I’m deviating a bit from my usual ‘once a week’ post routine to show you some interesting furniture styles and designs that I’ve always been drawn to, and when the good folks at Charish asked if I would be interested in featuring some of their designs, after looking at their site I jumped at the chance. Their tag line is ‘where design lovers buy and sell’, so I think that tells you what they’re all about in a nutshell. Their web site is completely addicting and full of unique, original designs with something for everyone. The designs cover the spectrum…from classic to modern, contemporary to vintage, and everything in between. So get comfortable, click on over and see for yourself.
(*note* I am not receiving any compensation for this post)
What’s the right way to go about designing a room? Some will say pick out your sofa first, others the rug, and yet others say a seemingly insignificant object can be the inspiration. (Such was the case for us years ago when we came across a beautiful, one of a kind piece of sculpture and designed our entire family room around it, and it worked out well in the end.)
For now, let’s start with the sofa for this mid-century, modern living room. With clean lines, tufted backing and a neutral grey color, this small sectional is a perfect jumping off point.
Next up is the rug. There were so many interesting designs to choose from, but I like how this rug makes a statement without adding bright colors into the design.
Paired with a comfortable, neutral, but interesting upholstered chair (note the elephant on the back) and you have a serene space at home in almost any dwelling, whether it’s a rustic, industrial loft or modern beach side retreat.
If you’re looking to liven things up a bit, this chair will deliver. One of the things I loved most about Charish is the uniqueness of their offerings. There are no reproductions and most everything is preowned, but in excellent condition.
Add some glass tables along with modern, vintage lighting, fun pillows and bold artwork, and you have an original, interesting space you’ll never tire of.
Could modern, mid-century design be any different than Bohemian?? Not likely, but I love them both nonetheless. When I was a teen a good friend had a home decorated in this style, and not surprisingly it was always the house everyone wanted to hang out in. It’s nothing if not comfortable, and above all, it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Characterized by its use of various patterns and colors, it’s not for the faint of heart or timid. Done poorly, it can easily look disjointed and busy, but do it right and you’ll be richly rewarded with a space that reflects your personality and makes others feel welcome and comfortable.
Once again, I started with a sofa as my inspiration. Isn’t this perfect?
Bohemian style definitely is an eclectic look, and while that allows for cross over from various styles, it can also be confusing, especially when you start adding various patterns to the mix. The trick is not to overthink your design choices, which is not so easy for someone like myself who likes symmetry and limited patterns in my decorating, but I went with my gut and think most of these pieces play well together.
This armoire, which is made from repurposed shutters, would help ground the space and give some color and design relief to the overall design.
Next up are two patterned chairs whose colors coordinate nicely with both the rug and sofa. Now that our main pieces are set, let’s move on to some accessories.
There were tons of side tables to choose from (more below), but these were my personal favs, and for sure I’m loving the beautiful chandeliers and fun pillows.
Like Bohemian, but is it a bit too much for you? I hear ya’. How about taking it down a notch?
Start with one of these fun and funky sofa designs in a beautiful brown velvet.
Add a classic or Moroccan inspired rug…
and some colorful but classic chairs…
or maybe a graphic, colorful settee and some fun side tables…
and let’s not forget the all important lighting and some accessories!
Even though I was asked to design one room, I was having so much fun I had to do two!
I’m thinking if I know my readers as well as I think I do, you prefer the Bohemian style, right? What’s your favorite piece in this post?
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Amy @ StowandTellU says
Oooooh, I’m having a hard time deciding. That black and creamy white rug, for sure, and the mod patched fabric chair, but then there’s that shuttered armoire, and is that one coffee table made from shells? I’ve never heard of Charish, so I’m heading off to check it out. It was fun shopping with you, Doreen, can we go again?
kelly says
That’s an interesting company! they sell some very unique pieces. It was fun to see the rooms that you put together.
Ceciia says
Wow, those are some unique pieces. My favorite? The shuttered armoire. But then I’m a cottagey type person. 🙂 I like the 1st rug you chose for the Bohemian look and the settee too. It was fun to see what you chose.
tammy j says
bohemian alone has always been a bit ‘busy’ for me. but I love your choices. and I would shake it up a bit with some glass topped tables instead. it’s like a taste of icy cool sherbet between heavy courses! and if carefully chosen would add some cool elegance to otherwise decadent rich pleasures of patterns and color!
a neat site.
and I love the chair! the wild one. LOLOL. don’t know where i’d use it. but it even looks comfortable.
it would be my happy chair. 😀
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
What a fun post Doreen! Even if a lot of those designs wouldn’t fit for my home and style – I sure appreciate the beauty of most of it and just love different types of interior design. It’s always been fascinating to me. I think the fact that HGTV is my favorite channel and I get their magazine speaks volumes! Lol
xoxo
Nana Diana says
What a fun post to go through. Most of that furniture (as you mentioned) is too much for me…but there are a few neat pieces there, Doreen. xo Diana
Jane says
These are some cool pieces, Doreen. I’m really starting to mix things up a bit and I think others are, too. No one wants to be locked in one style anymore. I think this helps us stay true to ourselves.
Jane x
Sue says
What fun that you got to do this post. I think I saw something about this site recently online. My favs were the first sofa, the fun colorful 50s type chair and then the bohemian area chandelier and light blue chairs.
Debra Slagle says
I just love this post. I think I love both styles. I went to the “Chairish” website and spent three hours looking at furniture! I found a familiar Mid Century Modern platform sofa by Adrian Pearsall. And it was marked down. But still out of my price range. But I sure wish I could afford it as it is just like the one I had in the seventies. Mine was green and yellow and black and didn’t have attached tables, just detached ones. I am sure it was a cheap knock off. It was considered Spanish style. I had the whole living room set and adored it. If I find a picture, I will send you one. I even found matching (almost) curtains. Anyways, thanks for the great article.
Doreen says
I can understand how it could take three hours Debra! If I told you how much time I spent you wouldn’t believe it. 😉 The prices are a bit high, but some of them have a ‘make offer’ option so you never know!
I’d love to see that pic if you get a chance, and thank you so much for stopping by and commenting.
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
This was such a fun departure! I’m definitely going to check out Charish – hadn’t heard of it before.
Feral Turtle says
Sounds like a fun website. I am definitely going to check it out!!
Poppy says
I like mixing styles so I guess I’m what you’d call ‘eclectic’, but my favourite piece here is that bold swivel chair – love it! What an amazing concept for a store. Will definitely check out their site, not that I can afford to have anything sent across the pond, but your choices here have sparked my curiosity!
xoxo
Poppy
cathy@my1929 Charmer says
Ok, sorry, but I found all it too much for me? I am a lover of color too. but I think one can mixed things up without furniture but through accessories. I don’t feel locked in a cottage style, I love, but sometimes I bring a little bit of farmhouse or rustic in to change the mix.
rue says
Gosh, those two orange velvet chairs are neat! I have no room for anything else in my house, but if I did, I think I’d have to break down and buy them.
Sorry about the ice and snow where you live still. I hope the fridge gets there without incident 🙂
xo,
rue
Doreen says
They’re one of my favs too Rue. I love almost anything made of velvet, and the color puts them over the top for me.
Dewena says
What a fun task to be asked to do! You picked so well, Doreen! I can see your choices working together. I liked a lot of them.
I loved all the mid-century chairs. And I loved the rug below the Knole-type sofa.
I’ve not heard of this site but will bookmark it and pass it along to my daughter-in-law.
SharonFromMichigan says
Without a doubt, my fav piece is the repurposed shutter armoire! Most days I feel like a hippie gypsy at heart! I’m going to have to check out that website! Have a great day Doreen!
Vickie says
I like the gray sectional best, but maybe I’m just wishing I could replace my almost 25 year old living room furniture! I also love the funky printed red chair. It looks comfy, too!
Doreen says
I’m wishing I could replace my living room furniture too Vickie! Not sure it’s gonna happen because it’s in great condition, but I can dream. That chair definitely has personality :).
andi says
I prefer Bohemian Rhapsody myself. Queen rocks!!!!!
-andi