Our Nixon sofa set arrived last week, and we are in love with it. Jeremy picked out this color and I think he did a great job! The couches are bigger and comfier than I imagined they would be. Now we just need some more fuzzy blankets and pillows! 
I'm loving the decorating process in this new home. I think I'm the kind of person who needs to do all the basics and then add small details over time. I find it easier to choose large pieces than small details. How long did it take you to settle in to your current home? xo. Elsie
153 Comments
So cute!
It already looks very nice 🙂
The couch is beautiful
Elsie, I absolutely love your living room! I’m sure when you’re done decorating it, it will look beautiful! I mean it already is beautiful! I love your style, it’s very unique! I’m attracted to the color of you’re sofas. Oh, and I love that orange pillow, super cute! You’re such a talented person! God bless your heart!
Love the stacked metal crates, and the colors she used in the apartment. So simple!
-Melissa
http://shakeshakee.blogspot.com
i looove the way you decorate. can’t wait to see it when it’s all finished!
~niki <3
http://youngandimmortal.blogspot.com/
Elsie, I absolutely adore your decorating style! I really love those wood floors and that couch. I cannot wait for more of your house; I’m only 15 and won’t have a house for a while, but I love doing little things to my bedroom. 😀 I emailed you a couple days ago about visiting your local store, too. Thanks for all the interior design inspiration!
xo, Ella
http://anoldfashionedgirlblog.blogspot.com
so so pretty! I have my eye on that ikea rug!
Love the colors
I’m happy to hear your couch is comfy – I’ve got a Thrive couch on order, and I can’t wait to get it, but it’s so nerve-wracking to buy something like that online! I got the amber color, but I love the color he chose too 🙂
We’ve been in our new house over a year, and we’re still decorating and landscaping and adding more “grown-up” furniture (aka NOT alley or thrift store finds, haha). It’s a fun process!
A year and a half later and I’m still settling. I often forget I’ve been here that long and mistakenly tell people I’ve only been here maybe 7 or 8 months. I’m so bad with time.
I do like to take my time decorating. It keeps me from making too many regret purchases.
Love the retro sofas (color is fab!) … And loving the vintage bar cart. Funny, sometimes I find the little stuff the easiest part. Have fun & enjoy the process.
I love that rug! I just added the same one to my ikea wish list along with the black and white striped one. Can wait to get to my new space and decorate! I’m glad you’re loving your new place!
I absolutely love the blue couches with the orange. It would be cool if you were able to find a chandelier painted orange or light aqua. But I absolutely love it! beautiful
I love the blue color of the couches and the vibrant rug! I have lived in my apartment for a year but I still have quite a few pieces of artwork that I need to hang.
My husband and I have been in our house for almost a year and we’ve barely settled. Every room in the house is getting a complete makeover, as well as the exterior. I think it’s safe to say that not a single update was made since the 70s. But, we love it and the character it has and no matter how exhausted we get repairing plaster, painting, and digging up the yard, we know its totally worth it to make it our own.
I love those plants and I also really like the stacked metal crates too!
Carlee
http://almostendearing.blogspot.com/
I love love love the space you created! The pop of color on the couch to the cool book crates are all so unique! You are doing a great job making this space your own–such a good feeling 🙂
How do you do such smooth arrows?! Mine are always shaky!
And I love coming up with decorating ideas! So fun!
I’ve been in my apartment for 3 years now and I still haven’t settled in yet. So I think you’re doing a great job with your house! 🙂
I just seem to be getting around to deciding where everything goes and I’ve been through an decluttering process after I read your article in this blog about your wardrobe! 🙂 So thanks for the encouragement and the inspiration.
I am really enjoying being able to follow the transformation of your house on here!
Leigh, Are you using a tablet? It always helps me to zoom in. Also, try different brushes- some are more jagged than others. 😀
ARGH your couch is amazing! I am so jealous. My boyfriend has recently purchased a 60s home and I am trying desperately to convince him to go modern retro for the interiors, but he is so boring and cliche. I would LOVE to have a couch and rug like this! (He is scared of colour…).
I will keep at him, and maybe I will have progress like this one day.
i love the living room! it has a great feel to it (:
http://www.styleandshades.blogspot.com
Beautiful! I love creative decorating! Cute bookshelf/end table idea!
Theresa
http://bomamma.blogspot.com
Oh my goodness … I LOVE your sofa and chair. It’s really nice that it looks so cool but is still brand new. While I am a huge fan of vintage furnishings, the thought of soft/fabric things that I’m going to snuggle up against, being second-hand kind of gives me the heebie-jeebies. I wish we knew about this manufactuer when we were buying our sofa and chair! And Jeremy did pick a great colour.
Love your space! Looks awesome already. Can’t wait to see it when you are finished.
~FringeGirl
Two years later we’re still settling in! I think I was so excited to move into a house we hastily decorated and now I’m going back and carefully moving things and taking things away. It already feels cleaner! I love the molding on all the doorways and windows. Something that’s on my dream home wishlist!
I like the piece of clothing hanging up. Fashion can be art, especially if you have a gorgeous dress you don’t get to pull out and actually wear often. What a nice idea.
As for settling…2.5 years and still not settled. I change my mind a lot 🙂
Your place looks great so far! That bar cart/side table. Very nice!
I love this!
I love the color of the sofa and the romper on the wall. How did you get that idea? Will you change it from time to time?
Valentina
http://valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com/
looks great! we have lived in our(tiny) home for a little over 2 years and it wasnt until about 3 months ago that we really discovered how to utilize our space. its just now starting to feel like home! happy decorating! xoxo Jess
love the new couch! always love getting to peek into others houses and observe decorating styles 🙂
http://floatingthrufields.blogspot.com/
Your decorating is so, so inspiring. I’m also in love with the colour of your new couches – good pick Jeremy! 🙂
I’m in love with that couch!!! Sadly I could never had something similar as my cats would love to scratch on it!! 🙂
Looks adorable!
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/
Beautiful! cant wait till we have a home to decorate, but will make a home out if apartment life for now.
We have a Nixon too, we had some manufacturing flaws but Thrive was quick to fix. Love that blue! We have the grey sofa but I’d like to get a chair.
the couch is amazing!!
if you only knew how much you inspire me…
<3
LOVE your space and your blog! I would love to help you fill your walls with some custom portraits. All I need is a photo and I can create a painting in any color combo you like! Check out my work here (still working on my etsy site, so my business is only on Facebook for now). http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.301325243250329.63106.121906634525525&type=3
Hope you like them! <3
Megan
Pitter Patter Creations
It looks amazing so far! I would definitely vote for a chandelier for the lighting… they add so much whimsy and awesomeness.
Beautiful! <3
Love those stacked metal crates! What a cute idea. And, that color of the couch is fabulous!
Isn’t That Charming.
love that couch! This post made me wish my apartment was bigger!
I just LOVE the couch set!! I love the color and the orange pillow!! So beautiful!!!
I love how it’s coming along! It looks so personal and unique, especially the colors together. I think the metal crates as a night table are my favorite part so far, but I can’t wait to see the final room!
You have to buy a chandelier! Or better yet… make DIY chandelier!
Hi Elsie! Love it all- where’d those plant baskets come from? Need them! 🙂
Love it! GREAT sneak peek! 😉
Xx
http://kendra-genevieve-rose.blogspot.com
Ellis, I picked them up at a flea market. :))
I love your living room so far! I can’t wait to see your official house tour!
Looks great Elsie! Can’t wait to see what “fun art” you hang on the walls.
I think it took me about a year to really, really feel settled 🙂 and now i am ready to redo it!
It all looks so together already.
I find choosing light fittings takes time too.
My Nana was called Elsie btw xo
Love, love love the colors in your living room. The orange and blue are so vibrant and lively. Truly beautiful together
Beautiful! 🙂
http://inavintageworld.blogspot.com.es/2012/10/pumpkin-soup-crema-de-calabaza.html
Wow! Love the vintage style! That coach is gorgeous
and love the carpet! Great living room! Would love to have one like that:).
x
http://dipitblack.com
yeyy i love this kinda posts!
xx
http://www.ireneccloset.com
Your living room looks lovely! My living room is so crammed full of stuff, it’s a higgedly piggledy mess! Living room envy right here! x
I’m still in process, I’ve been for four years at my currently home but till last year I didn’t decided to decorate…
Unfurtunatelly I don’t know about any places like the ones in your town so the process has become a nonstop search.
Have a nice day!
Borondy.
http://borondyspurpleplanet.blogspot.com.es/
I love this – and the sofas are just perfect in style and color! 🙂
Swoon!
I too like the rug 🙂
The Lovelorn
I hope a piece of artwork by your Mum will hang on a wall in your lovely house.
I love the colour of the sofas!
LUXESSED
I like the metal crates and vintage lamps that give the room the vintage look. The nixon couch adds a pint of great color to the room. Would love to see more small details you would add for the place.
Anh
http://fabnfun.com
It looks GREAT! Although I was curious as to why you decided to put the books in the crates backwards?
Maria xx
http://www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com
i love your style elsie!
Your house will be so beautiful when everything’s done! I love the couch, it looks so comfortable. I’ve also seen the fireplace is a previous post and I would just love to have something like that! You are truly lucky.
I think it’s just urrfect. My dream couch…..
Oh I am totally the same way, I love to slowly gather things and prolong the process 🙂 But even with that I like to plan things out and even start gathering stuff before I move. I just recently moved into my first apartment on my own, and I am loving the process of being able to decorate an entire space without having to ask anyone else what they think. Here is a little sneak peek on how my apartment is coming along so far : http://adventuringnymph.blogspot.ca/2012/09/settling-in.html. Let me know what you think 🙂
Love your living room, esp. the couch. We’ve been in our home for 12 years and things change here all the time. I can’t decide on a theme and stick to one thing. I add new things and take things away all the time.
It looks amazing!!! I just moved into a new home and have the exact same carpet in our living room 😉 in yours, it creates quite a different look, though!
I don’t think she needs more pillows, I like the way it is|
where’s the jumpsuit from? too cute 🙂
After 6 weeks we still haven’t put our wardrobe up and our (rented) magnolia walls are in dire need of some extra details…but one of these years I’m sure we’ll get round to it :)I love the colour of your sofas!
I like everything about your living room already, but especially your blue couches. Love to see your progress.
Usually three or four months for the basics and for the details… a life
I am falling in love with your sofas are really amazing ! I dont think that can found its here .
Elsie, the room already looks so great! Where will you be looking for art for the walls? I always give up empty handed after trawling through etsy for hours. Do you have any go to websites for really great affordable art?
Your home is like a dream
http://mykitschworld.blogspot.com.es
It’s looking gorgeous already! Really love the sofa colour – looks very comfy and cosy 🙂
Those couches are beautiful!
I also start with just little decorating and try to add up over time 🙂 It makes flea markets so much fun!
I absolutely LOVE your couch! It’s really nice to have a pop of color but because it’s not really a bright color I can’t imagine getting bored of it easily. I wouldn’t add a lot of pillows though, I love this combination with just one pillow! The only thing I was wondering about was why you stacked the books that way. Wouldn’t it be easier to pick a book if the front was visible? Your flooring is absolutely incredible too!
I cannot wait for the full home tour!
I have been loving all your little tips on interior design. My boyfriend is hoping to buy his first house soon and I plan to help decorate tehe!
PS the archway leading from your bedroom to the TV room sounds DIVINE!
Sarah x
The sofa is awesome! I instantly fell in love.
Thanks for sharing
I love the couch and the metal crates are a really good idea!
Turquoise and Orange – my favourite ever colour combination – looks brilliant 🙂
So beautiful! I moved in a new home just a couple months ago, but since it’s an University flat I don’t think I am allowed to bring in many changes.. such a pity, your pics are so inspiring! 🙂
Big hugs from Sweden,
Mijbil
Great pictures, Elsie! I agree that Jeremy did a great job choosing your couch color. I have lived in my apartment for more than six months and have yet to finish decorating. It’s my first time living without a roommate, so I have total decorating freedom. But I have too many ideas, so it’s difficult to narrow them down. haha.
http://viennawaitsblog.blogspot.com/
Great job!! it looks beautiful!
Kisses
<3Val
http://www.beautyval13.blogspot.com.ar
You have such a great eye Elsie! Such a great room. I really like the colours – and that rug! Swoon. We’ve been in our place 14 months now (renting) and we are still faffing around decorating! I’ve actually posted about it on my blog yesterday 🙂
That is such a great couch! Love the color adds a nice pop!
I’m obsessed with those lamps. When I was redoing my bedroom over the summer I was looking for a lamp exactly like that but at an affordable price point. I could never find one that was perfect so I chose something different entirely. But I still love them!
xoxo
Megan
http://www.arayofsunblog.com
Elsie i LOVE the colour scheme….well the orange and blue…really retro. Ah cant wait to see it all done and dusted, j’adore xxxx
Be careful putting plants on hardwood. When I purchased my home it was full of dark black circles due to the previous owner putting her plant pots directly on the wood floors.
Good luck for redecorating everything! It already looks great so far 🙂
It looks fabulous so far Elsie! A little at a time and it all comes together especially for the art work….it takes me a good three to six months when I move houses before I can say “okay we are almost there” thanks for sharing with us!
Hi, anyone knows the plant’s name in the last photo?
Thanks!
Nat
Fantastic couch and pillow! Love the colors so much! Thrive Furniture definitely makes me happy!
Also the crates are a great addition! Can’t wait for more sneak peeks!
Nat, we call them Snake plants. I have also heard people call them “mother in law’s tongue”. They are an air purifying plant & easy to find 😀 XO!
Kirsty,
I might make some art. I have been looking on Etsy, but it’s not as easy to find bigger pieces (that aren’t photo posters). I will definitely post about this if/when I find some good stuff! XOXO.
Jade,
It’s actually a swimsuit from the 50s. My grandmother bought it on her honeymoon and it’s one of my favorite things. 😀
If I could have that blue couch and throw pillow, I somehow think life would be better! Seriously though, I love this! Great stuff so far!
your living room looks very cozy. i love the simplicity of the space. the baskets with greenery is gorg….can’t wait to see what else you pick up!
xoxo
So adorable! I’m very jealous of the couch.
http://collegiatelifestyle.wordpress.com/
Love the swimsuit on the wall! Sofa’s are nice too!
I have a very obscure questions? Why did you add the books into to the metal crates with their spines in and not out – is it a ‘design’ option???
Love it! Especially the blue furniture and those woven baskets.
Elsie, this is amazing! I´m having exactly THIS RUG on my shopping list – plus i wanted a couch in THIS color! I just had no idea yet what color my pillows/ accessories shall become. I was thinking of mustard or dark violet or lime. I LOVE that color scheme!
Susan,
Yes- it’s just for the look. I was using the books to add neutral texture, didn’t want them to be a focal point. 😀
XO!
Awesome couch! I also really love those stacked crates
looks perfect, like out of a magazine!
xxx Lena
http://joyfuldiary.blogspot.de/
love love love !!!!!!!! http://malohatbb.blogspot.com/
You are inspiring me so much to redo my entire apartment. I do not know if it is a good thing or a bad thing haha!
Jessica Nichole
http://sundaymorningsimplicity.com
Lovely! I felt settled as soon as I had painted the walls and brought in my bed and my sofa, but it took a good year before the place stopped looking a bit on the bare side. I’m with you, though – I much prefer taking my time finding the perfect finishing touches; they all feel much more special that way.
The Nixon set!!! I’ve been saving for the Nixon set- well, the couch and chair. one day, one day. Hey, you should do a Nixon giveaway..?
Nice! I can’t wait to do some home-decorating of my own.
xx
http://www.naturally-christina.blogspot.com
I can’t wait to see more! So inspiring!
It’s looking great Elsie! I think you should definitely go for a chandelier in that room – it’s like adding jewelry to your space.. and every space needs a little jewelry! 😉 It’s always easier to work in layers when designing and decorating your space, so you’re definitely on the right track! Can’t wait to see it finished 🙂
love this! we just settled into our place n are busing making our rental feel like home! (thx for the post about small spaces it totally helped!) n we have the same rug in our dining room but in brown! =)
Love it already!! The metal crates are a great idea bye the way! xx
http://www.creativityandchocolate.blogspot.com
Such a gorgeous living room! One thing driving me crazy, though– why are the books all facing seam side in? :p
This is the most beautiful and attractive living rooms I think I’ve ever seen! I mean it’s honestly just gorgeous! The colors are so bright and the blue pops and yet it isn’t overwhelming. It’s so calm looking, I’m in looooove with hte style! Sweet!!
Finished decorating??? Never! My husband and I bought our 1931 Florida Cracker Shack 16 years ago. Honey, you’ll never be “finished!”
You have so many pretty details! I adore the color of your couch and the chill vibe this room has 😛 Im living in a dorm so it took me about 1 day to settle in ha!
xoxo missdottidee.blogspot.com
Beautiful!!!!
I love how this looks Elsie! So cute.
-Jess
http://Jessicas-Wonderland.blogspot.com
What a great space! I can’t wait to see your whole house!!
I adore Thrive Furniture, I dream of them shipping to the UK …
WOW! Elsie, your living room is amazing! I hope I am as talented and creative as you when I grow up!:)
http://peachesnthings.wordpress.com/
I love your decorating ideas, Elsie, and your husband sure knows how to pick a couch! It’s been 7 months and we are still settling into our house, but it didn’t help we were planning our wedding for 6 of those months 😉
I. Seriously. LOVE. that. couch. The metal crates are amazing as well. I can’t wait to see your home tour, Elsie. I’m sure it will be beautifully inspiring 🙂
I moved into a new apartment recently (after having to back home with my parents for 3 years). It was so refreshing to have my own space to decorate and style. Although I did a number on my parents’ house while I lived with them! 🙂 I have difficulty decorating with patience, but my apartment definitely feels like my sanctuary now. Enjoy the process!
If you’re looking for a statement piece of lighting, check out my feather chandeliers! They work in almost any setting.
http://saragelbert.com/housewares.html
Hello!
As a semi-regular reader of your blog (ever since my best friend, Judith, aka Rusty Cuts on Etsy, told me she sent you a Star Wars dress), I’ve been wanting to tell you about the art at the gallery I work for. It just seems to fit so much into what you guys are into, aesthetically and with the same kind of soul. For this post in particular, y’all needing art and what not, I just want to suggest you look at our website! It’s amazing and fun to look at even if you weren’t in the mood to buy art. I especially think you might like the fashion illustrations by Marjorie Ullberg!
http://www.lostartsalon.com/
Anyway, I love what you guys do, my beeswax candle is burning as I write this 🙂
xoxo Michelle
Wow! What an amazing space. I love that its connected to your bedroom. But what if you want to have a movie night with guests? Will you have another tv downstairs?
looks amazing! we have been in our house since Jan. and I have a really hard time deciding on the perfect pieces for every room. It’s slowly coming along.
I have that same rug and just love it. It is piece that everyone comments on and definitely looks worth far more than the price!
Dani // Andbubblegum.com
I absolutely adore the sofa!
The color of the furniture adds more vividness of the place. I love the design, theme and arrangement of the objects. It’s really a good job. Keep it up.
I am loving the colors FOR SURE! If you are looking for wonderful mixed media pieces to add color to your walls I think I can help! I am a mixed media artists with lots of pieces for sale. Just go to my blog and click on “My Creations” and you will see all that I have to offer. And if you dont see one you like completely I do special orders! 😉 Trust me… its worth taking a look!
This is looking really lovely. Simple, yet really stylish! It goes to show you need a few well-coordinated items as opposed to loooooads of expensive items to create a gorgeous space.
Alli xx
Elsie!, Emma!
I´m Julieta, a graphic designer from Argentina, and a “beautiful mess” Fan!
I love your blog and all your stuff in it!, i´m actually trying to start my own blog, so all your recommendations and tips are very useful.
I moved 2 months ago and still can´t finish decorating it. It´s really small but cozy. Right now i´m looking for some nice prints to put on the walls!, check out this blog: farfarhill.blogspot.com has beautifull high def. freebies to download (vintage magazine posters, and biological drawings, or vintage maps, etc….IT’S GREAT!).
Well congratulations! i love your blog and hope one day mine could become like yours (sorry about my english).
This is my online portfolio, so you can check it out: http://www.behance.net/julidominguez
xo!
I am so in love with your popping Mid-Century Modern sofas! So chic!
Chao
Poppie
http://thepoppie.com
I would also like to declare my love for your couch! I love that style and have been eyeing a similar style for a while now. The colour is magic. Absolutely stunning. The metal crates really set it off beautifully with that lamp too. Love the mix of textures, colours and materials. Beautiful. Beautiful.
I see you have some need for art! I am a 24 year old artist living in Nashville and I think my paintings might be the perfect thing- check out my website at http://www.longneckedladies.com. Thanks for your daily inspiration- A Beautiful Mess is my homepage 🙂
The crates are a great re-purpose!
http://www.leslimarie.com
Hi! For me, I have it more easy to choose all the details, but the big parts are always tricky for me, because a detail can be changes easily but the big parts cannot be change and it has so much importance in a room! I love the fact that you both (Jeremy and you) manage to create something together, I really like to create decors with my boyfriend, it is always inspiring!
Olive xox
Beautiful! I adore your couch (I must admit I have couch envy hehe)! I also have that ikea rug and I am loving it too 🙂
You are so creative! Love your blog! 🙂
Hi, Elsie! As ever, I am swooning at your posts today!
It just occurred to me that if you are looking to add some personal art to your room(s), you could perhaps ask your readers to each send beautiful cards or postcards, and make something – e.g. a collage or something – from them. Could be cute!
xx
Very cute! I love the couches especially–great colors 🙂
I just moved from CA to Holland to live with my boyfriend, and we find ourselves trying to decorate a 3-bedroom house on a -very- small budget. Over here, you have to put in everything yourself, even in a rental home, including floors, lights, stove, fridge–all of it. So it’s taking a lot of time just to get the basics in. I’m looking forward to being able to add the details! Especially when it comes to my studio room 😉
http://www.crochezjulie.com
Pretty! Although I have to ask…. why are your books backwards? How do you find the ones you want?
Nice^^
I love your couch.. and those metal baskets for storing magazines. Look forward to seeing which artworks you go with in the end.
I LOVE the wicker baskets for your plants! Where did you get them? Are they regular wicker baskets repurposed as planters? If so, how did you do that?
Q: I LOVE the wicker baskets for your plants! Where did you get them?
A: Hi! I thrifted them. They are regular baskets with plastic lining inside. 🙂
I’ve been searching for the perfect metal crates to do something just like this! Is your couch from Thrive? i love it!
xo
Amanda- yep. our couch is from Thrive. XOXO