Living Room - Ocean Art

Fulcrum Structural Engineering via Houzz

I would absolutely love having this view! Since that is not remotely possible (I live in a landlocked, urban city), I thought I'd use this view as inspiration for a big(ish) piece of ocean related artwork for my neutral living room. 

There are a couple of directions I could go, the first would be a "moody" ocean, which would create a dramatic focal point and keep the room neutral and fairly sophisticated. Here are some examples: 

Richard Misrach photograph via Elle Decor

Artistic Designs for Living

Another direction would be "fun in the sun" beach scenes, like the photographs from Christian Chaize or  Massimo Vitali, I absolutely LOVE the work by both of these photographers! This type of artwork would create a more fun vibe in the room, and keep things on a lighter note, while adding some personality to the room. 

Christian Chaize photograph via Elle Decor

Massimo Vitali via Canada House and Home

Lastly, I could go with a simple, calming ocean photograph, which would add nice color to our neutral room, in a soothing, relaxing way.  

Ashley Whittaker

Lonny Magazine

Hmm, decisions, decisions! What do you think?

xoxo,

Leah

A view from my window - the pool

Inspiration can come from just about anywhere, even the pool! We are enjoying our last few weeks of summer and squeezing in as much pool time as we can. Aah, a dive in the pool is so refreshing.

Coastal Living

What makes this room so appealing is the symmetry, both sides of the room mirror each other, which provides visual balance and a calm, peaceful feel. I also like the color palate of white, turquoise, and blue with a little black, it feels so fresh and inviting.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,

Leah

Accessories - the giant clam shell

I am not much of a knickknack person, my style is simply beautiful. However, my dining/living room is in need of something, dare I say accessories, it is looking a little too plain.  I have been thinking about what might work in this space; a statue, an abstract sculpture, vases, candlesticks etc... nothing I'd thought of was really me or would give the room the right feel. But then, as I was looking at pictures from our last beach vacation and thinking about how much I love summer and the beach, I thought about one of my favorite beachy things, the giant clam shell and realized that's it, it would be perfect for my dining/living room! 

The giant clam shell can be used in virtually any room in a house. Have a look at these inspiration pictures, they are simply beautiful! 

(High Gloss Magazine, Cathy Echols)

(Elle Decor)

(Traditional Home)

(Haynes Roberts)

(Architectural Digest)

I love that the giant clam shell is a natural, organic element, it is sculptural, it has great texture, it has beautiful, understated coloration, it is elegant, a little glam and yet it also has a beachy vibe - just the look I want for my dining/living room! 

I am so excited to have figured out the perfect "accessory" for my dining/living room, now where to buy one of these beauties. Here are a few I have found (high to low).The price range is vast, (I didn't even include the $2,000+ ones I found!) some are real, some are made out of concrete, resin or plaster and they vary a bit in size.  Also, some have a shiny gold interior, that might be a nice extra touch.

Mecox Gardens $695
Shell Horizons $400 (large), $500 (extra large)

Plantation Design $250

Frontgate.com $250 (gold leaf)

Wayfair $242.50

Ballard Designs $129

Pottery Barn $129

Urban Farmhouse $119

Amazon $76.99

Candelabra $72.50 (small) and $147.50 (large)

Zgallerie $59.95 (large), $129.95 (extra large), $149.95 (gold)
Save-on-crafts $49

What do you think about the giant clam shell, chic or kitschy?

xoxo,
Leah