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Observation: Casual & Colorful

by | Aug 4, 2008 | Decorating Inspiration, Details

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Observation: Casual & Colorful

Hey friends! Great job last week on the observation posts! You all are so insightful.

If you aren’t getting too bored with this game (I don’t seem to ever tire of it!), let’s try another room and share our thoughts on things that we notice about this space! No right or wrong, just any random thoughts that strike you as you look at this photo.

Here are some ideas to jump start the conversation, but feel free to share on anything about the room:

  • What kind of mood does this room put you in? Why?
  • How would you describe this style?
  • Describe the personality of people who might live in a room like this and what must their life be like there (based on what you see)?
  • What are the main things you notice when you first look at this photo?
  • What are some subtle features that you notice when you look more closely?
  • Notice things like the shapes, the textures, the colors, the proportions, patterns, etc.
  • What is something you can learn from this style or how the room is put together?
  • What role does the architecture play in this room?
  • If someone wanted to create a room like this, what are some of the significant things they should incorporate?

Enjoy observing, and don’t forget to share with us what you noticed.

“Observation” is a new series of posts where we will all share our observations on the day’s photo. There is no expected, right or wrong comment. Just share what you see, what you notice, what is unique, what you love, what strikes you, or what is something you might have learned about design from this photo.

You don’t have to love the room to observe things about it. We’ll study all kinds of rooms (don’t worry, we’ll do other posts too, not only these!)

This exercise is both to stretch our own creativity and to help ourselves and others see from a new perspective.

Need more help with what to look for? Read the explanation post here. Have fun observing!

Coastal Living photo by Alec Hemer

72 Comments

  1. Francisca R.

    O.K. …..My first entry on this serie (although I did read the other one’s).
    I LOVE this room. There is sooooo much space (the first thing I noticed, because Dutch houses are on the average much smaller than American houses).
    I like the wooden floor, the white painted walls and doors etc. and the vibrant colours of the green and blue! And most of all: the things in the room are not ready-bought from a shop, where you go en take your entire interiour stuff at once.
    It gives a happy and summer-like feeling, FRESH! I can almost smell the grass and flowers outside!
    I also like ‘real’ materials like wood, ratan and coton and real flowers.
    The half open kitchen is the best fot communicating and cooking together. A door right away to the garden (?).
    I think in this house could live people of all ages, but they certain will be creative, open minded and hospitable and very friendly!
    I hope you understand my English writing………hartelijke groet from the Netherlands!
    Francisca

    Reply
  2. inmystudio

    I love this place! It looks like it could be sitting on a beach somewhere. I love the clean white walls and planked ceiling, the beams, and the wood floors. The open floor plan gives it a very family-friendly look. I love that. The splashes of blue and green give the room a fresh, cool feel. Definitely a great place for family and friends.

    Reply
  3. Vee~A Haven for Vee

    The people who enjoy this room are playful. I could enjoy it perfectly well with one exception. I don’t like the color of the little buffet. For me, it’s too glaringly unmatchy matchy. I don’t like matchy-matchy, but that’s just too close of a color to some other pieces (blue family) but not close enough. What am I trying to say? I want it yellow…buttercream yellow perhaps. All in all, a very bright, cheerful room that would be a joy to spend time in.

    Reply
  4. Angie

    What a great space, the “bones” of this house are fantastic! Love the ceiling and the stairs. You don’t see much hanging on the walls, and this contributes to the clean look. This looks like a lake house or beach house, the colors are fun and casual and the sisal rug is practical if sand is being dragged in all the time. It may be the angle of the photo but I’d like the rug to be a bit bigger. Textures are great, the woven sofa, the sisal rug, the canvas cushions. I love that the colors are all in the blue/green range but not matchy. The chair and ottoman look like a great place to read, with a thoughtfully placed lamp.There may be kids in the household but maybe not. It looks like you could have a lot of friends and family in, there are a couple of dining tables I can see plus counter seating. I love the chandelier over the kitchen area table. It looks well put together but still a very casual, inviting space.

    Reply
  5. Liz

    I love the careful use of colour against the white. I’d love to spend time in this room, it casual yet elegant.

    Reply
  6. Julie

    I love it! Fun and cheerful, comfortable, relaxing—except for all those legs. Legs everywhere. I’m not sure what could be done to soften that. Maybe a chaise longue for the green chair or a huge ottoman for the coffee table, but it’s really the kitchen and porch where the issue is…all those chairs and stools. Love the ceiling! Love the playful contrast of formal chandelier and the casual atmosphere. Love all the white contrasting the floors. It’s a bright neutral background for their “finds.” They obviously enjoy each of their pieces very much, not just getting them because they “go.” Overall, I’d feel right at home here. Easy living!

    Reply
  7. Marianne

    Again there is a a lot of color on a white background. I really like that. It is rather eclectic, but friendly, warm and cheerfull. It makes me happy. I also like the fact that everything is open. The kitchen, the stairs etc. It looks light despite the fact that there is a lot of furniture. I think the people who live here like to live nice and comfortable, but don’t take it (and maybe themselves) too serious.

    Reply
  8. Shelia

    This is a wonderful lived in family room where you can put your feet up on the coffee table and eat to your heart’s content while watching TV. I didn’t see one, but it must be there. I don’t usually like white walls, but this room seems to be in a coastal climate and reminds me of the sea – white walls are the clouds, the blue the sea and the green the sea grasses.
    Oh, and thanks for popping in to see me. I would love you to go into a bathroom (of your choice) and snap a pic for me and let me know. Then you could be a Daring Darling Beautiful Bathroom Snapping Diva. You know you covet that title!! lol
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

    Reply
  9. Jenny

    Oh, I love it! It looks so comfy. I can imagine walking in that door from the beach with a little sand between my toes. My favorite parts of the room are the pops of color against the white walls.

    Jenny
    http://www.shutterbugkeepsakes.com

    Reply
  10. Sunday Baker

    The people who live here have young children. The look is inviting and kid-friendly…lived in. They are busy people who run around a lot and need a lively yet inviting place to come home to.

    There are little pops of color that don’t necessarily go..but they somehow work for this space. I would love to see more of this home.

    I love the whole space, although the bright colors aren’t usually for me. I like a nice even flow of colors for the eye to see, along with some pops of color accents here and there for interest. I love the white walls and hardwood floors and staircase. An older home with modern touches.

    The fabrics look inviting, again kid-friendly, and something I could lounge across after coming in from a day at the beach.

    I would definitely change out some of the pieces (lamp behind the couch, kitchen chandelier, blue stool, etc.), but I still enjoyed looking at this fun space!

    Reply
  11. Melissa (Missy)

    The room is cheerful, casual, flows and it works. Functional and great for entertaining as well.

    Reply
  12. Suzette

    I love white rooms with color popping all over it. This one says “beach” to me. There’s so much light and air. I feel like I could really breathe in this room. Looking through the door, you can see that the feeling is apparently carried through to other rooms. This room gives the feel that it was (very successfully) put together with flea market finds. I’m sure there’s a lot of work represented here – and that’s why it succeeds. It doesn’t look like work at all. It looks like it just “happened,” and that the family living here likes it like that. They’re probably all barefoot right now.

    Reply
  13. Emily

    I love love love this room upon first glance. It looks so comfortable and takes me right back to my family’s cottage where I could live forever. The white door in the background, the white walls and ceilings are amazing against the pops of color in the couch and chair. The blue furniture in the kitchen and further through the kitchen in the dining area at the end of the photo are fabulous. I love the splashes of flowers throughout. And oh the coffee table is so inviting – almost enough that I would rudely put my feet up on it!

    Reply
  14. Nana

    Beach house, really really nice beach house! I can just image the ocean out those double glass doors on the left. I love the fresh, wide open flow of the house where lots of friends and family can mingle in each room. Love the woodwork and wonder what the door to the right of the blue buffet could be. A closet? Pantry? Very “fresh” best describes it.

    Reply
  15. Linda

    First thing I notice is the pops of color, it is probably by the beach, very casual style. Beautiful woodwork details, and love the wood floors. Could be an older home, or made to look older. Some of pieces are “flea market” finds or antiques or hand me downs, but chosen well.

    Reply
  16. Jen

    When can I move in? This room, is everything my rooms hope to be! My eye darts to the great architectural charm (those doors, the molding). It skips right past the pops of color to the chandelier and then doubles back to enjoy the vibrant, playful colors. I love the casualness, yet the character too. Thanks again!

    Reply
  17. Amy

    “Shinny, happy people”, (REM) pops into my head when I look at this room. I love everything about this room except the light fixtures. I’m not sure what I would use to replace the lights.

    I can see myself lounged on the couch reading a book or throwing a great dinner party with lots of diverse and interesting people.

    I never realized how much room decor can effect a mood. I love this idea of talking about different photos. Thanks to everyone for your comments. I’m learning so much.

    Reply
  18. Jill

    This is a very cheerful room! It looks like it’s on the beach or lake – it’s a put-your-feet-up comfy-sand-allowed type of room. I love how the spots of color all have the same brightness value, and they really pop against the white. I also love the architectural details on the ceiling, walls, and staircase. The only thing I don’t truly love is that little dark blue rug – I think I’d replace it with another grasscloth rug.

    Reply
  19. rosieswhimsy

    The first thing I noticed was sweet little ? teal green cupboard…..then all the wonderful molding. I came away thinking that if I had all the rich architectural detail that was in this room, I wouldn’t feel the need for so much “stuff” cluttering up tables and shelves. There is plenty to catch your eye…..hemmmm……Oh Honey, come here and look at this picture……

    Reply
  20. aswewalk

    What kind of mood does this room put you in? Why?
    Makes me want to open the windows to the breeze and curl up on the couch with a good book and a glass of lemonade.

    How would you describe this style?
    Breezy. Fresh.

    Describe the personality of people who might live in a room like this and what must their life be like there (based on what you see)?
    Me. Easy-going with a little flair. Neat and peaceful.

    What are the main things you notice when you first look at this photo?
    All the texture in the white woodwork. The bright couch that “pops.” Distressed coffee table and chest on legs. LOVE the colors!

    What are some subtle features that you notice when you look more closely?
    Scrolly black iron lamps, white overhead cabinets built into the dining area. More rooms–looks like it could go on forever.

    Notice things like the shapes, the textures, the colors, the proportions, patterns, etc.

    What is something you can learn from this style or how the room is put together?
    That a room can still look fresh and crisp with mismatched, distressed furniture. I usually avoid them because I don’t want to look “shabby.” But the white woodwork really works with them and creates the neat background.

    What role does the architecture play in this room?
    Raises your eye, but the couch reaches out to you to ground you. So sends you up, but invites you to rest. I really want to lie on the couch and look up. But…from experience, the couch won’t be really comfy, I’d prefer a cushy, complete fabric couch.

    If someone wanted to create a room like this, what are some of the significant things they should incorporate? White pallet, interesting textures, pieces chosen from the heart. I’d add brightly colored green and blue glass bottles.

    Reply
  21. abbreviated

    All that white makes the furniture colors pop.

    Reply
  22. jane

    i love the white, the woodwork everywhere, the openness, the floors, the light, and the lamp, but i wouldn’t use the color treatment with this style. the green/blue is more retro/modern (now THAT’s a style!)(lol) than the farmy bones of the room(s). i’m really an old rustic fan and these colors (fine in themselves) don’t work for me here although the furnishings do. isn’t it funny how color can make/break a room?? i didn’t know how this felt before this exercise. so thanks for the education! and is that a PHONE on the wall?? I HAVE A PHONE ON MY KITCHEN WALL! anyway, the style is warm and comfy, but not messy. it is easy-living at its best. welcoming and not judgemental so it’s a winner in my book! jkj

    Reply
  23. Laura Ingalls Gunn

    This photo immediately made me think of my daughters bedroom as it is the same color palette. I love the combination of aqua and green with the POP of purple.

    Reply
  24. Neutral Dwelling

    It feels like a vacation at the beach. I love the purple hydrangeas!

    Reply
  25. Nancy

    My daughter would love this room with a casual, beachy feel. Love the mix and match along with molding. nancy

    Reply
  26. Melissa

    I like this room. Love the white walls and the wood floors and how it really opens things up. The bright colors are fun, but the sensible side of me would probably choose neutrals and use pillows or other accessories to add a punch of color. I could see myself enjoying a morning cup of coffee in this room with the people I love! I could also see this as a kid friendly place. Overall the room is inviting and promotes relaxation. The coffee table is my favorite piece of furniture in this room.

    Reply
  27. Mrs. Q

    Ok…the distressed look distresses me..but it always has. I’m not a shabby chic kind of gal..lol. The other thing I noticed were all the chairs. Felt kind of like chair-overkill to me. I love the bright pops of turquoise and lime green, but then I love colors like that. To me, there is too much white space. I love to saturate a room with rich color.

    Also, I feel like they totally missed out on the focal point of the room. Staring at the stairs is not exactly restful. They should have faced some of the furniture toward the french doors.

    The overall feel of the room is too light and airy..it has no substance to it. Everything kind of feels like it disappears into the wall of white. There isn’t really any artwork on the walls either. I think it needs some fresh paintings in vibrant colors.

    So this room isn’t really me and it isn’t really restful to me either. But that is just my opinion, so now I am off to read all of the other commenters’ observations :)

    Reply
  28. Mrs. Q

    OK..so I am the ONLY ONE who didn’t really like the room??? Well, it takes all different people to make up the world doesn’t it? I guess that is true for the design world as well…lol.

    Reply
  29. please sir

    This is a bright and happy room…I almost picture it at the beach. It has a kitsch feeling with re-vamped items. I think it is great because you can easily change the mood of the room by just replacing some pillows and colors.

    Reply
  30. Amber

    Ok, what I see is that they’ve used a completely white backdrop throughout and then brought in color through the furniture and such. I love that, and I also personally love painted wood- it gives that ‘Cottage,cozy feel’ to me. Great place!
    ~Amber

    Reply
  31. Laura

    I like how I could kick my feet up and not feel one bit bad about it in this house! I think these people are laid back (or just do a good job of pretending!) and I love the “keep it real” elements like piles of magazines, and even the not-quite-full plate rack in the kitchen (which means…thay actually *live* here and use stuff! Imagine! ;-) I know the photo stylist is probably responsible for a lot of that — the flowers, the well placed props like the matching-but-not-quite-matching glasses on the coffee table, but that’s OK. And unless there’s a TV I think I’d move that green chair out in to the room more. But hey, I’m no designer. What do I know?!

    Reply
  32. Shelia

    Afternoon, Melissa! You are so invited to take part in my Bathroom Beauty Snappers challenge. Maybe you could sneak into a bathroom close by and snap away. I’ve even said you can go into your own bathroom to snap if you’re too shy to go to a public bathroom of some sort. Come on and join the fun!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

    Reply
  33. Pat

    It reminds me of the front room of our condo, where we have more color than in the bedrooms. We have the white walls etc. So what I thought of when first seeing this photo was lake or beach property. Cozy, casual, fun, relaxing kind of place, we love for weekends and vacations.

    Reply
  34. Kim

    This room simply makes me happy. I would love to sit with my family and play games, or have a nice nap on the couch. To me, it’s a family home:happy and busy. I love the woodwork. I love the white with all the colors thrown everywhere.
    It’s my kind of house:)

    Reply
  35. Kate

    This room makes me Smile :). At first glance, it just looks so comfortable and inviting. I love the white walls and painted furniture with pops of blue and green – it just feels light, spacious and cheerful (yet the hardwood floors seem to ground everything). It almost feels like a beach or lake house… I really like how there’s not an overuse of pattern (very soft, understated pattern on the pillow). The bright blue and green pieces of furniture are just enough!

    Reply
  36. crystalreflections

    My first thought was “lived in”. I love used spaces.
    The white backdrop gives a feeling of freshness and lightness. I love that colors pop out as you look at the picture. It’s not all the same shades but it works in this space. I see people hanging around this space having fun and comfortable. It’s a friendly, family-driven place. Being that it has an open layout makes it much more inviting. One can have people in all the different places without making it an overly-crowded space.
    I can see myself living in this house.

    Reply
  37. ylva

    i wasn’t planning on participating actively (even if i really enjoy this observation-thing), but since almost everyone loves it, i just have to disagree a little. normally, this kind of room (white + colour pops + open spaces) would really appeal to me. i love that kind of thing. but there are some things about it that bothers me. it feels too long and i can’t find a fokus point. all i see are chairs and the somewhat cluttered space in back, especially on the right side. ok… the tablesetting to the left (in the back as well) bothers me a bit too, because it looks like something hurried people visiting a big furniture store would buy, while the rest of the furniture looks more… like someone has put some thought into it. i think that what bothers me the most is that it has real potential, but something doesn’t feel right about the way it’s done.

    Reply
  38. Melissa

    Glad you are speaking out with your opinions and observations, even if you feel you are the only one who might notice something! I too felt the furniture was a bit haphazard and lacking in a focal point. All I could think of was 1) I cannot see the other side of the room so it is hard to say what is by the staircase across from the sofa and 2) perhaps the furniture was pulled out for the photo for some reason or 3) it reminds me of my house when my kids leave furniture all crooked and pulled out and it drives me crazy! Photos are difficult sometimes because of photography staging and not being able to see the whole space.

    I do love white backdrops with architectural interest, anytime a room has some chunky white wainscoting, molding, paneled doors, beadboard on walls or ceilings (be still my heart!) I’m hooked. :-)

    Reply
  39. Becky

    I think the bright colors are cheery and it makes me think of a lake house. There are some great architectural details, but they don’t stand out because it is all white. I would like to visit this room, but not live in it–it is not warm enough!

    Reply
  40. Dee

    The room makes me feel like it was put together over time, not instantly. Mostly, I like that and it tells me something about a person. I love the aqua colors and the roominess. Looks lived in and thats okay with me.

    Reply
  41. Linds

    I LOVE this room. It’s fun loving but not chaotic or over the top, it’s cozy.

    It’s very clean but definitely not stuffy, the great use of color helps warm the white up. very refreshing, I love the bright open floor plan.

    I also love the vase with the blue flowers on the table.

    Reply
  42. Tara

    I want to have a cold in this room…or the flu. It is so darned happy and cheerful, the next time I am miserable I want to grab a throw and lay on the couch looking at this view. I couldn’t be sick for long!

    :0)
    Tara

    Reply
  43. annam

    Oooh, it looks beachy and serene, although kinda chaotic and crowded. The blues and greens are calming, all the chairs are stiff, but I could still lounge here for hours.

    Reply
  44. Wonders Never Cease

    I love this room. In fact, it could be mine. Could it? I’d love to stay for a weekend, anyway. Relaxed, cheery. Just happy and casual. Perfect.

    Reply
  45. Cemay

    I see this a home for a large family or their vacation retreat. Easy to maintain and appeals to everyone whatever their age. It’s very informal and looks to always be in transition. Perhaps they vacation and shop antique or thrift stores for wonderful finds to furnish.

    Not sure I’d want to live there year around but definitely in the summer with my family!

    Reply
  46. Rita

    The photo is restful for the eyes. I like the color combos and the placement of the colors. Then, looking closer at the choice of furniture — not comfortable. The sofa is too narrow from front to back. There is a similar one in the beach time-share property we own and it is impossible to sit on it for very long. Ditto for the green chair. No pillows to lean against — only those hard wooden arms. And before I leave the sofa — what is that striped piece on the seat of the far end? A pillow? A towel? It confuses me.

    The fact that you can see so deep into the house is intriging. Makes me want to wander from one room into the next. However, if each room is white walls and ceilings then I think it would make me yawn with disappointment and bordom.

    Where are the charming personal items that tells us that real people live here? There are no books, potted plants or photo frames. I’ll bet it has a knock-out view, though. And if it does it would be to your back as you sit on the sofa or chair.

    Brings me back to “nice eye candy” but I would have to move the furniture and bring lots of comfy pillows if I were to spent the weekend.
    Rita

    Reply
  47. katiedid

    The architecture is wonderful and very detailed. I think painting it all white shows off the details beautifully. There are lots of color punches….perhaps a little too much for me…..although I am in love with the turquoise chest against the wall. I see a young and very energetic family here with lots of fun activities going on. No time for anything that has to be kept perfect. There are alot of “leggy” peices of furniture which does not provide the “grounding” I think is needed to make this space truly comfortable and restful looking. I think this is why the space makes me feel a little scattered. There are alot of individually nice items in the space though.

    Love this new blog idea of yours!

    Reply
  48. Melissa

    Great observations, everyone, you are making some GREAT points!!!

    Reply
  49. Claudious

    I like the coloring, it seems very clean, it looks relaxing with all the natural light, and nothing in the room takes away from that light.

    Reply
  50. Karla & Karrie

    We’re happy to stay here thank you!! What a fun room!

    Mood – brings fun and relaxing to mind. We can’t imagine a TV being here in this house – lots of reading, games and laughter strike us!

    Style – very eclectic, classic and – well fun

    Personality of those who live here – casual, relaxed – did we mention fun?

    Color – almost electric when you first look at it – it gets your heart racing!

    What did we notice after-the-fact….
    1. Well, there’s a lot of white. 2. There is a bit of yellow accent moving throughout the room. 3. Hey, there’s no artwork on the walls!

    Architectural accents play a key in this house – from the white paneling everywhere – the paneled doors, the cool opening from the dining room to the next room – very fun….and how about the posts going up the stairway – neat diamond cut-outs.

    We love it!!
    Karla & Karrie

    Reply
  51. Michelle

    I love the white walls and all the beautiful woodwork. This to me feels a little busy and the colors are a little to bright for my everyday taste. However, this space has several things that are working for it; the bead board ceiling, paneled doors, the chair and ottoman (besteal my heart) and the natural lighting.

    I feel like I’m taking on online course in Decorating 101, LOL, and I get excited when you have posted something new for us to observe, thanks for the fun.

    Take Care,
    Michelle

    Reply
  52. Deanna

    I really like this space. I love the way they have created separate spaces out of the open space and yet have a continuity of color through out all of the rooms shown. Using white as the primary color makes the bold colors restful.

    I would say this is cottage and yet it could just be eclectic.

    I was going to say that there were no children in the home, but that may not be true. There are the colorful barstools at the counter….

    I could be really comfortable in this space, even with all my kids!

    Reply
  53. Suzy

    This room is very colorful and very bright. I would say that the joyful family that lives here tried to make some casual beach cottage style made for everyday living. I like it because of this cozy everyday living affect, you can feel the presence of people here.
    The blue – green color are dominant and seams they repeat even in the kitchen.

    Thanks for another task. I had fun. Suzy

    Reply
  54. karen

    Refreshing, cool, breezy, ocean, children, fun, relaxed! I liked the cushions on the sofa – they were different than the material and color of the base of the sofa itself. Very fun. I have such a hard time with accessories, this picture showed me some great examples of how to use them and where to place them. Thanks.

    Reply
  55. Catherine

    I love the open, easy living feel of this room. The great punch of color against the white background is great and the comfy looking furniture that looks as if it’s been pulled from somewhere else adds to the charm.
    Hugs,
    Cathie

    Reply
  56. lylah ledner

    a BIG thanks for all your kind comments….

    on another note….what are your thoughts on very high ceilings and WHITE walls….

    all your rooms are ME…i look forward to stumptowns with you!

    Reply
  57. Sweet Cottage Dreams

    WOW! I love this space! It gives me an “easy” beachy feel. The people who live here like a casual and clean look. The wainscotting on the walls and the planked ceiling add a cottagey feel.

    I first notice the colors – the couch, chair and the blue sideboard. The subtle features I notice next are the ratan furniture, grass rug, blue stools and the vase on the coffee table.

    To change: Remove the hydrangeas in the vase..wrong blue.
    The size of the blue rug is out of scale.
    Remove the chair in the corner below what looks
    a message center, which I don’t care for.
    Remove the glasses on the coffee table and tidy it
    up a bit.
    Add something on the blue sideboard for height..like maybe some flowers or even put a small mirror over it for reflection.

    Thanks for the fun room and for the challenge. I had to open your blog twice so I could bounce back and fourth to play the game. :)
    xo
    Becky

    Reply
  58. Alicia P.

    Melissa, my darling — my emails keep bouncing back — I’m so sorry I have been out of touch — call me call me! xox, a

    Reply
  59. Sandy

    Fun, lively, comfy and BRIGHT! :)

    Reply
  60. anne

    Love this room, space, calm, shabby chic. Very bright but yet tranquil…could just image my self , lying there reading Country Living

    First thing I noticed was the flowers on the table, then the colour of the sofa and the chair…following through to the blue box/chest , the little blue stools and into the other room with a blue table in it.

    A very Happy room :-)

    Reply
  61. Erin

    I could live here and so could my young children.

    Everything is so white and clean with wonderful pops of cheery color. Great detail in the molding–love the detail on the stair rails. I think the kitchen is a bit boxed away from the open area, but other than that, I love the space.

    I’m aching to know whether there is another seating area across from the couch : ) or if it’s the TV. : (

    Very comfortable. I could cozy up with a book on that couch.

    Reply
  62. Janet (Shabbyfufu)

    My eye is immediately drawn to the coffee table with it’s perfectly peeling patina. With the pale blue color, it draws me into all of the blue tones carried way into the back room shown. So comfy and cozy, a home that would be suitable for some real living! Keep up these posts Melissa, they are wonderful! ~XO~ Janet

    Reply
  63. twinkle

    I observe me with my shoes kicked off and my hair in a ponytail. I’m reading one of my favorite books for the umpteenth time…one of Victoria’s books…At Home With White. And I have a cup of coffee to sip leisurely as my crockpot cooks dinner!

    Reply
  64. Beck

    this is my kind of place! now ur going to have to excuse my terrible typing at the mo because i went and broke my wrist when i was on yard duty at school on monday- so silly! anyhoo…
    this room puts me in a great mood. ‘i love it! the color, light, mix of old and new, cleanness… it’s so fresh and summery and liveable.
    gun people live in this house. ppl who enjoy their surroundings but are not too precious about thm. they have ppl over and everyone can relax here.
    i first notice the light- the white and the splashes of colour. love it!
    i wish i had more room in my house to incorporate more space like this- but for now i need to make do with what i have. i really relate to this room.

    Reply
  65. pam

    I would say the people who live here are just down relax people, but yet they are hip and very much into style. I love the wooden floors, the painted wooded ceiling. How everything was white with added touches of color through out. Such a open warm feeling that brings you in but stylish enough to scream look at me.

    Reply
  66. Trina

    I love the white everywhere with the punches of color that can be seen carried out even into the next room. The room is easy going with style and very comfortable and welcoming. Clean and crisp but not stuffy. So pretty.

    Reply
  67. Penny

    Definately a relaxed vacation mood! This is the perfect beach cottage. Comfy furniture, worn surfaces – like the coffee table. You would not worry in the least about putting your feet up. Yet, it is sophisticated too. The Hydrangeas, the floor lamp and the crystal chandelier all show a nod to sophistication.

    I love the way the colors are pulled through the entire space…the aquas and blues and even the pops of yellow help your eye travel around the room.

    This room makes me want to continue to explore. What’s upstairs? What does that room in the back (kitchen?) look like. I would feel at home here – as long as it was in a warm climate.
    xo
    Penny

    Reply
  68. Janet

    Best word to describe this room: FRESH
    I think this room is for a young family, the kids can tear around without knocking into things. I think the green chair was placed in that position for the sake of the photo, normally it is probably opposite the couch. Right now it is separated from the rest of the room by the french doors. The coffee table is ugly to me, needs a proper paint job, maybe when the kids get older. I would put a rug under the dining table so it doesn’t look so lost in space……again, maybe when the kids get older.

    Reply
  69. M&Co

    It looks like the people living there are someone I’d like to visit, and any minute now I’m expecting a dog and a child to come runnin into the room ;-) It looks very livable and cheerful! I love the big , open space, and the greens and blues playing off each other :-)

    Reply
  70. Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall

    Oh Melissa, this room is sooooooooooooo me! Everything is painted… and all the green and turquoise. Oh my:)

    Hope the wedding planning is going smoothly. I know how excited you all must be!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  71. Karin

    LOOOOOVE this room and all the colors. So fun and relaxing at the same time. Hope the wedding planning is going great. Our daughter was married last summer at this time so I can relate.

    Karin

    Reply
  72. Fifi Flowers

    This room is HAPPINESS! The colours are FABULOUS! It’s light and not overwheming and FUN!

    Off to have a cup of coffee with you in YOUR kitchen! Wedding plans… I haven’t been able to catch up with everyone… who is getting married? Is Winston in the wedding?

    Reply

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