Every time I resolve to inject more color and pattern into my decor, my favourite bloggers conspire against me and post the most incredible subdued interiors! Today's neutral yumminess is especially appealing---I swear these gals are in cahoots. First it was Blair from Delight by Design with a gorgeous dining room. Love the mix and match modern chairs paired with a rugged, organic table...
Cassie over at Roseland Greene nearly killed me with this little fireplace vignette. And Catherine from Simply Natural can always be counted on to deliver stunning, soothing images. No matter what decorating route I take, I will never tire of flower arrangements featuring forced branches...
Then came Tina from Luphia Loves with her round-up of to-die-for boudoir styles in all white. Look at those floors glow!
And finally Jenny at Pygmee Style threw this black and white bedroom into the mix. Does that mauve blanket count as color?
So now I'm completely torn between filling my house with vibrant hues or limiting my palette to soft serene neutrals. What's a girl to do? A little retail therapy, that's what! I've had some gift cards burning a hole in my pocket since Christmas so I'm braving the rain and heading into the city for a (very mini) shopping spree. What are your plans for the weekend? Hope you have a fun one!
i can see why you were torn between the choices, what an amazing collection of beige rooms! wow, i have no solution for you i'm afraid anne although shopping's got to help! ;)
Posted by: Luphia | January 23, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Bring in the vibrancy with accents-- like pillows, knick knacks, etc. Then, when you're over it, you can just switch it out. LOVE that first pic.
Posted by: Abbie | January 23, 2009 at 11:13 AM
I totally agree with you. White, beige, taupe, whatever you want to call it has been on my mind as well.
I'm a fan of color so my house is filled with brown, green, blue and even black walls! But lately I've been itching to paint the town white!
Love all the pictures!
Posted by: Camila | January 23, 2009 at 11:17 AM
all of these images are so tranquil and refreshing...but it's the mirror in the first one that has stolen my heart! have a wonderful weekend! xo
Posted by: cupcakes and cashmere | January 23, 2009 at 11:37 AM
i love all these rooms, but colour is totally seasonal lol
i especially LOVE the dining room!
Posted by: jo | January 23, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Thank you Anne for including me in your post! I know, it is so hard to choose between bright vibrant colors and more natural shades. I guess the answer is too constantly redecorate:)Have a fun weekend shopping spree! xx
Posted by: blair | January 23, 2009 at 11:58 AM
wow, i hear you. it's so hard to pick, we almost need accessories in color that are easily changeable and can be moved whenever the modd strikes. i'm particularly drawn to the last picture with that ornate, winter white headboard, the birch wallpaper, oh my gosh, just dreamy. happy weekend! happy shopping spree however mini.
Posted by: robin pulsifer | January 23, 2009 at 12:30 PM
oops, i meant "whenever the mood srikes!" typo mistake!
Posted by: robin pulsifer | January 23, 2009 at 12:31 PM
I hear you! I go back and forth myself between monotone decor and infusing fresh color into it. My solution? Neutral furnishings that I can subdue when I'm in the mood for monotone and that I can infuse with color when I'm feeling like my life needs a shot of vibrancy! Beautiful pics. Especially the 4th photo - gorgeous!
Posted by: Rebecca @ Harmony & Home | January 23, 2009 at 01:06 PM
beige vs. color, it's a perpetual dilemma. i'm having a flashback to Big's (sex and the city) declaration that he was sick of beige (i.e. natasha) and favoring colorful carrie. how sad is it that i think about things in terms of these tv episodes?
anyway, i do like the dining table in top photo.
Posted by: Jackie | January 23, 2009 at 01:25 PM
So pretty! However, I have to be realistic. I was thinking about recovering the dining room chairs in a beige nubby linen but then reality struck. Between LJ and Jack...there is no way. So I have to do some print. Hmmmm any thoughts? There is a big rusticy, wooden mirror at our local consignment store...would look cook propped up in the dining room.
Posted by: Jen | January 23, 2009 at 01:54 PM
I know, I saw that dining room pic and I fell in love. That last bedroom is pretty amazing as well.
Posted by: jess@thehomebound | January 23, 2009 at 02:30 PM
I have always liked the look of neutral spaces but have never been able to manage it in my own spaces. I think there is something about the architecture that really makes it work.
Posted by: dwellings and decor | January 23, 2009 at 06:31 PM
That top room is just perfect.
Posted by: Chelsea | January 23, 2009 at 09:28 PM
I feel your pain. I'm having the exact same dilemma. I was bent on having a bright, exciting place. But now I keep seeing all these clean, soft spaces and I'm smitten with them. What's a girl to do?
Posted by: christina | January 23, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Lovely to see even more of the subtle whites. The branches in pic 3 look great.
Have a great weekend you too!
Posted by: Jenny | January 24, 2009 at 02:03 AM
I hope we have convinced you to come over to the beige side Anne! Colours come and go, but neutrals last forever. Sophisticated, timeless, beyond fashion.
Thanks for including me in your post!
Catherine
Posted by: Catherine | January 24, 2009 at 02:47 AM
Wow, these are great... love the dining table.
Posted by: Kathy | January 24, 2009 at 07:32 AM
I know!
I love colour and plan on colour in my spaces then I see these fantastic images and I complete swooning on the lightness and freshness of them!!! I say we get two places one for colour the other for neutrals!!
Posted by: callie grayson | January 24, 2009 at 08:33 AM
Number 1, which I have saved in my files too, and number 3 are perfect, *sigh*, just perfect! Happy shopping, enjoy!
Posted by: nkp | January 24, 2009 at 08:45 AM
I feel ya...I may talk the talk when it comes to using color, but I don't usually end up walking the walk. What can I say, I really do love neutrals the best. The third photo is my fave, love forced branches as well.
And Gilt...oh my, I die a little inside each time I don't buy something, then check back later to see it all sold out. The prices are just ridiculous! Love it.
Posted by: Jackie | January 24, 2009 at 08:45 AM
lovely blog!
Posted by: Jamie | January 24, 2009 at 09:21 AM
i want that bedroom, really want it! might have to change it all up now....
great post!
Posted by: kasey@lolabboutique.com | January 24, 2009 at 06:25 PM
These images are gorgeous and I for one never tire of the beige factor. The last image is dreamy, xv.
Posted by: vicki archer | January 25, 2009 at 01:55 PM
I got lots of pix uploading done, and I'm working on freelance. Plus I celebrated my hubby's birthday. Otherwise not too much, lol.
I keep saying it: I love neutral rooms! I don't know if they'll ever find their way into my home, but I am drawn to them for some reason...
Posted by: Chris | January 25, 2009 at 04:58 PM
I like Blair's response - "constantly redecorate"!!
It's hard to choose. There is so much great design out there - how do you narrow it down to what YOU want to live with??? This is the eternal question!
Posted by: Rachel | January 26, 2009 at 10:39 AM
I love neutral interiors. I can't help it... and I don't understand at all when people say they're boring. to me, they are so perfect in their monotone layers.
Posted by: Kristin @ Contented Me | January 26, 2009 at 01:37 PM
Hi Guy's,
Colours come and go, but neutrals last forever. Sophisticated, timeless, beyond fashion.
Posted by: 4gb micro m2 | February 05, 2010 at 02:06 AM
Hi Guy's,
I may talk the talk when it comes to using color, but I don't usually end up walking the walk. What can I say, I really do love neutrals the best. The third photo is my fave, love forced branches as well.
Posted by: dsi gaming accessories | February 05, 2010 at 10:11 PM