Incorporating the Modern…A Wishful Room Update.

There’s something about colder, crisper weather that makes me want to redecorate my entire house. Add to that my nesting instinct and it’s a recipe for trouble!

Of course, with a baby on the way, my decorating budget has dramatically decreased. And I’m pretty certain once my little one is in my arms I won’t give a second thought to what my house looks like for at least the first month, but in the meantime, a girl can dream, right?

Living Room 2013_edited-1 copy

Living Room Mantle 2013_edited-1

Yep. There’s baby stuff around the house now!

When I moved into this home 2 years ago, I had a bit of an infatuation with Pottery Barn. Who doesn’t? But since then, my style has morphed a bit and I would love to incorporate a few modern touches. My new infatuation? Black and white!

However, I wasn’t sure how to incorporate this new infatuation with my much more rustic décor without spending an arm and a leg…until I realized that the answer was right under my feet!

Living Room & Hallway_edited-1

Since my floors are a lovely, distressed black and white, I figured that I could easily (and cheaply!) tie this into the décor with a few fun throw pillows and blankets without things looking too hodge podge. So I turned to Etsy and Zara Home for some inspiration…

Neon Plus Cross Throw Pillow Cover By Pencil Me In // Mint, Lime Green, Hot PinkBlack and White Triangle Throw Pillow By Pencil Me In // Black and White Pillow18x18 Decorative Throw Pillow Black and White Striped Medium Weight CottonTriangles pillow decorative throw pillow geometric pillow cover white cotton toss arrow pillow case rustic bedding set 18x18 inches ohtteam

Decorative Pillow Cover - 18 x 18 Yellow Black White Chevron Zig Zag  Designer Pillow Cover - Throw Pillow

Let me explain…the throw blanket and pillow with yellow detail you see directly above would go on the armchair and incorporate the few pops of yellow that I already have around the room. And the remaining pillows would get arranged on the couch and would incorporate the teal-ish blue on the entertainment unit and game table/bistro chair.

I would also love to find or create a large piece of canvas art next to my fiddle leaf fig, and print out some fun artwork to replace in the two frames hung above the bench.

And voila! With very little effort I would have a completely new, modern vintage (“modage”) look. Now to replace the couch…

What do you think? Love it or hate it? Do you think the black & white clashes too much with the rug?

OH EMERALD, HOW DO I LOVE THEE? LET ME COUNT THE WAYS…

I think it’s important that we all add a little sparkle to our lives and, other than spending a small fortune on shiny trinkets, there’s no easier way than by implementing Pantone’s 2013 color of the year – EMERALD!

PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2013 - Emerald 17-5641

Initially, I was a bit surprised at this announcement. Emerald is a gorgeous color, indeed, but it’s also quite a bold one. But after a little research, I am absolutely and utterly enamored:

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Emerald silk curtains just ooze lusciousness!

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Throw in an emerald (and velvet!) settee and I am in heaven.

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Adding that small pop of emerald to a neutral base is a great way to ease into the color (remember: accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!).

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But if you’d like to get a little more playful, consider mixing emerald with turquoise or teal…

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Or perhaps a little dash of plum…

richard goullet interior designer

richard goullet interior designer

Or if you’re feeling particularly bold…

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As for me, while I may not be so bold, I have certainly found my own inspiration:

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Oh yes, I can guarantee that a few of my furniture pieces will have that pop emerald!

However you choose to infuse emerald into your life, it’s bound to bring a little joy, and just in time for the holidays!

Oh emerald, how I love thee indeed. Smile