Movin' and a Groovin'

Furniture To Buy:
Bookcase {$1000+}
Couch {$1000+}
Small writing table {limit is $30 - I know I can do it cause I did it for my bedroom - love Goodwill!}
Wingback chair {mmm...limit $60 - done it TWICE before, maybe third is my lucky charm, or diamond in the rough}

So really this means I have to get OFF my butt, get Movin' and a Groovin' and start getting my Etsy store up and running to make some pesos!

Ok, I've started :) Just a little something sweet to start with (hey, my kids always want to start with dessert and then have the dinner). I'm excited - I need to create to live! Are you like that too? I have so many ideas, actually NOTEBOOKS full! So, most important step for me is just to start. Hoping to get them up in store by end of next week (hey, well I've got two little kids, got to keep the house some what orderly, and help run my husband's business, next week may even be pushing it!).

But I'll try...


Gosh...I also desperately need a digital camera - love my film SLR, but this is killing me not being able to preview my photos (O, SO SPOILED!)

Must also share this link about the lamp print by Jones Design Company - I LOVE THIS!!!

The Whole Concept is Divine. I went immediately and looked up all our names - so TRUE! My 4yr old's Spiritual Connotation is Promise of God. And she was :)

Oh, just thought of another gorgeous idea - later....

Living Room Concept

Finally got a chance to sit down and have a good think about the living room. So far this is what we have:

Interests/ Things We Like:
Hunting {um, very evident from what is on the walls!!}
Outdoors {ditto}
Nature {ditto, ditto}
American Indians {would be great to collect a few pieces to tie in}
Horses {would tie in great with my horse display in kitchen}
Other Cultures
History
Maps {we have an old map of Texas}
Texas {homeland}
Australia {home country - think framed flag would look great - just like you always see framed Union Jacks, or pillow cover - something unexpected}
The "South" {thinking a banjo would be AWESOME!!}
Architecture {nod to the good ole days}
Photography + old cameras {sucker for black & white photography - it could be of anything and I think I would love it!}
Art/ Sculpture/ Pottery {wish my husband would create one of his famous collages for me - maybe if I keep harping on for another 10 years I might get one - they are SO AMAZING. But he is a busy man now.}
Books - art books, history, literature

Functionality of Room:
TV Viewing {kids mainly during the day, husband at night, me - VERY rarely - I never have the time or desire, well, except for HGTV!! :) }
Family Time
Music & Dance Area {for us and the girls on family dance night LOL! - it's a hoot!}
Run around the couch for kids {especially for those cold days - they need to burn off all that energy}
Visitors
Fireplace
Book Storage
Wet Bar
Access to outside/ backyard


Main Focus of the Room:
TV
Fireplace
Music


Style Definition:
Simple
Natural
Artistic

WOW Factor:
better furniture - more interesting pieces
simplicity
unified design

I'm not really changing the layout of the furniture but I would like to change out a few pieces with nicer ones, or something more functional. We really like the darker/cherry wood look for the furniture, and will probably mirror that with the new wood floors. So this is what I have found so far:

From Ballard Design:
Top left chair and side table. I have a bench covered in similar material so I could use this as a highlight material - like for an ottoman for the new couch, and for the old chair I have.
Hanover Modular Bookcase - this would match a little antique cabinet we have that currently houses our CD collection.

From Restoration Hardware:
Cast Iron Hitching Post Horse
1949 French Library Globe
Roman Capital
Gear Objects
Architectural Artwork


From Pottery Barn:
Nest Sentiment Lumbar Pillow
Pen & Ink Calligraphy Pillow
Flower Cafe Pillow
Bird Cafe Pillow

From Crate & Barrel:
Cameron Sofa in Sesame

The above is really for inspiration only - I'm not about to run out and buy everything listed here! I'll be very lucky to convince my husband to buy the bookcase and couch. Instead, I will be watching for copy-cats, sales, sourcing ebay, estate sales, antique malls, etsy, and will try to make some items too (pillow covers, ottoman, framed prints).


Extras:
Framed Australian Flag {already put my order in to my parents :) }
Cowhide rug for floor {already have - move from bedroom}
Old Cameras {from my collection}
St Francis statue {already have}
Old Texas Map {already have framed in wet bar area}

Lots more details to work out, but I think this is a good starting point. I also have some really exciting ideas for our wet bar, but I think that will require its own post!
Wow - that's a lot already! What you do think? Any ideas or suggestions?

Where and how to start??

So how do I start this? Where do I start?

I have taken out most of the decorations from the room to give me a semi-blank slate. And other than the basic design principles, what else needs to be done or thought of to make this room shine?

Here are some ideas:

Color theme - 4 colors = main wall color, trim, furniture upholstery color, and my color pop

Things we like/ our interests

Functionality of the room

What should be the main focus of the room

Style definition

What would give us the WOW factor that we are after

I have a folder with lots of pictures and ideas, sketches and notes in it, as my design inspiration reference. With the above points I'm now going to sit down and have a think-tank with the husband and try to come up with a plan for the room. I really want a room that not only functions but gives you that great feeling like this is the room you have always dreamed of - big goal, I know, but anything is possible!

Oh, and this is all to be done on tight, tight budget, and 99% of the work will be done by me :)