Like any room, our living room is in a constant state of progress. It’s pretty rare to find someone – even a blogger – who will ever declare a room truly “finished”. Well, our living room is FAR from finished but it is definitely coming along nicely!

Not only am I updating you on the progress of my living room decor today, I’m also letting you in on a new step for Flourish & Knot! As of August, I became an affiliate of Etsy Canada. If you’re not already familiar with Etsy, it is an online marketplace that connects people around the world, with a particular focus on unique or handmade items. I’ve had a major crush on Etsy, ever since Erick purchased my perfect wedding jewelry through an artisan in Australia.

As an affiliate, I can link directly to shops and products that I particularly love, and when my readers purchase them via the link on my blog, I make a small commission. It’s a small step towards Flourish & Knot actually generating some income (I have a DIY habit to support, after all) and it’s a great chance to connect you, dear readers, with awesome Canadian artisans.

From now on, if a post contains any affiliate links, I will make sure to include this disclaimer directly in the post:

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and choose to purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. Any personal or banking information provided to Etsy will not be disclosed to me.

If you have any questions regarding my work as an Etsy affiliate, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Last time we checked in on the living room, I had done a few things to spruce it up for the spring, but things were still very unfinished.

We still have plenty to do here (and I’ll get to my plans for that in a moment!) but we have managed to cross a few more things off our to-do list:

• sew some cushion covers in the same fabric as the curtains
• hem the curtains (only a year later but whatevs)
• get a new lamp (or two)
• find a solution for the wireless router and CD player that are on the floor (yes, we still play CDs on occasion – what is your point??)
• put up some artwork – especially over the GIANT sofa!
• buy a new sofa, two new armchairs, build/buy side tables… Generally overhaul 🙂

This summer I was able to cross hemming the curtains and sewing some throw cushions off my list. I also borrowed a side table from my parents to house the CD player and router system. It is by no means a permanent solution (because they’ll want it back eventually), but at least those items are no longer sitting on the floor.

Erick an I also regularly go back and forth on whether to use the yellow and cream damask or blue polka dot armchair in this space. The blue one actually goes with our guest room set, so we like to keep them together, but it is a far nicer piece that the yellow one (which was a $30 Varage Sale find). Of course, the plan is to replace the furniture in this room with something more to our taste, but funds are what they are… So we’re making them work for now!

I sewed both the larger grey and smaller patterned throw pillows with remnants from other sewing projects. Two thumbs up for DIY recycling!

I’m going to post a tutorial for those cushion covers as soon as possible! They are so easy to sew and are a great solution for people who can’t/won’t pay $40 for a cushion cover sewers of all levels.

On our trip to Prince Edward Island, we purchased a really charming print of shorebirds by local artist Nancy Ching. It is now hanging on one of the living room walls!

I love it so much! I’m really happiest when I’m near the ocean, so this art will remind me of our romantic PEI vacation whenever I’m having a dull or down day.

Of course, there is still that GIGANTIC wall space behind the sofa which is desperately crying out for some artwork. I really don’t know whether to go with a larger piece ($$$) or a couple of smaller pieces (also $$$). Here are some of my favourites from Etsy.

Mountain Watercolour Print by Nancy Knight

Neige Colorée by Constance Beaulieu

At the Edge of the L’Assomption River by Constance BeaulieuCloud Over the Lake by VESNAsArt

Waterfall by Andrada

I’m constantly attracted to any artwork that features water, so it’s all very convenient that our living room is done in greys and blues. I also prefer something more impressionistic or abstract, and of course I’m a total sucker for watercolour. My grandfather was a watercolour artist, so the style is very near and dear to my heart.

Anyone have any suggestions for us? Maybe you have a creative way of dressing that wall space that won’t cost us an arm and a leg? I’d love to hear your ideas if you have ’em!

I’ll be back later this week with Part II of my “Yes We CAN!” preserving recipes. I hope you caught last week’s pickle post. I’m also working hard on a couple of autumnal DIY projects. Fall may be busy, but it’s my favourite season!

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Here’s where I link up each week:

Mondays: Merry Monday, Monday Funday, Inspire Me Monday, Show & Tell, Lou Lou Girls

Tuesdays: Tell ’em Tuesday, Two Uses Tuesday, Together on Tuesdays, Tutorials & Tips, Tuesdays with a Twist, Hit Me with Your Best Shot, Tickle My Tastebuds, Treasure Box Tuesday, Tasty Tuesdays

Wednesdays: Pin Worthy Wednesdays, Work it Wednesday, Wow Us Wednesday, Wake Up Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, Whimsy Wednesday, Welcome Home Wednesdays

Thursdays: Think and Make Thursday, Handmade Hangout, Weekend Re-Treat, Favourite Things, Artsy Fartsy Link Party, What to Do Weekends, Friday Features (Thursday)

Friday: Fiesta Friday, Feathered Nest, Frugal Friday, Link Party Palooza, Friday Favourites

Saturday: Share it One More Time

Sunday: Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Silver Pennies, Sundays at Home, That DIY Party, Frugal Crafty Blog Hop, Share the Wealth Sunday, Food Stars

Monthly/Recurring: Great Blog Train, Sunday Brunch, Before and After