An Unpainted Bedroom

Even though there are a million things I should be doing in prepartion of baby's arrivial and moving, the only thing that is really on my mind is how I want to decorate our new house. Painting walls is usually my first design element, but since we will be living on post, I have to deal with 2 years of Army-beige throughout the house. So my recent decor research is all about how to add color to a neutral walled room, particulary our master bedroom.

Colorful lamps, bold curtains and a fun rug:
A very neutral room all around, but its soothing and perhaps what we will need to retreat to after a long day with 2 little ones! Love the bedding:

Something like this feels very California. Maybe I should just stick to bright whites with a few accents here and there. Notice the colored lamps again, and big artwork seems to help too!
I don't like the color scheme here, but its a good example of how to add color:
Another 'embracing the neutral' room:
I've posted this room before and still just love it. Love the art, rug, lamps, bedding, chair..love it all. This could be my inspiration room for sure.
Do you like painted or neutral walls? I am looking forward to the challenge of decorating without paint!

*Images from House Beautiful, Southern Living and Coastal Living

Farm House Guest Room

As you know, my parents bought a farm in Western Virginia and are on their way to transforming it from an outdated cottage to a cozy and chic place for our family to gather. (You can read more about their progress and see pictures here). I have elected to design one of the guest rooms upstairs and since I am going up to visit in a few weeks, I wanted to take some ideas with me. I have already decided on a color palate that goes with the views: green, white and a grayish blue, with maybe some pops of yellow. I need to create it on a budget, so I am have been searching for inspiration and hope to find some deals and help mom create a guestroom husband and I will be happy to sleep in.

I love the bright white mixed with green patterning in this image from House Beautiful. It is simple, but calming and a big plus is that it would be very cheap to replicate.

I know I want to do something cool with a headboard and really make it a focal point. This bed from Sunset Magazine was made with moldings from the hardware store. We did something similar in our guestroom at home, except I used a floral fabric in the background. I would definitely use something bright for the center in this case too.
Love the painted furniture here. In my head, the furniture is going to be painted a grayish blue to match the mountains in the distance, but this picture from Coastal Living makes me rethink that plan.
Ah, so serene. Roman shades will be a must in this room because I'll want the color from fabric and the functionality of darkening the room, but the room is too small for big panels and I don't want to take anything away from what's out the window.
I don't care for the bed in this room, it is a little too beachy, but the color palate in just right!
Which room would you like to stay in?

In Honor of Mothers...

Isn't this a precious children's room? What a great way to divide a space and keep it special and unique for each kid, but still flow so well. I love the way its like a rainbow. How fun!



*Image from Domino

And On Came the Inspiration...

So yesterday, I mentioned a bedroom I would love to sleep in. Oddly, my favorite part of the room is the black four-poster bed. I don't think I have ever seen one or it has occured to me it would be so welcoming. But I actually really like the traditional look of the four posters with that sleek, modernity of black furniture. What do you think? Is it a good look?











*Images from Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Domino and Coastal Living.

But Some Other Things...

Definitely do.

I could sleep for days in this bedroom:



And it is simple, clean and modern, but to me doesn't feel uncomfortable. Could you imagine waking up to the natural light in here? I would keep the doors open during the night, listen to the ocean, but calmed by the breeze. Love.

*Image from Coastal Living

Some Things...

Just don't make sense to me.

Like this bedroom:



Crazy bird (butterfly?) wall art? Rock shaped lamps? Sad little black sconce? A silk sheet instead of cozy comforter? I thought the bedroom is supposed to be peaceful, but I can assure you there would be no sweet dreams for me in here.

Thoughts??