Sofas that are anything but neutral - couches with color

FREE IMAGES Our walls are close to this color - I just assumed we would get a gray sofa. All though I'd prefer white or cream, with an active young dog and a baby on the way, I'm afraid I'd be constantly fretting over stains. I would never have thought to use a light blue couch against an aqua wall, but I don't mind it here.

via Pinterest via House of Turquoise

via Pinterest via Domaine
I love navy, but I'm so afraid of it making our already small living room seem smaller.

via Pinterest via View Along the Way

Eclectic Living Room by Ellicott City Furniture & Accessories Classic Interiors

This living room isn't our style - but it makes me smile.
via Awesome Interior

via Decoist

Any of you have a bright, bold sofa that they love?

Our New Living Room

FREE IMAGES As some of you know, we are in the middle of renovations - opening up our kitchen, dining, and living room to be one big space.  Since my dear hubby is installing all of the hardwood himself, things are taking a bit longer than expected.  In the meantime, I've been dreaming up plans for what I want to do with the space.

I really like to mix styles - rustic with regency, feminine and masculine, etc.

1.  We already have our paint, Sherwin Williams "Retiring Blue" from the Harmony line.  Zero VOCs means it's safe for baby.  I cannot wait until the flooring is done and I can see this gorgeous color on our walls!

2. A small sectional.  This one is from West Elm.  While I'd love cream or white, no way that is going to happen in a home with a dog that lives on the couch and a little one on the way.

3. Our coffee table.  We can complements on this EVERY time someone walks in the door.  It's from a local artist Scott Alan Ewine (don't worry he sells on Esty - click here to see all of his work!) The wood all has a story and his prices are reasonable!

4. Yeah, I still love sunburst gold mirrors.  This one is from Joss and Main.

5. A gorgeous leather armchair has been on my wishlist for years.  This one is available on Gilt.

6. Gold and glass regency style side tables - I love how these contrast with the wood coffee table. Available at Gilt.

7.  Soft and pretty throw pillows. West Elm

8. Our gorgeous new flooring, cherry oak.

9. Our rug - it's two-sided so we get double the wear.  I purchased this from Joss and Main.

I can't wait until we can start decorating. What do you think?

Roman blinds in the living room

FREE IMAGES Now that the walls have been knocked down between our living room and dining room, and a breakfast bar added between the dining room and the kitchen, we have to start thinking about light fixtures, and windows.  I really like the idea of using crisp, no-fuss roman blinds.

Traditional Living Room by London Interior Designers & Decorators MPD London

With a dog floor length drapes tend to get dirty and collect a lot of dust, so I think for us roman blinds will be an easier option.

Transitional Living Room by Chevy Chase Interior Designers & Decorators Sightline Art Consulting

via Pinterest via BHG

I'm leaning towards crisp white drapes, which I've made before out of mini blinds and a medium weight fabric.  Maybe a little trim at the bottom for color.

via Pinterest via Emily Henderson

via Pinterest via Pottery Barn

via Pinterest via Style Carrot

Do you like the idea of roman blinds in the living room/great room?

Subtle or Bold?

FREE IMAGES I'm in a pink and gray kind of mood today and was wondering what my readers tend to lean towards. Bold accent color or subtle ones? I sway back and forth depending on the color but when it comes to pink and gray I tend to lean towards to the subtle side.

via stylemepretty

via theeverygirl

via bhg

via bloglovin

via styleathome

via looklingerlove

Comment below and tell me which one you prefer!

Chairs That Make A Statement

FREE IMAGES I appreciate a room that is well thought out. Even a great color scheme can get me excited to see more! Other times, I just want to see something that I'll swoon over, like a statement piece that isn't just for looks, but usable too. Check out these chairs that are definitely doing that:

via bhg

Sophistication and elegance come to mind for me with these. They are the perfect pair, yet they look so comfortable at the same time! 

via witandwhistle

You may just see vintage style when you look at this, but in it's setting it's a perfect fit that stands out at the same time. This chair becomes a talking piece!

via chatelaine

Struggling with a simple color palette and what something a little bold? Grab a pattern and a bright color and this space becomes desirable!

 

via hgtv

Wanting something with a little more bang? Be the king and queen of your dining room table. Pick out some bold chairs that make you feel great.

via housebeautiful

This chair makes me want to cuddle up and get cozy. It's great for an afternoon nap but in no way brings down the character and charm in this room. 

What chair style do you love?

Other Blogs I'm Loving

FREE IMAGES There are some seriously inspiring bloggers in my blogroll and I wanted to show off some of the great finds that they have been posting about on their sites that I am currently loving!

Mocca and Me did a room crush that I couldn't agree with more! It seriously makes you want to curl up on the couch and open up a book. 

These super adorable prints are from liberty heritage fabric but they are found on decor8blog which I absolutely love. Holly is so creative and such an inspiration. 

Maria Killam has an amazing post out about using ceramic tile to make a space eye catching. I love the different patterns and options she shows off and how much character they can add to the home. 

This fabulous kitchen which uses the two toned cabinets. I'm also in love with how simple and chic it is! Providence Ltd Design took my breath away with this one!

And last but not least, Pink Wallpaper is making me want to spend a little more time outside enjoying the weather this summer! 

Chic and beautiful living spaces

FREE IMAGES In my house, the living room is the center of our house. Not only is it the first room you see when you walk in, it's the place where we spend the most time.  When our wedding is over and we have our lives back - the living room is second on my makeover list after my office.

LOVE the wall treatment in this space.  The crown molding and chandeliers mixed with the modern decor is really cool too.
via unknown

Gold is very trendy right now, but I have to admit I'm smitten!
via 91 Mag

I love that this console isn't all about the TV!  Pretty accessories and a gallery wall distract from the TV.
via HGTV

via High Gloss Magazine

via unknown

I love the proportions of the furniture in this space - it's something I need to pay more attention too in my own house.
via Sweet Home Style

via Sweet Home Style

Inspiring ways to use a neutral palette

FREE IMAGES It's no secret I'm a fan of grays, whites, and other cool neutrals.  Using neutrals really allows me to experiment with different accent colors via pillows, throws, and accent colors.  That means if I end up not being able to live with a green or purple I loved last month, it's not like I wasted a ton of money on a sofa I no longer like.  However, done right - with layering textures and patterns, neutrals can stand all on their own as a gorgeous palette.

via tumblr

I'm really liking gray and brown lately too, like the gray door and the wooden mirror frame.

via keltainentalorannalla

Drooling over this kitchen.  I don't know if I dust enough to ever have such dark floors, but they are gorgeous when contrasted with the white cabinetry.  And that Moroccan inspired tile? Don't even get me started.

via dustjacket-attic

A bit warmer tones than I normally go for but this is still working for me.

via lovelyclusters

Loving the coffee table.
via Sweet Home Style

via Schuyler Samperton

Cozy but still stylish - living rooms and dens

FREE IMAGES I thought I'd bring you some inspiration today to go along with this windy rainy weather. It makes for a great day to curl up on the couch or in a big comfy chair with a good book! Hope you enjoy:

via pinterest

via refinery29

via pinterest

via Angie Hranowsky

Sunwood Blinds

Bright and easy spaces

FREE IMAGES Here are some rooms I am loving these days. A touch of color, great windows, natural light, and a feeling of ease and comfort that makes you want to stay for a while.

via Crate and Barrel

The foliage in this bright office provides the pop of color.
via Covet Garden

via House Beautiful

via southernliving

via houzz