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Room Love & Inspiration

Happy Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Amongst client projects, I’m trying to work on a couple (or three) rooms in my home this year.  Besides my bedroom, the family room is what’s commanding my immediate attention. I haven’t shown the entire room on the blog except for the fireplace wall which is across from the sofa. (The mantel has changed about six times since that post and the wall colour has changed as well!)

Last year, my blue velvet sofa from Decor Rest arrived but I haven’t shown it yet because it is just calling for a beautiful piece of art above it. (I have had a mirror above it and 3 large photographs.) If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen the sofa with my painter’s tape above to see what size painting would work best.

I would love to do another art wall over the sofa like in my living room because I love the personality and meaning it brings to a room. The photo below was snapped during a shoot early last year.

Photography: K West Images

Sometimes when decorating it takes awhile for you to figure out what a room needs and what you really love. And for me it is a large scale painting.

I had pinned this photo awhile ago and to say I am in love with this room would be a huge understatement.

That painting! Katie Leede & Company

via Pinterest. Room design by Katie Leede.
What makes this room in my mind is the large scale painting. Don’t you think? I think it’s the prettiest painting I have ever seen. I tried to see if the artist’s name was mentioned on Houzz but no luck. (I sent an email to Katie’s company but haven’t heard back as of yet. If I do, I will be sure to update the post with the artist’s name. It might even be Katie herself!)
The painting, slip covered sofa, blue textiles and floor lamp are the elements in the room that I love.
(PS I met Katie at the Elle Decor Showhouse in NYC last year and we had a lovely chat about her textiles (she has her own line) which were used in the room she designed. Very pretty!) 
So, I have commissioned Andrada to create a 48×48 painting for over the sofa.  Of course it won’t/can’t look like the painting above but it provides inspiration as to the feel I hope to achieve. I know I sound like a broken record but original art can transform any space and it doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars. Andrada did this painting for my dining room and this painting for a client.
Stay tuned for the reveal in a month or so. I’m also looking for some other pieces for the room and contemplating an Ikea hack of sorts. 
Have you been inspired by an image lately? If so, please share in the comments. I’m hoping to ask some of my favourite bloggers to share a room image that has inspired them and how they incorporated it into their space.
Have a happy week!
If you need design advice, please contact me at vanessa(at)vanessafrancis.com to discuss your project.

What do you think?

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7 Comments
  • Laurie
    February 4, 2013

    Love oversized art – can’t wait to see.

    Reply
  • Wendy
    February 4, 2013

    Love it Vanessa! So calming and I too love large original artwork ~

    Reply
  • Catherine Alison Interiors
    February 4, 2013

    I’d love into that room with you, Vanessa! I’m thinking of getting one of her pieces for above my empty couch. I’ve holding back as I haven’t found what I think as a price point I’m comfortable with.

    Reply
  • jody vanB
    February 4, 2013

    Vanessa, can’t wait to see your large commissioned piece! Gallery Walls seem to be so hot right now. I love how you can make a tiny piece of original art look more prominent with a large mat and classic frame. It’s so interesting to see the evolution of your rooms. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • Kim@Chattafabulous
    February 4, 2013

    Looking forward to seeing your new art piece – how exciting to have a commission piece done!

    http://www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com

    Reply
  • redesigningsarah.com
    February 5, 2013

    I love art and am often inspired by the colours and the movement in abstract pieces. I am a huge sucker for black and white images – especially portraiture. It’s like the person is talking to you through their photo. Look forward to seeing the piece you’ve commissioned!

    Reply
  • Kelly @ JAX does design
    February 5, 2013

    Andarada is an amazing artist, I know she’ll create something beautiful for your family room 🙂 I agree, big artwork can really make a space. Original artwork is the best – it’s unique and is a much better reflection of you and what you love than art from a box store. And as you said, original and/or commissioned artwork doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Look for an up-and-coming artist whose work you love, and start there 🙂

    Reply
Thank you for stopping by. So glad you’re here. Décor Happy is a blog by Milton, Ont.-based interior decorator Vanessa Francis of Vanessa Francis Interior Design. On the blog, I share a behind-the-scenes look at client projects, along with design ideas and inspiration.

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