Neutral Living Room - some inspiration

My living room is a work in progress. We are transforming it one piece of furniture at a time, from dark(ish)/formal(ish) to a more light, neutral, casual feel, with a bit of color to keep it looking fresh and to add some interest. I thought I'd share with you the inspiration rooms I used to help me narrow in on the the look I wanted for our living room. 

Reese Witherspoon's Ojai living room from Elle Decor

I love the neutral room with the texture from the Pottery Barn jute rug and the amazing green lamps!

Traditional Home

I love the lilac linen pillows and single chair, what a fun way to add and balance a bright color!

House Beautiful

Again, love the neutral walls and furnishings with a hint of lavender color.

House Beautiful

The vibrant orange pop of color, gives this room a fresh and exciting feeling.

House Beautiful

Love the pale blue and the Alan Campbell zig zag frabric on the ottoman and again the textured rug.

Using inspiration photos (from a blog, other online sources, magazines, or even a friend's house) is a great way to help you figure out the look you want for your house. Whenever I see a room or furnishings I like, I'll keep a picture of it and then file it by room (I love Evernote for this purpose). I have noticed that when I look through one of my room files, a trend starts to emerge based on the pictures I have included and it helps me to define the look and feel that I want for my room.

xoxo,

Leah

A client's guest room

A client asked me to spruce up her guest room. In her words, her room is a hodge-podge of things, and wants it to look fresh and put together.

Here is an idea "mood" board I put together for her:

My starting off point was using the color navy blue, which was inspired by the deep blue color of the ocean that can been seen looking out the windows of this room and then I added a little citrine and turquoise to provide that fresh feel my client wants. I also wanted to have contrast in the room, white with navy blue, and natural with shiny gold/brass items, both of which give a nod to the ocean/beachy theme without being too literal. In addition, I wanted the main elements of the room, like wall color, bed, and night stands, to be neutral, so that if she ever wants a different look, she could change the accent items, like the decorative pillows and blanket, for a quick, relatively inexpensive fix.

xoxo,

Leah

Neutral room with a splash of color

I love a neutral room. A neutral room illustrates my simply beautiful design philosophy, it can be calming, relaxing, inviting, yet polished and feels effortlessly put together.

House Beautiful

However, that said, there's also a side of me that loves color, which I think can also be simply beautiful.  I've been thinking about how to have both, perhaps a neutral room, with a splash of color? I am currently loving the color hot pink. So, how about it, could you, would you, add a little hot pink to your life?  

xoxo,

Leah

Pinterest

House Beautiful

Horchow

Houzz

The Every Girl

Sally Wheat

Caitlin Wilson

Megan Winters

Armonia Decors

Decorpad

Kara Mann

Kara Mann

Ana Antunes

The Nester

Donna Piskun

Master Bedroom - It's time for a change to neutral

It's high time to update my master bedroom. I want a peaceful, calming and relaxing room (don't we all?). Here are two rooms that have the look I am craving:

Love This Life

HGTV

Based on those beautiful rooms, here is a mood board I created for my master bedroom. I will keep you updated on my progress!

xoxo,
Leah