The console returns. Yes, the console is like Rocky and Batman movies. The sequels keep coming. Maybe instead of The Console Returns we should say “Console: The Final Chapter” or “The Console Strikes Again” or “I Still Know What You Did Last Console.” No? Fine. We’ll stick with The Console Returns.
Yes, after many (many) posts about our big console build, this is the official finale. And this one is the most exciting for me because it’s all about the fun stuff I put on it. Haha. I’m deep, what can I say? I’m sure it’ll constantly change, but here’s what it looks like today:
The lamps were more than we’ve ever spent on lamps (I have some sort of imaginary $50-a-pop maximum and these were $59 each) but from the moment I saw them at Marshall’s I couldn’t. walk. away. I even texted a picture of them to my friend Cat and she said “You’re a magpie, gotta have ’em if they’re shiny.” So I said to myself: “Self, what’s $18 extra bucks when it’s true lamp love?” It did help that they were marked down from $125 each.
We also picked up that big capiz-topped black lacquered box from HomeGoods (on clearance for $15, down from $36) because I knew it would be awesome for stashing nearly all of the clutter that seems to collect on the sofa (a few magazines, books, notebooks, pens, remotes, and even my brush and lotion). And the sleek glammy vibe worked with the blingy lamps to bring some modern chicness to our rustic ol’ console beast.
Other than that I just brought in some stuff that we already owned, from a few stacks of pretty hardcover books that I love to flip through (which are also functional thanks to a handy coaster that I stacked on top for my nightly cup of tea and the smaller white capiz box that’s secretly full of my smaller sofa essentials (lip gloss, vitamins, nail clippers, etc).
And this cute $3 thrifted quatrefoil tray is perfect for all of the jewelry that I like to remove as soon as I sink into my special spot on the sectional (the chaise in case you’re wondering).
And here’s what we have going on in those hidden baskets in the middle compartment. The left side is full of board games since this the room where we usually get our game on. And the basket on the right has a lesser used remote (for the DVD player) as well as some books that we got for Clara from the library (we try to keep them all together so we’re not looking everywhere for one last book on the day that they’re due).
And of course we have a little ceramic animal action going on thanks to my old ZGallerie rhino friend. Probably just for a bit until Clara gets bigger and he becomes endangered. Then he’ll go live on the built-ins in the dining room again:
For some reason this shot kills me. The little ceramic rhino butt in the background gets me every time.
As for the bookshelf sides of the console, we found three of these $5 baskets at HomeGoods, so the one on the close side of the console on the bottom shelf is full of a bunch of Clara’s board books while the top shelf has some of our books and a fun little Cardboard Safari rhino going on.
… and two more baskets on the far side of the console have blocks and other small toys stashed inside.
We’re sure everything that we have on/in the console table will be constantly changing. For example, once Clara’s a bit more mobile I don’t think my beloved ceramic rhino will get to live up there anymore. Unless I want him to meet an untimely end like my ceramic pooch.
Heck, she might even try to murder the cardboard rhino on that side shelf (so far, so good though) so we’re just going to play it by ear. We might decide that we’d like more empty space for putting stuff down on the top of the console (we have that big expanse in the center for a large bowl of chips or something, along with plenty of room for more coasters for drinks, but you never know if we’ll want even more). So it’ll be fun to tweak it and watch it evolve as the rest of the room comes together over the next year or two (still on the list: breezy curtains to add softness, a larger and more balanced looking media cabinet, etc).
And now for the weirdest video we’ve ever made. We were in sort of a quirky mood so we thought it would be hilarious to make a sexy stroking-the-console-video of the whole thing in action (we even throw open that middle compartment for ya to see how it opens and closes in “real time”). The music kills me. And the slow motion. Yup, we’re still laughing about it:
Strangest video you’ve ever seen. Am I right? Oh and we have one more pic for ya. At night it’s all sorts of magical in the living room now that we removed all the weird ceiling fans and that off-center corner pendant light and use the console table lamps along with the desk lamp to illuminate the room.
This photo doesn’t even do it justice, but in person it’s so cozy and glowey and charming. And we can only imagine how the right curtains and a bigger and more proportionate media cabinet will take this work-in-progress room a whole lot further. Someday…
Psst- Wanna flip back through the whole console building journey? Here’s the first post, the second post, the third post, the fourth post, and the fifth post.
Amanda H says
Video is outta-control-hilarious. “Was it good for you?” – you guys kill me. ;-)
Console looks great, am thinking about using the distressing/stain method once build an Ana White project, myself!
Nikki says
Love the way everything turned out. The lamps are killer, totally worth the extra bucks. I’ve been looking for something similar up in Quebec. Love the rhino too and this popped up in my inbox today and I totally thought of you. It’s a little steep, but nice to wish!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70198173/limited-edition-american-bison?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F70198173%2Flimited-edition-american-bison&utm_content=Etsy_Finds_042511&utm_campaign=Etsy_Finds_042511
YoungHouseLove says
So cute!
xo,
s
Tash says
I’ll admit the console table isn’t my style (and it shouldn’t be…it’s yours) but I LOVE the way it looks with everything on it. And it looks uber expensive. This may replace the guest bedroom as my favorite room in the house.
Felicity @ Our Little Beehive says
The room really came together nicely. I’d like to see the carpet pulled out from under the couch a couple feet. The amount sticking out in the right of the photo (from the right side of the couch) is less than what’s under the left side of the couch. I just want to yank it out and fill in some of the area between the rug and TV console. Neurotic! Ironic that my husband just told me I was neurotic over something completely unrelated….
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes the rug isn’t in its final resting place (it just takes three people to pick up Karl to move the rug). I’m so lazy I might not finalize the whole rug placement thing until we get a new media cabinet since that spacing could change things. Someday…
xo,
s
Beatrice says
You are the LEAST lazy person I know vicariously, or in real life. Seriously. (both of you)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, but when we’re on the sofa at the end of a long day we’re totally lazy! So so lazy sometimes we put off going to sleep or the bathroom because we’re too tired to get up. Haha.
xo,
s
Nichole@40daysof says
I love it and I love the lamps! I clearly need to go lamps shopping more often with thrifty people. I never find the amazing pairs at HomeGoods and Marshalls that I see all over the blogoshere.
http://40daysof.wordpress.com/2011/04/25/a-lucky-outcome/
Teresa says
The Youngsters Strike Again! Gorgeous.
skye says
that video is totally hilarious and i definitely pinned that warm and cozy living room pic at the bottom! :) gorgeous!
Short, Sweet Season says
The room looks awesome. What kind of light bulbs and wattage are you using in your lamps? They cast a clearer light than most of the CFLs I see.
YoungHouseLove says
They’re 69 watt “soft white” CFLs. Hope it helps.
xo,
s
Lindaroo says
I’m hoping/assuming we’ll see more distressed wood action when you get around to the new TV console? It’s yummy!
YoungHouseLove says
Hope so!
xo,
s
Carol Ann says
Nice! So very, very nice! And totally thrilled to know the ceramic rhino earned a spot on the new piece.
cara says
truly magnificent! Want to build one for me? hehehe
Leslie W. says
I love it all! wow!
August says
That video was the funniest thing i’ve seen. I couldn’t stop laughing. All the hard work that went into building the console was worth it just for the video.
Joeva says
Did you know? If you had used a TJMaxx/Marshalls card you would have received a $10 gift certificate in the mail? Yep – I love my TJ card as every $100 spent earns me $10 :=) I find that very few people know about this perk at their stores…which I live in !
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- I think I might need to get me one of those. I wonder if it also works at HomeGoods or just those two. Hmm, something to think about!
xo,
s
Kristen says
i work at the bank that used to issue that card – it works at the whole family of companies. tjmaxx, marshall’s, aj wright, and home goods! woot!
ditto on the creepy girl in the window!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so exciting! I need to get me one of those immediately!
xo,
s
Stephanie says
LOVE it! I was quite skeptical how the rustic look was going to fit in the modern lines of the room but it does wonderfully. Also, BTW thanks go to you for my newest addiction. PINTEREST!!! Just what I needed, another time sucker, but it’s so worth it to have all my ideas gathering in one place. I feel like there is so much more room in my head now. :)
Laura Lewis says
I just DIED laughing… Ready to take it off? Was it good for you? Hahahaha… hilarious as always guys :)
Amanda says
Wow! Love the lamps. They totally glam up the antiqued console, but that hammered-looking texture also echoes what’s going on with the console top and keeps it all cohesive. They definitely look like they’re worth the extra $18!
And that night shot is dreamy. Looks so cozy and warm.
Holly says
looking so good…suggestion…yall should do recessed lighting in this room
Kristen in Hawaii says
Amazing! The console looks beautiful. The contrast of the dark weathered wood with the crisp metallic lamps is gorgeous. Love that you were able to design something to fit all your needs AND gain yards of tabletop space to dress up. :) Nice work!!
Melissa says
Stunning! The lamps are awesome and the glow they give off at night?? I’m green with envy, over here.
Mellissa says
Awesome job! The table looks fantastic! We recently got our own large sectional and I’m always looking for a place to set my drink (it usually ends up on the floor where I quickly forget about it and kick it over). I’m pinning your table to my pinterest page (thanks for that tip, btw) for future reference when it comes time for the fiance to build us our own little console gem. Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing the how-to’s along the way!
Shira says
So I was walking through Barnes and Noble the other day and I saw these white owl book ends. They had white cats, and a white dog too. Definitely thought they suited you guys.
http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/Home-gift/White-Owl-Resin-Bookends-Set-of-2/e/9781615571192/?itm=14&USRI=book+ends
YoungHouseLove says
So cute!!
xo,
s
Jenn says
Having eagerly followed each chapter in the console saga, I admit that I wasn’t entirely sold when it was finished but un-styled. I liked it in a “well, it works great for that space, but I don’t know that I’d want one for myself”.
Now that I see it styled, I have total console envy and am plotting ways to bribe my resident carpenter (whom I affectionately refer to as “Dad”) to make me one. Which goes to show two things:
1) I have absolutely zero ability to envision the possibilities of a “raw” piece.
and
2) This is why I need my daily dose of this blog-to remind me to see more than just the piece itself.
Katie says
I love the fact that you have most, if not all, of your family photos and mementos on the gallery wall so you can focus on just placing art and decorative items throughout the rest of the house. I find myself wanting to put out pictures but then I have frames all over the place that look “knick-knacky” if you know what I mean. What I’m trying to say is this room looks styled and cozy but yet not cluttered, beautiful! :)
Kayla says
I bet you two could have made those lamps out of this Target vase….
http://www.target.com/Hammered-Metal-Vase-Large/dp/B0041TCMDY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=silver%20hammered%20vase&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-2&qid=1303758121&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=Hammered%20Metal%20Vase%20Large&node=1038576|1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that’s fun too! We just love the perfectly ball-like base of the lamps we got though- they tie in with the round ottoman and round mirror above the desk so well!
xo,
s
Kristen says
The console looks great! Those lamps are amazing – I’m so jealous of your find!
Ro says
I hope you all have room for me.. cause Im pretty sure im gonna get fired I was Laughing so hard at that video. Omg OmgOmg Omg.. You made me day! lol
Was it good for me. ahahhaah
Ro
Christina C says
Great work on that console!!John should do seminars on building for the carpentry impaired husbands like mine…btw your video is hilarious i felt like i was stuck in those 90’s videos montages HILARIOUS!was it good for you??
Monica says
It’s so impressive to me how that console, from start to finish, has completely changed everything about the room without…making it a totally different room!
I admire you guys for allowing so many people to see into your home and your “goings-on” to show how you make your house a home on a budget. Thanks for constantly keeping me interested, coming back, and more importantly: learning new things with every post!
Jill says
The console looks amazing – I am in complete awe! I have a random rug-related question if you don’t mind… Do you have any problems getting Burger’s hair out of it? My husband and I would *love* a rug like that, but we have a large dog who sheds a LOT. I think in a week Phoenix could generate a pile of fur the size of Burger actually. If you have any thoughts on how well it would stand up to lots of vacuuming, and if you find it difficult to clean, I’d love to hear them!
YoungHouseLove says
We’re thrilled that the rug has been so low maintenance (we just vacuum it once a week like the rest of our wool rugs and it looks great). Our vacuum does really well with it (doesn’t get stuck or pull the shag or anything) and we don’t have any issues with dog hair (although Burger has very short hair and a bald underbelly, so he doesn’t shed much). It definitely seems like it could stand up to lots of vacuuming (although the directions do say to use a vacuum without a beater bar, which is what we use). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
ronda says
Love the lamps!!!
Em says
Console porn. For sure. Dirty, dirty.
TamaraR says
The console looks great all dressed up and as Dave Chappelle would say “Everything looks better in slow motion.”
dinah says
LOL you actually fulfilled your dream of a “glossy video with swank music” like you wanted! Thanks for the fun video! :) It was good ;)
Selina@CreativeJuicesDecor says
You guys SO out did yourself! That console ROCKS! Awesome Job!
Cheryl says
You two are mental, I love it!! The console is gorgeous.
Lori M. says
OMG! The video!!!! It has been such horrible weather here, raining, hail, tornados for DAYS, the video made me laugh so hard and made my day! Keep on doing what you do, we LOVE you guys!!!!
Rachael Agee says
I know this has probably been asked but where did you get those lamps. I just adore them. I have been looking for something similar for two end tables that I have in my house.
Keep up the awesome DIY projects you are my inspiration to overhaul my home.
YoungHouseLove says
We found them at Marshall’s (have also heard of spottings at HomeGoods and TJ Maxx). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Sarah @ a drop of golden sun says
Wow, it looks SO fantastic!!! I love the secret pocket for storage underneath. But my only concern for you guys is once Clara starts climbing onto the couch, you might have a bit of a mess back there! We have a long console behind our sectional & just yesterday, our littlest man (17 mo) climbed up onto the couch when I was in the other room. I went in there afterwards and noticed two framed photo’s were missing along with one of my seagrass vases. They were strewn about the room amongst the rest of the toys & clutter! Luckily they were not valuable or really breakable… Toddler-proofing is a whole other ball game though! But for now, enjoy the tranquility and magic of your beautiful console. I LOVE it!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes we mentioned that we’ll have to tweak things (or maybe downright change everything) as Clara gets more mobile and my dear ceramic friend’s life potentially becomes endangered. We just plan to take things one day at a time. She’s still just crawling around so we’re good for now. Whew.
xo,
s
Erin@His & Hers says
“I Still Know what You Did Last Console.” HA! :)
Looks great, as always!
Em says
I just found your site from my bestie and I.am.in.LOVE with everything you do! Mister and I get keys to our 1st home next week and I am drooling over your wall color!! Is it the same in this room and your hallway? Do you mind sharing what color you used? I am sending Mister this link so he can see why I am head over heals with everything you have done! And yes your lamps are amazing!!!!
Xoxo
Em from Az
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, it’s the same color as the hallway: Moonshine by Benjamin Moore (we got it color matched to Olympic No-VOC paint to save money and dodge fumes). Hope it helps! And so glad you found us.
xo,
s
Januarysgirl says
Great job. It looks amazing!
Kelsey says
Seeing the illustrator Chip Kidd’s name always catches me off guard b/c my dad’s name is Chip Kidd! My dad’s not an illustrator but I think he’s awesome enough that his name should be everywhere ;) So I had to do a double take at the book on your console by Mr. Kidd.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s hilarious! We love Chip Kidd (the illustrator) – but your dad sounds cool too. So I guess we love him too. Haha.
xo,
s
diana says
I’m more tired than it’s legal to be, so I didn’t go through all the comments (I confess, I only read those that you are answering, and the answer, of course). I don’t know if it’s the photographer, the light, or the number of polyuretane layers on the console, but to me, it appears much more finished in this post than in the previous ones. And I speak about the wood, not the decor. Now, I find it finished, harmonious, refined, sophisticated. The lamps? If thoughts could turn into action… I actually had tagged for myself these ones a long time ago: http://www.ikea.ro/product/show/code/10132707
with these shades:
http://www.ikea.ro/product/show/code/70196211
so, not so far fetched in tastes…
On another note, have you ever considered adding a button like the “like” button? I want, for example, to second the idea of black and white pictures, and a simple button like that would have spared so many words… The simple block colours were perfect before the Beauty, but the Beast added a new level of light and shade in the living room that needs a different background, me thinks from here.
Love everything you do, and you always prove that there’s a vision behind it! Love the console!
YoungHouseLove says
Alas, we’ve tried our little hearts out for a like button under people’s comments but alas it crashes the site every time we mess with new code. We’re not giving up though! Maybe someday we’ll figure it out!
xo,
s
Karla says
I love it! It fits in the room so well and the cosy, glowy night shot is just heaven!!
Serina Shook says
I could definitely see a $1500+ price tag on a table like that at a retail store. You guys are truly amazing, BIG PROPS!!!
Wendy says
Awesome! And I love your lamps :) I started redoing my bedroom a few months ago (and my whole house) after reading your blog for a few months. I found these lamps: http://www.invitinglighting.com/mary-kate-3945-1.html but on overstock for $49. I fell in love and when I went to order them they were sold out. I searched everyone online and they were much more expensive everywhere. After spending weeks searching every online and real life store I couldn’t find anything to compare so I caved and ordered them for more money. About 2 weeks ago I got an email from overstock that they were back in stock (6 months after I ordered mine), but they seem to be already gone from overstock. I try to forget that they are made by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, but I love them even more now that I know they are YHL approved.
YoungHouseLove says
So glad you hunted them down! It stinks when something gets discontinued.
xo,
s
Wendy says
Forgot to mention that I almost recommended them to you because they showed up back on overstock when you were talking about the console table and lamps! But you were talking about it being a bit too modern in there already so I didn’t mention it. I think we both have excellent taste though :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s too funny! I never know what I’m looking for before I find something so I might have thought they were too modern too- then I’d come across them in the store and fall in love. Haha.
xo,
s
Thresha says
The finished product looks super!! It really makes me want to buy a sectional so I can make a console table! :)
Audrey says
It looks great you guys!
And that video killed me. Love it.
Nicole says
I have to agree with many of the previous comments… this room is really coming together! I have pretty traditional tastes and was a little sad because I wasn’t loving some of the more modern elements, but I think I’m starting to see your vision for this room now. Keep up the great work!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Nicole! One of the biggest adjustments about starting over at a new house is the fact that it takes a while for rooms to really start to make sense (especially to anyone outside of our own maniacal brains, haha) so trying to share where things are going when it’s still “early days” can be a challenge. So it’s always a big relief when new rooms start to make sense to people other than us! Haha.
xo,
s