially since it’s the first thing you see as you walk in the front door.   So, last January I designed a cabinet with hinged doors for over the fireplace.  I had my cabinet maker build it to match the style of our kitchen cabinets and crown molding for continuity and flow in this open space.  Now the TV can be hidden away when not in use (which, to be honest, is hardly ever. Ha!).

I hung a wreath on the doors and a simple fresh garland and some twinkle lights from the mantle, and it smells amazing.  It’s messy, but worth it.

I also opted for a real Christmas tree this year.  It’s is a Silver Tip Fir.  I love the sparse look, and minimal decorations.  The tree is so beautiful, it didn’t need much ornamentation.  Just a string of lights, and a few white balls and snow flakes.  I’m planning to make ornaments with my kids over the holiday break, and so I left space to add the homemade decorations as we make them.

The other big change in this space is the new sofas and coffee table.  My old sofas were over ten years old, and getting really worn out.  I resuscitated them twice – first with new cushions and then with slipcovers – and that helped.  But, they were looking shabby (not in a good way) and it was time for them to go.  We replaced them with new Carlisle slipcovered sofas from Pottery Barn (the fabric is the basketweave oatmeal slub).  I love them so much!  The are a classic English roll arm style with a single bench cushion.  I am a huge fan of washable slipcovers, and for me they are a must with light colored furniture. The coffee table is the oak French relief from Restoration Hardware.

The rug is this jute chevron rug, and I am so happy with it, too.  It adds texture and pattern but still is neutral.  It is soft, durable, and really affordable.

Louie is always in the room watching me when I am photographing.  He seems to approve of the new furniture.

My Christmas decor is a mix of old and new.  I certainly don’t go out and buy all new decor each year, but it’s nice to add a new piece here and there.  I also like to use my old pieces in new ways and places.

I have had the wood deer for years, and it is one of my favorites.  The vintage brass candlesticks and the red plaid throw were Goodwill finds this year.  The taper candles are from Trader Joes and they are the best.  Only about $3 for a pack of 8, they last a long time and don’t drip.

I made the simple wreath over the fireplace using a grapevine wreath I had in the garage.  I just attached some fresh and faux greenery with floral wire, and then hung the brass bells I had from last year.

I added a couple of new pillow covers this year.

The white desk is a vintage piece that I painted a couple of years ago.  The vintage office chair a Goodwill find.   My son and I found the old vintage sled at a garage sale a couple of summers ago.  I love the grayed out patina and rusty metal.  It’s fun to pull out for the winter.  Fresh rose hips in a glass bottle add a simple pop of red.

And that my friends is my Christmas living room tour.  I really do appreciate you stopping by for a visit!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!