The Re-Design of a Room in My Own Home….Literally, “50 Shades of Grey!”
As an interior designer, I get my daily decorating fix by working with clients on their homes. I absolutely love what I do, and love even more that I get to do such different designs for each client. Though, there comes a time when you realize you need to do this for your own home too! I’ve lived in my condo for seven years, so most of the decor was stuff that I chose years ago, when I was first moving in. At the time, I was really into robins egg blue, chocolate brown, and cream & brown zebra print. I loved it so much, that I actually painted a brown and cream “Zebra Wall” in the entrance of my condo. I did it on a study break years ago, when I was spending hours a day studying for my NKBA Certified Kitchen Designer exam. I had been studying for days on end, and needed a creative break, so I just started painting. A few hours later, I had this cool, animal print wall. I loved it– it was so bold and cool! It stayed like that for years, serving as a backdrop for many photos with friends. Eventually, I tired of the look though….and knew it was time to change things up. So, I begun the process of re-designing my living room.
The first thing I did was figure out the color palate. I decided I didn’t want COLOR— and wanted to do an all neutral room in tones of grey and cream. I like to find that one item that sparks the whole design, and I found that in a cool geometric printed pillow from Z Gallerie. From there, I choose the other fabrics for the sofa pillows, and then even found an amazing wool rug incorporating all the shades of grey from West Elm. (The “Faded Ikat” Rug)
MY NEVER ENDING THROW PILLOW COLLECTION
I knew I wanted wallpaper— I use wallpaper at least once in EVERY one of my projects, so I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity with my own place. I chose an amazing paper from Romo, which resembles almost a “watercolor like” look– in grey tones. I then chose another grey paper from Romo, this one Sparkly and textured, for an accent wall.
I painted the entire room my favorite shade of grey OC-52 Grey Owl, from Benjamin Moore. I LOVE this color, because it’s a soft shade of grey, that is a perfect neutral. Grey paint can be tricky—some too blue in undertone, some too brown, but this one is always perfect!
For the floors, I chose Grey wood. It was not a color I had initially wanted. I was going to use espresso wood floors, but when I saw the grey wood—I couldn’t pass it up! It really makes the whole space blend so perfectly.
MY FAVORITE GREY PAINT COLOR EVER, OC-52
The sofa was the only thing I kept from the existing living room, and I didn’t want to re-upholster the whole thing. So, I kept the cream microfiber cushions and just changed all of the back pillows. I used the Z Gallerie printed pillow, and then looked for lots of different textures for the other pillow fabrics. I used a cool leather, some metallic silvers, mongolian fur, beaded pillows, you name it. I continuously add to the collection with every trip to Homegoods! LOL!. It’s never quite done!
I struggled with finding the right art— nothing seemed right. So, I decided I should just make my own. I’ve been an artist all my life, I absolutely love painting. Though, theses days I rarely have time. This was the perfect opportunity to paint again, and make some cool art for my own home. I purchased several 12×12 canvas pieces, and made each one a little different. I embellished them with studs and cool silver chains. I wanted it to look edgy and stylish. I actually took some inspiration from my Nail Artist, Ann, who does similar patterns and designs on my nails!
IF YOU CAN’T FIND THE RIGHT WALL ART, MAKE YOUR OWN!
For the rest of the furniture accent pieces, I chose stuff that was glass and chrome, dark espresso wood, and mirrored. I absolutely love my mirrored desk, and had to use a Philippe Starck “Ghost Chair” to go with it. I added a touch of faux grey fur on the seat, to give it a little more “glam” feel!
MY “GLAM” DESK
Overall, I am so happy with the way the re-designed space came out! Something about the all neutral palate is just calming and soothing. Though, I do love using color in my designs too! Luckily, I also needed to re-do my bedroom….so, I decided that room would have color. Stay tuned!
Here’s a peek at the bathroom remodel I also recently completed….and the color scheme is…all grey! 😉
DURING THE REMODEL— AFTER ALL THE CARPETING HAD BEEN RIPPED UP
