Late last year I was asked by one of my favorite designers, Julianne Taylor, to participate in a little “X Bench Style It Challenge.”  The rules were simple; 5 bloggers/designers would customize her most popular TBH X Bench and style it in any room, and in any way they see fit.  The customized X Benches and room reveals would then go up on One Kings Lane’s site for two weeks where individuals would be able to see how each blogger/designer styled the bench in their home and could buy one (or two or three) of the benches for themselves.  And at the end of the two weeks a winner would be crowned and awarded a Room Refresh courtesy of TBH and OKL.  So now that you know the rules, let me tell you a little bit more about my X Benches. 

When it came to designing my benches I’m not one to really play it safe so I knew I wanted to do something a bit more on the bold side.  I had been eyeing Cotton & Quill’s foo dog fabric for some time now, and if you’ve ever seen a peek into my home you’d know I have a thing for foo dogs and anything blue.  While it may seem like a somewhat wilder choice in fabrics, don’t let a print ever scare you.  Mixing prints and patterns is one of my absolute favorite ways to decorate.  When done right it adds interest and a personal touch to any room, and if you’re scared of mixing it up just follow my golden rule; mix within the same color family.  And just remember these benches will be a staple in your home for years to come but that doesn’t mean you have to live with your fabric choice forever.  You can always have them re-upholstered and let them evolve with you and your decorating choices.

Another reason I adore benches in general is because of how versatile they are.  A good bench can be used as an extra seat, a foot rest, or an end table and these benches in particular are the absolute perfect size.  Not too big, not too small.  In fact I’ve moved them into several different spaces within my home and while you see them styled here in my living room I think they may end up actually living in the entry way.  How perfect would they be for a seat to throw on your heels before going out or to drop your bag and everything else you need on a daily basis?  Who knows though, that’s why I love decorating, it’s always changing.  

So tell me, are you feeling our bold benches?  Happy Friday Loves!  Truly, MKR

Photography, Rustic White