Right. I am sick of standing on Lego, tripping over toy pushchairs and a mass of yellow, green and red plastic obstructing my view of the telly. Having just sat on 12″ Spider-man figure that had, for reasons unbeknown, been hidden amidst the scatter cushions on my sofa, I’m fed up of the mess of children.

So - I’m taking a stand. It’s time to reclaim my living room. During the day, they can cover the floor with puzzle pieces, crayons and whatever else - but come the evening, this will a grown-up zone!

To kick off this transformation, I’ll be doing a complete revamp. I’m going to downsize the dining room table, chuck out the sofas, rip out the carpet (all of which have been customised by Dexter - with a felt tip) and start again.

Whilst imagining just what my new living room would look like, I chanced upon a blogger comp by Jaime at The Oliver’s Madhouse. She’s teamed up with the guys over at Oak Furniture King to challenge us bloggers to create a moodboard of their dream living room - perfect timing! (> If you want to enter too, you’ll have to be snappy as this closes at midnight tomorrow - Friday 22nd May 2015).

Without further ado, here’s what I’m hankering after:

(Inspiration from Oak Furniture King): Cotswold Rustic Solid Oak Small Sideboard / Cotswold Rustic Solid Oak Small Bookcase

Why these two bits? Because I’m going ever so slightly mad with the scheme. It’s a fusion of all the things I love - fabric chesterfields, funky cushions and brass. I needed two chunky bits of furniture that can hold their own in this room, and I think we’ve achieved it with this rustic sideboard and bookcase… given the kids toys aren’t going anywhere, they’ll come in handy for storage too!

Kartell All Saints Mirror (Heal’s) / Parker Knoll Park Lane Eaton Square Snuggler Pewter (John Lewis) / Libra Vintage Floor Lamp Antique Brass (John Lewis) / Retrospector 4 Cushion (Ohh Deer) / Garden Trading Tide Clock Shutter Blue (John Lewis) / Chicago Cushion (Ohh Deer) / Frith Sculpture Suzi, by Paul Jenkins (John Lewis) / Gibson Armchair Aviator Whisky (John Lewis) / Squirrel Cusion (Ohh Deer) / Blue Metal Trunk (Habitat) / Day Birger et Mikkelsen Carved Brass Deco Vase (John Lewis) / Marmalade Candle Holders (Ohh Deer) / Miss K Silver Table Light designed by Philippe Starck for Flos (Heal’s)

So I’m plumping for a cool blue, orange and grey palette; warm, bold and decadent (so miles away from the headache-inducing primary colours favoured by my new nemesis’ Fisher Price and Little Tikes)! I know very little about interior design, but I do know that brass is coming back in. I’m delighted about this as I think silver fixtures would have made the room look a bit sterile. To therefore make myself look en vogue I’ve found this gorgeous sculpture, art deco vase and metal trunk.

These cushions from Ohh Deer are just fabulously retro and colourful and they’ll keep eyes whizzing around the room - rather than focusing on the ketchup and orange juice stains that will no doubt make an appearance a few weeks after the project’s completed. I’d probably pop in an orange throw to help carry the theme across the room.

To finish off we need a big statement piece - and I’ve fallen BIG TIME for this purple chesterfield sofa from Lovely Sofas by Saxon. Against those blue and brassy tones, this will pop instantly.

For more inspiration, I’ve popped together a Pinterest Board with all my finds!

 

So there you have it. I’m no interior designer but I’m trying to stretch myself and become a bit more confident with colour. I still want it to be a homely space, but one that’s full of things I want to look at, not the latest playthings of a pair of toddlers!