The "not-so" Great Room

Welcome, friends !!  Ah, the flowers are blooming ... the grass is turning green ... and Spring is in the air !!  Yay !!

Yes, it's time to throw open the pollen-laden windows and spruce the place up a bit.  Come on in and take a peek at our great room !!  Unfortunately, I had to replace my computer, and I lost a lot of my pics.  So, let's just pretend you saw this room when it had matching green recliners, green sofa and animal print rug (it was just too matchy-matchy).  *Yawn*

NOW, here we are with a racy red sofa ... updated fireplace ... comfy, striped accent chairs and a traditional, larger rug with all the colors I love.  (Feel free to click on pics to make them larger.)

Having my husband's permission to "retire" the recliners, I promised him I'd choose super comfy chairs and add an ottoman to "his" chair so he can rest his hoofs.  The chairs I selected literally *suck you in* ... great for "Lifetime" movie days !!  They are *dressed* in a really pretty striped *satin-y* fabric.  I chose a coordinating paisley fabric for the ottoman, oversized pillows and toppers to the panels framing the french doors.

                           

On to the fireplace ... updated the mantle by adding matching floral arrangements on each side (the "before" shot is in my header) ... not the greatest (need to add some gold flowers in there), but they'll do for now !!

I *just* found this beautiful, petite chair at a local antique store. The fabric is gorgeous in person ... it's a *satin-y* gold (which ties in nicely with my accent chairs), and the uphostery tacks are such a great accent !! I really do like antiques ... but, may I just say that I'm always a bit spooked by the stories that *could* be behind them ... I know that sounds weird. I asked the gentleman I bought it from to please do the voodoo/ghost removal ceremony before I left. He laughed and waved his hands in a silly fashion over the chair ... I'm sure he thought I was ker-azy !!

My parents have this same accent chest in their home.  I loved it so much, I just *had* to have one for our home, too.  It's the perfect size and height for the niche that is right beside our fireplace.  Too, the drawers are nice and deep, serving as great storage, too !!

A closer look (even though it makes the background color look more beige vs. gold-ish):

Just a little side table:

This brown/black accent table also serves as great storage for more of my knick-knacks.  I'm just never satisfied with it, nor the accessories on it, as it seems a bit "blah" ... so, I just ordered gold mirrored lamps to replace the monkey ones ... I'm hoping they do the trick !!

My Easter bunnies, which used to be in my kitchen, found a new home here, too:

 We just recently added the chair molding and shadowboxes to this wrap around half wall.  I love how it ties in with the same molding/shadowboxes that in the neighboring dining room (not pictured):

This inexpensive, fun table runner came from HomeGoods. I thought it would lighten up the otherwise dark coffee table a bit.

And, of course, seeing as I'm on a shell kick lately, I filled this glass bowl on the coffee table with gifts from the sea:

Well, folks, that's all I got.  I'm open to any and all suggestions to improve my space !!  And, too, I give you my solemn promise to learn better photography skills !!  I'm very envious of all you talented peeps who know how to shoot in the right light, at the right angle and make your pics look as though they're jumping out of the computer.  Your talents are inspiring me !!

Thanks again for stopping by,

I'm linking up with:

Metamorphosis Monday at BNOTP

Make Your Monday at Twice Remembered

Made it Monday at Persimmon Perch

Make it for Monday at Cottage Instincts

Toot Your Horn Tuesday at A Silly Little Sparrow

The Spring Mantel Party at A Soft Place to Land

Before and After Party at Thrifty Decor Chick