Although most of us really love to use color in our homes, there's a certain set of stylish folks that decorate their homes completely in neutrals (white, black, cream, gray, brown), and I have to say, it's kind of awesome.
-via ahouselikethis.blogspot.co.uk - natural wood looks great with these monochromatic palettes
-via house.7showing.com - this one is predominantly black and white, with texture thrown in for warmth
-via pufikhomes.com - I love the gray walls/trim/radiator and the cube coffee table(s). The bright white tulip table pops. Also love the bird. He keeps popping up in these neutral rooms!
via French By Design - the warm, brown leather pouf and floor bring in some "color" here (Bird!)
-via sulia.com - Moroccan rugs work perfectly in neutral rooms
Now, most of these rooms do NOT look child-friendly. It could just be that all their "regular" (aka colored) stuff is put away for the photo shoots. But my feeling is that this is a super cool look for a home either before or after your "family" years. It would just be so challenging to limit the palette in this way once all the kid's stuff moves in. And you don't want to be all annoyed that their bright red Etch-a-sketch and Elmo doll are messing with your vibe.
-via coolechicstylefashion.blogspot.com - this room uses very cool-toned whites and grays, along with black...the chandelier adds a glam factor above the modern dining chairs.
-via Apartment 34 - the polished concrete floor adds shine and complements the gray upholstery. The copper table breaks it up without using "color".
-via Pinterest - This one stands out because it's not as modern as the others...feels traditional and layered and super cozy. I want to sit around that table, drinking wine and playing Hearts.
-photo by Krista Keltanen Photography - it's amazing how that small bouquet of greens adds so much to the otherwise brown-and-white dining area.
-via Decordots - Gotta love the lemon tree. It would be so cold without it.
-via anordinarywoman.net - The only color comes from small strokes in the art. Greens on the table would be amazing. I am in love with the ceramic vessels on the right-hand side.
-via Decordots, photo by Krista Keltanen Photography - Look! A kid lives there! He only has black-and-white toys.
-via domino.com - Just a cool, little corner. I'm a big fan of chevron-patterned wood floors.
-via Chic and Deco - The wood beams and lots of layers/texture make this neutral room super warm and cozy. Quick, grab a book and a cup of hot chocolate!
-photo by Briggs Edward - The ceiling and the fireplace are amazing. Just don't put your stinky feet on anything.
-via myscandinavianhome.blogspot.dk - Digging the rug, the linen, slip-covered sofa and the chunky, wood shelves. Scandinavians are super into this look.
- via flickr - I'm a big fan of the open staircase. It feels like a piece of art. This room looks amazing in pictures, but, um, there's nowhere to have a proper conversation. Maybe that's the idea.
I think the monochromatic thing works really well in the bedroom. It feels very soothing, and calming. It's also easier to keep eye-sores out of there. Just shut the door.
via lookslikewhite.com - I love this bedding so much. It's so crisp and cool. Remind me to copy it someday.
-via The New York Times, Photo by Simon Watson - The paint is so beautiful and textured. It adds a real warmth, even though it's such a cool palette.
-via flickr.com - Sometimes an unmade bed is more appealing than a perfect one. Even one as simple as this.
I like to finish with my fave. And this last one just is. The neutral palette is gorgeous, with navy added in perfectly. It feels both modern and glamorous, but there are lots of textures and layers, so it also feels comfortable and inviting. I love the furniture choices, the lighting, the rugs, the black wall - pretty much all of it.
-via Domino, designed by Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent - total dream team
Color is beautiful, but you can't deny that people are creating some beautiful rooms using predominantly neutrals. I'm going to visualize Joel and I in a second home like this. On a lake. During our empty-nest(er) years. Remember The Secret? This could work!
I'll let you know how it turns out.
