Revamping the Living Room With AB Chao

abchao

Story by abchao

Published on Apr 06, 2011 in Shop

Photo by Patrick Cline for Lonny Magazine

bio_ABChao.jpg

AB Chao is a writer, interior stylist, and photographer based in Louisiana. She has been blogging for 10 years and re-launched her site in March 2011 to focus on full-time decorating and lifestyle blogging. AB likes shrimp po-boys, high-gloss paint, and shiny objects. AB dislikes faux finishes, pocket watches, and cheap wine.

I often wonder what I would do with my living room if I could start all over. We have frequent parties and houseguests at our place (nicknamed “Chao Camp”), and sometimes our furniture setup isn’t exactly right for fun-time fancy lady entertaining. So here’s what I would do to turn our living space into a mod party pad  and throw a fabulous shindig.

gc_ABChao_1.jpg

First I would start with this finely made, if slightly tattered, mid-century sectional. It’s a great price and a great shape (look at those legs!), but it needs to be reupholstered. We need something tough (that doesn’t show wine stains), but also beautiful. Let’s go with this brownish-charcoal cotton velvet to cover. If I wanted to really go nuts, I’d have it piped in red.

gc_ABChao_2.jpg

Next we need more seating — always, always more seating. I love these Mies Van Der Rohe chairs — the lines are beautiful and they look to be in perfect shape. A little steel wool to shine up that chrome and you’re done.

GC_ABChao_3.jpg

Next we need some clean-lined side tables, a versatile ottoman set, and awesome driftwood lamps. And yet, I still think we need more seating. And the scale isn’t right, either — everything here is low to the ground. How about a fabulous tall wing chair in a neutral color? Survey says yes.

gc_ABChao_4.jpg

I also think what this party palace needs is a magnificent chandelier. Something big. Something over-the-top. Something shiny. Bam! Kelly Wearstler, eat your heart out.

gc_ABChao_5.jpg

I’d finish off the room with a few accessories: a cozy and cushy rug, some colorful and fun throw pillows, and a big graphic painting.

gc_ABChao_5b.jpg

And some antlers. I am from Louisiana, after all.

gc_ABChao_6.jpg

So there’s the living room. But wait, isn’t this a party? I need a bar. Are we all tired of bar carts? Well, hello, fake LV suitcases sitting on a stool. Now obviously, a fancy lady would never actually use faux Louis Vuitton for real, but as a prop? They’re great. They’re ironic. They’re your new bar. Open it up to reveal the treasures inside: a pitcher, glasses, swizzle sticks, and an ashtray set. (Sometimes, there are secret smokers at your fancy party. Better to be prepared with elegant accoutrements than have people ashing in beer bottles, yes?)

gc_ABChao_7.jpg

And since I’m tired and nervous from all of this work, here is what I’ll be wearing to my party. A shorty-short caftan and a necklace. Now it’s a party. Come on over!

Past Guest Curators | Vintage Category

Discuss: 120 comments

Related Items

120 comments

Sign in to add your own