Grunge Living Room

 

Let's channel some moody angst for some grunge inspired Interior Design, starting with some artwork. Original "Instant Karma" by William Emmerson (above) is a collection of original John Lennon album sleeves. It fits our theme of music and references a musical artist who was rebellious in nature towards the end of his life and caused a panic in the music industry when the Beatles came to America, just like grunge. I'm sure Lennon had significant influence on the artists who brought us grunge.

Above, I have more items to create a dishevelled, music inspired, Seattle living room. The Italian "Fontana Arte Floor Lamp" designed by Max Ingrand in 1960 is a cool twist on a stage spotlight or perhaps reminiscent of a classic microphone on it's stand.

I chose a Kensington style sofa from Restoration Hardware. I always relate this style to a classic masculine vibe. It could be the type of sofa you would find in some traditional mansion that a band moves into to record a new album.

And you can't have grunge without some plaid which is where "Flinstone" by Vivienne Westwood for the Rug Company slides in underfoot.  The coffee table is a repurposed "Moleskin & Wood Cymbal Case" that any drummer would recognize from traveling on tour.

A "Very Rare Carved Carousel Polar Bear" is symbolic of early childhood memories that grunge artists often use to deliver their angst toward cultural norms and stereotypical ideals of society. It's a great conversation piece for the room. And I continued this rebellious idea with the "WWII Military Equipment Transport Boxes" stacked as a side table. Social outrage against the military has long been a common theme in rock and roll, so it's fitting that it's been given a new, less violent purpose.

And finally, pillows! Both the "Navaho Red Cushion" and the "Cheyenne Charcoal Striped Cushion" are from Andrew Martin. I thought the idea of a Navaho Pendleton-esque pattern was very foggy, grimey, Seattle and the stripes are a nice compliment to the plaid. The "Pair of Early Odd Fellows 'Scene Bearer' Pillows" from 1st Dibs have a DIY feel in their construction and bring some skull and cross bones into my rock and roll space.

I thought it would be cool to assemble vintage army fatigue green jackets into curtain panels if the space needed them. I picture the walls dark, maybe in a dark tailored linen wall covering from Philip Jeffries (below). And would definitely have a distressed wood plank floor underneath it all.