Sad little wall.

I thought I was done with interior design for a while. I like how everything looks and feels in the house. Eclectic, collected, sentimental, and MINE. But, recently two people poo-pooed my lion wall. This makes me think they don't know a thing. Or, is my lion wall not as great as I think?

The wall in question.

This wall is in the living room; a tiny, open, 15x20 room squished next to the kitchen that functions as family room, den, living room, and office. The left (in photo) side is flanked by the bar, with two stools. It has the world's frumpiest couch (but very, very comfy), and two chairs. On the right is a picture window. The couch faces the TV. I have struggled with this wall several times. Should it be an accent wall? House a large piece of art? If so, what? I've tried to make several montages of family photos, found things, and it always comes out mish-mashed.

Until I found the lion. She came from an antique store in Reno, and was living on the tallest part of the wall behind several crystal chandeliers. It was very fun to watch the store employees on their tippy toes trying to get her down with a ladder and an antique fishing pole. The picture reminds me of my dog, and I just like it. The lace framed thing on the top right is actually a doily made by my grandma, who passed away earlier this year. If that was not sentimental enough, she made it for my wedding present! I think it looks very avant-garde off-centered in it's gold frame. Apparently, two people think it's weird.

Living room, with Mo bottom right.

The mirror was $20 from Burlington coat factory and don't care about it one way or another, I just thought it all looked swell together. Ok, maybe it looks a little sparse, but I like to think of it as minimalist. I hate clutter and do-dads. The throw on the couch also belonged to my grandma, and the lampshade on the right was a hand me down from my mom. So all that stays.

Older living room incarnation

If someone has a better idea on how to arrange my living room wall, go for it. Open invite. Here is what it looked at at one point; orange walls and an older rug. TJ Maxx do-dads on the wall and super-old $75 couch lugged from Kentucky (why??!!?). Grr. Designing is only fun when it's easy.