Just over a month ago I made a list of 26 things I want to accomplish over the next year. One of the big ticket items was to buy my first real piece of furniture. By real piece I mean something that hasn’t been handed down from family or discovered on Craigslist (although I do love my Craigslist finds!)
What I specifically had in mind was a couch. For the past three years we’ve made due with a hand-me-down loveseat from my parents (sneak a peek here). It’s comfortable, and a slipcover disguised the french country upholstery, but I’m ready for something more my style.
I knew I wanted a classic shape -something that would easily transition with my inevitably changing taste- and something durable to stand up to our golden retriever. Comfort was also a huge factor (okay, the only factor) to my boyfriend who wanted to make sure it passed the nap test.
We finally decided on the Pottery Barn upholstered Carlisle sofa in Metal Grey. Truth be told, I agonized about the fabric for over a month. I’m talking swatches up on the wall and impromptu polling of everyone that visited our apartment on what their favorite swatch was.
Grey is definitely outside of my normal color palette, and I’m honestly still a little terrified that I’ll hate it when it arrives. For now, I’m taking inspiration from the photo above which reminds me how amazing my hot pink caned barrel chairs will pair with grey.
Anyway, It’s arriving October 15 and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome that english roll armed beauty into our home! Crossing #1 off of my list!
What was your first real furniture purchase?
Love the inspiration my dear!!
Love your choice! You can’t go wrong with a roll arm and you’re so right, the gray will be perfect with hot pink. Congrats for checking another thing off your list! xx
Thanks, Mackenzie!
Ha! I’m looking at buying the same couch and I am having the EXACT same issue with picking a fabric. I just can’t bring myself to pull the trigger. I love the idea of swatches on the wall; definitely trying that. Can’t wait to see how yours turns out!
I’d definitely recommend it! The swatches will look so much different in your home than in the store. Putting them on the wall helped me “live” with the color before I committed to it. Will definitely share photos when it comes
It’s lovely! It’s a classic shape and if you get sick of the color down the line, you can reupholster.
Love it! Roll armed sofas are definitely my favorite style, and gray is a great neutral. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Hmmm… I’ll turn 29 this fall, and now that I think of it, I guess I don’t own any “real” furniture–ha. I invested in a nice area rug from Anthro, but all of my actual furniture is either hand-me-down, CL, consignment shop or Ikea. That’s kind of pathetic! However, I did get a sofa of CL because I really liked the lines (it also has roll arms) and it was super cheap, and then I picked out fabric and got it professionally reupholstered, so that felt grown-up.
You made the perfect choice. It will “live” with you for years. Whether you accent with your pink or change to blues, oranges, purples or greens it will stand by you!
what a stunning choice! In our next home I would love something like that, so classy
that is a beautiful sofa. It will withstand the test of time for sure. Take a picture of it when you get it to show us
Great sofa. You will be happy.
I always laugh when asked about my first purchase. I had just moved into a beautiful new house.
I didn’t have a stitch of furniture but a bed and chest of drawers. Went out to buy a sofa. Got there a few minutes before the store opened. On the street where I parked was a little art gallery. I spent my time waiting peering into the shop and spotted way in the back the most beautiful Impressionist painting I had ever seen, gorgeous lavenders and greens. Oh, I was in love. Went home with the painting (spent all my available funds, I might add) and lived with my gorgeous piece of art and no furniture for one year. No kidding. But I was so happy. One must have their priorities! Lol
Jude
I love this story!
it is beautiful piece!
Im wondering how long you had the sofa before the picture was taken? I have been saving money to purchase this same one in the same color but after seeing it in your home photo it looks like the sofa cushions have already become lumpy and they are hanging off the front of the sofa. Now I’m worried it wont wear well and will become sloppy, how do you feel about the piece after having it now? Thank you
Hi Faye, that photo is actually from Lonny–I wish it were my home! I also don’t think it’s the same sofa, just a similar style. Unfortunately the Carlisle ended up being slightly too big to get through our entryway so I can’t comment on how well it wears. I know Alaina of The Everygirl and Live Creating Yourself has the same one. I’d check out her recent house tour. Good luck!