Living room feature : Tracy

Tracy the Visual Merchandiser for our Wellington Store, takes us through her living room. 

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What is your favourite thing in your living room?

The walls and the exposed beam ceiling in white. We have recently rendered then painted the walls and exposed beam ceiling in Resene’s Half Black White interior paint. Previously the ceilings were exposed dark timber beams; painting them white has made our living room appear bigger, without losing the natural architecture of the house. I am inspired by the architecture and interiors of Scandinavian and European homes, cabins and summerhouses, so I knew we had to buy this house immediately when I saw it as I could see what we could do with it. Painting it all white instantly gave our living room that Scandi feel that I love. 

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How is your living room used most of the time?

As a place to relax together after a busy day; this is why I like to keep the tones calm and muted. It is the room we spend most of our home-life in, so it has to be versatile in whatever is happening whether it be; reading, listening to music, watching TV, hanging with friends and family, playing with our puppy, Pia. We get amazing natural light through our large windows in the late afternoons so it’s the perfect spot in summer to have that afternoon spritzer, or in the winter to snuggle up warm with a cosy throw and a book.

 

What is never missing from your coffee table?

Candles, small vases of flowers or foliage, and usually not far away is a cup of tea and a nice design book or home décor magazine. 

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How many cushions & how often do you change them out?

Our current sofa is quite small so usually 3 or 4 cushions, but ideally I would like 5 (however this doesn't give much space for sitting on the current sofa!). I mix up their placement every few weeks but I only change them for new cushion covers every few years. I prefer to choose wisely and invest in buying cushion designs tonally so they that won't date and will last for several seasons.
 

Can your share a styling tip for the living room?

Invest in a good rug and mirror. This will make your living room cosy, but also appear spacious. Probably the two things I couldn’t live without in our Living room are the Hahne mirror from Citta's Copenhagen collection a few years ago, and the Lohas Jute rug from IKEA. Our living room is small so the mirror opens up the space and makes it appear larger than it actually is. I love the texture and rawness of natural material jute rugs and this Lohas one is a beauty for creating a calm well-balanced space. 

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Can your share a styling tip for the living room?

Invest in a good rug and mirror. This will make your living room cosy, but also appear spacious. Probably the two things I couldn’t live without in our Living room are the Hahne mirror from Citta's Copenhagen collection a few years ago, and the Lohas Jute rug from IKEA. Our living room is small so the mirror opens up the space and makes it appear larger than it actually is. I love the texture and rawness of natural material jute rugs and this Lohas one is a beauty for creating a calm well-balanced space.