My Neutral and Warm Living Space

So, I am still on this kick of toning things down in my main living space.

But, neutral does NOT mean boring.

I am still JoJo. 

{Yes, that is my nickname. Feel free to call me JoJo!}

I am still eclectic.

I still have STYLE.

So, all my friends who are worried about me becoming boring..... NEVER!

And, to tell you the truth.... I can't wait to start experimenting with pops of color {as accessories} in my new neutral space!

I was so excited to see that Paloma at La Dolce Vita featured a neutral living space today! It is a Home Tour of Jordan Carlyle, a New York designer. It is definitely work the trip over to her blog to take in the beauty of his work!

So, without further ado.... let's get in on with my tour.... shall we?

Don't you want a peak inside my home?

This is our sitting space.

It's a smaller area.

But, it is still considered our "Living Room".

It's about 13' x 15'. The Living Room area that is... then we also have the Kitchen and Dining Room and another sitting area. I have to pack a large punch in our smaller living space!

Comfort is key.

A place to sit, relax and visit.

It helps that our TV is mounted. All the equipment is inside a dresser located on the other side of the wall in our Master Bedroom. 

I created framed wallpaper panels for interest and flanked the TV with these sconces that make the TV appear as part of the decor and not as something that sticks out like a sore thumb.

The wallpaper is a recent change. Previously, we had a bright teal color. I really do like this neutral palette. It still has A LOT of glam and shine. Very Hollywood Regency in sheen and fun in the pattern department!

I utilized a lot of geometric patterns throughout this space for added interested. 

This helps balance out and play up the dark brown sofas and chair. 

I decided to embrace the brown as a base color, but kept things light and interesting with other items.

It also helps that I have a plethora of natural light {wink.... wink....}!

The difference in the upholstery and pillow fabric textures adds a tangible sense of variety. 

From velvet, to linen, from thick weave to soft and fuzzy components, when you are sitting in this area.... you can feel the comfort of the fabrics. 

I also utilized a variety of metals.

I like to mix it up!

I LOVE this vintage industrial cart table I found a long time ago. It is old, rusted in places and has been used and abused through the years..... but, it is such a unique piece that always gets a conversation started. This piece may be considered dark and cold..... but the warmth of the other items around it, make it quite at home and cozy.

The layout also helps maintain a sense of unity and provides a great location for casual chit chat or long deep conversations. It really provides a corral, of sorts, when we entertain. We love it!

The textured shag rug is a bed of comfort for those hard wheels.

And then the warmth of this antique hand carved mirror on the surface of the cart, again adds interest and a balance. {I always need that "added balance"....}

This stone horse statue is a new find and a PERFECT compliment to this area!

And now.... we will move on to the "Dining Room".

I created a divider with a vintage campaign dresser I picked up at a garage sale for a FABULOUS steal price. It needed A LOT of TLC.... but, I think it turned out quite divine when all was said and done.

And, it is a FANTASTIC place for me to house all my DIY tools and drop cloths for my paint projects!

I also have the vintage Dorothy Draper chest in the background that aides in additional storage space.

A girl can never have too much storage space! 

I continue with the "separation" wall by including the thick textured stools. I try to incorporate natural elements throughout the space because it provides needed warmth due to all the hard marble, cement and glass everywhere.

These acrylic chairs are a new addition to the space. 

We LOVE them!

They are sooooooooo chic..... but, yet.....  COMFORTABLE!

A TOTAL.... win - win!

It's also interesting how they have seemed to add vibrant life to the place.

You can take in the beauty of the table and the host and hostess chairs much more easily now.

I never would have thought these chairs would make such a dramatic impact. 

But, they do!

And, they are easy to clean. Believe it or not. A little soap and water will clean up any 8 year old boy's mess!

Again.... a WIN-WIN!

I love how our beige leather swivel chairs fit into the space much better now, too.

Everything just seems SO much more uniform. And that is actually an important element that is needed in this space of many uses. 

Speaking of more uniformity....

I also changed up the art on our gallery wall. 

Black and white photos, sketches and paintings really compliment the neutral changes quite well.

These new sconces also add charm to the gallery wall. They replaced lamps that seemed to intrude on the space. Things are now more sleeker and they actually provide much more light {which was greatly needed at night}.

I love this artwork. It is still a neutral/natural tone that fits well within the space. 

Plus, this is my first piece I ever did. It has SUBSTANTIAL emotional value.

There you have it....

My changes.

A few more changes are still in the works. I am meeting with my drapery specialist tomorrow.... we will be choosing fabric for custom drapery to go along my massive and gorgeous wall of windows. I can NOT wait!

Going more neutral in my main living area. 

But, neutral does NOT mean boring.

Linking up to Thrifty Decor Chick's Before and After Party.