Welcome to the first ever Designer Mailbag!  I’ve been working on this concept for quite some time and I’m so glad to be premiering it today.  Each month I will assist one lucky blog reader with their design dilemma.  And even better, there will be a new sponsor each month.  Each design solution I propose includes a free giveaway from the sponsor to help get you going!  Be sure to send in your Designer Mailbag questions and photos to info@tobifairley.com with “Designer Mailbag” in the subject line.

Dear Tobi,
I need your help!  I am having so much trouble with this big wall in my living room.  I want a relaxed style for my family, perhaps a bit of coastal influence.  How would you make this wall really stand out?  Thank you so much and I hope you pick me!
Ashley, Jonesboro, Arkansas

Hi Ashley!
I’m so glad I’m able to help you with this problem!  You’re off to a good start but I can help you pull it all together.  I sketched what this part of the room could look like:

Another photo that you sent showed the boxwood urns on the mantle.  They  looked a little large for that area.  Placing them here really ties in the garden plan prints you have hanging on the wall.    Take some large scale books and wrap them in a green paper to create a bold statement with your accessories.  A clever way to hide the toys in the basket would be to top it all off with floor cushions!

You said that you might want a bit of a coastal influence.  Perhaps a curiosity box like the one I used at the Energy House would give you that taste of the ocean you desire:

You could place a display box like this between your stacks of books on the console.

I propose a few ottomans from Pottery Barn for a more flexible seating option:

Gabriella Upholstered Stool

A new lamp could add a nice punch of color!

Robert Abbey Triple Gourd Lamp

For a little impact, add a few graphic pillows to your sofa.  How about having a few made with linen yardage from the Tobi Fairley Home fabric collection?

Chinese Chirpendale Linen in Kelly
Available by the Yard

 

To make your cocktail ottoman more functional in front of the sofa, consider a tray from Dabney Lee!

Square Lucite Tray with Green Medallion Insert

And every seating area should have a place to land a drink!  For your ikat-covered side chair, I’ve selected the World’s Away Gold Leaf Nesting Tables from ShopTen25.

Gold Leaf Nesting Tables
ShopTen25

And here’s the great news…

This month’s Designer Mailbag is sponsored by ShopTen25.  ASHLEY – YOU ARE RECEIVING A SET OF THE GOLD LEAF NESTING TABLES FROM SHOPTEN25 ABSOLUTELY FREE!!! 

I want to thank ShopTen25 for sponsoring today’s post!  Please visit their website and view all of the fabulous merchandise available. 

shop|ten|25 website

 Ashley, I hope this information helps you to make your living room amazing! xo Tobi