Sectional Sofas with Sass

Elle Decor, Photographed by Simon Upton

I have to admit. I can be a bit of a sofa snob. This extends to people who refer to it as a "couch".

Sectional sofas, well, I hadn't ever been a huge fan...Scared that perhaps that right arm might contain a hidden drink holder or that the left arm chair might secretly recline or have a pocket for the TV remote. 

But in the last month, I've seen a few that have me drooling. I'd still never use in a formal living room or one that has to do double duty like mine, but these have me yearning for a family room!

The pink one above was just recently in Elle Decor. Designed by Steven Gambrel and upholstered in a Brunschwig & Fils fabric. 

Architectural Digest photographed by Roger Davis 

I also like Sheryl Crow's sectional sofa, which was just in Architectural Digest.  

It is called the Ginebra sofa and is from 22 Bond St.

The Bond St website showed a different version of the sectional, which can be customized. Still smart design, although I prefer Sheryl's for the wood legs and fabric. I also wonder how well this one will wear, with the bench seat cushion.  Fabric on those tends to stretch and cushions can show "bottom" marks with time.

Restoration Hardware 

For the masses, Restoration Hardware has a nice sectional, the "Belgian Arm," although with not quite the wow factor. In a different fabric however...there could be potential. 

In summary: let's use the word sofa. Avoid anything advertised in the Sunday newspaper fliers that might come from a place with the words "furniture" and/or "world" in its company name.  Make sure you actually have the space to pull a sectional off. And thinking outside those boxy arms and microsuede fabrics can only lead to fun, in this gal's opinion. 

What I'd do...If I had a million dollars...

With our goal of moving there full time, I have been looking at real estate in Door County for about 3 years now.

Looking leads to dreaming...so let's play a game.

If I could buy this historic hotel in our favorite village:

I'd keep the historic bones and lines of the place but update with a shingled, Cape Code twist, while enlarging the windows, making that second story balcony functional and adding central air so we could lose the window air conditioners. And we should take advantage of the lake proximity and views by adding a rooftop deck somewhere. Think glass of wine at sunset. 

I'd turn this egh, outdated, let's not hang out here, Holly Hobby lobby...

 into an inviting, beachy room where you could grab a nearby book to read, have a snack and relax. 

Furnishings would be comprised of new comfy, slipcovered upholstery and an edited collection of antique accent tables, desks and the like. With a little bit of glam here and there, in unexpected places like the staircase railing. 

For artwork, I'd use vintage paintings, photographs and maps of Door County people and places.  

There would be plenty of fresh food and drink to start and close the day. 

And I'd of course update the guest rooms from this...

to something along these lines...

Voila! A new boutique hotel in Door County, the likes of which hasn't been seen there yet. At this point, I'd put my PR hat back on and invite the travel writers and editors for a weekend.

Current asking price, before my remodel, is only $235,000! Seven guest suites plus owners quarters (let's lose those and add guest rooms, we've got a hefty remodel to pay for). 

There's also lake shore access and a boat slip. 

You know what that means? We can add one of these!

What do you think? 

(Ya, I've just taken the JK Place Hotel interiors in Capri and smooshed them into a tiny hotel in Door County, Wisconsin. Inspiration is inspiration!)

Images: MA Belle, JK Hotel Capri