It's taken me a long time to figure out that I love living in neutral rooms.
Don't get me wrong, I love color!
But I've found that living with a lot of color tends to overwhelm my senses and actually tires me out, while neutral rooms seem to calm and soothe me. As I redecorate our home, I'm trying to create neutral backgrounds on which I can sprinkle bits of color here and there until I reach my color saturation point.
It's been a fun learning process that's constantly evolving. I began in our new guest room where I'm experimenting for the first time with neutral layering and textures. Once I started getting more experience with different shades of beige, brown, and gray along with patterns and textures, it became easier. I've grown to love the subtlety of decorating with neutrals.
I began with Benjamin Moore bone white satin paint on the walls, then anchored our queen size guest bed with a cozy warm white duvet, white pillow cases and sheets, and a white quilted bed skirt.
I splurged on washed linen ruffled euro shams from Pottery Barn in a flax color, then I layered on pattern with an embroidered pillow from Pier One Imports and texture with faux fur and ruffled pillows, also from Pier One.
The turned wood lamp bases and printed lamp shades are from Target.
I bought this snugly quilt on a different shopping trip and didn't even notice it's the same pattern as the lamp shade until I put it on the bed. The window panels are voile sheers that soften the view during the day with a privacy room darkening window shade under them for sleeping in late.
This maple dresser was a gift for our nursery when my first daughter was born twenty-seven years ago. I'm a bit torn over my plans for painting it white. Since I ran out of time to get it painted before my Thanksgiving guests arrive in a couple days, I'll have more time to think about it. What do you think? Should I paint it or leave it?
I still don't have anything hanging on the walls. My old self wanted to run out and buy some vibrant colorful artwork, but the new neutral me is slowing down and taking my time to find (or make) just the right thing to add another interesting layer of pattern and texture. When I find it, you know I'll be sharing it with you!
I'm so glad you stopped by to see my new neutral guest room decor, and I'm so excited for my company to arrive and try it all out!
I'll be busy in the kitchen cooking and baking for the next few days now, so I'll wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving today. I hope you have a wonderful week and a very
Happy Thanksgiving!
