I love them all but first is fav.

this is pretty as well.

a little out of my comfort range but pretty'

more blue than aqua

pretty too

I thought this one might go well. Well GW let me get all on here but I don't think this is the correct method of doing it. I do thank you ladies for your advice and assist.

A 2 bedrm is not an efficiency; that's an oxymoron. An efficiency usually has no bedrooms and a 2 bedrm has two bedrooms. Whites and creams don't always equal spacious; they can make a room closed in and sterile.

You listed the photos, okay. That's how many do it.

I do like your inspiration room, it's a very popular type of styling right now. It is unfussy and seems effortless, but it can be a difficult styling to pull off, without a keen eye and restraint.

First you should describe in three single words why you are inspired by this particular room. (ie, bright, airy, colorful, restful, etc.) Don't list what things you 'like' (painted wood, turquoise) but the feeling or adjectives that describe the benefits of your inspiration room.

These words will help you make decisions in the future, for instance if you are shopping for a rug that is decidedly traditional, and 'traditional' isn't one of your words, you might want to keep looking.

Next, list all of the elements in this room that you can. Not just the ones you like. The person who designed this room probably took great care in choosing items, and if you 'go off plan' you may end up with a room not at all like the inspiration and one you don't like.

I would describe the room as relaxed, orderly and light in a transitional style with pops of color and dark accents.

I would list the elements as.

1. beige/off white walls, carpet, upholstery.
2. White trim, wainscoting, beige above.
3. Very light curtains that the light shines thru with light metal poles hung high.
4. Symmetry, in lamps and accessories.
5. Transitional lamps in light 'disappearing' color with large white shades.
6. accent: Painted side table with refinished wood top.
7. accent: painted bookcase over TV.
8. Accent: dark wood mantel and black FP.
9. white; off white, plush pillows. White/off white throw
10. Serine painting in the contemporary surrealistic landscape w/large sky
11. Accent: dark brown, large stuffed ottoman.
12. Light airy plants. milk glass. Silver candle sticks.
13. Symmetrical arrangement of prints (above couch).
14. pieces pushed up to the walls, except for the back of one piece (to the DR) and the central ottoman that you can easily walk around.

To answer your concerns.

A Jacobean print would be okay in this room, but a heavy fabric and busy pattern could pull down the whole feeling of the walls and windows. Look for an embroidered sheer fabric, or a Jacobean print in very washed out colors.

Slip cover all large pieces in off white.

Think of allowing some furniture pieces or casework to retain it's dark wood colors, so there's a dark accent like the ottoman and FP (both in the center)

Look for a very light design, modern carpet, for the center.

Don't pile in the turquoise and green accent pieces.

Use off white pillows, or the palest celery green. Pillows may have embroidery.

Consider some completely plain accents, like the throw and lamps in the inspiration.

This post was edited by Lilylore on Tue, Nov 11, 14 at 14:39

The first is my favorite fabric too. It is lovely. I think I would use it on pillows. On drapes, unless they are often closed, the print will not show as much as you would like. Maybe use it for drapes and for pillows.

Hi, Mlou,

It depends on how you are posting photos as to whether you can put more than one in each post, but you did well figuring out that you can reply to your posts to get them all in one. If you are posting from a site like photobucket, you can just drop down a line and paste the next HTML code.

Your favorite fabric is on sale at Joann Fabric right now at 60% off retail for $14.00 a yard. I've linked it below. It would be perfect for drapes and pillows.

Do you have the apartment now? Places like Overstock.com are good places to look for rugs. I've recently bought some small wool ones there that I am very happy with. I'd look for a low pile one, with a non-slip mat between it and the beige carpet to lessen the tripping possibility.

Here is a link that might be useful: Waverly Felicite Mineral Fabric

Lilylore, thank you for your advice. You are so very thorough and gave me a lot to think on. The reasons I like the room is that it's light, balanced and relaxing. My life has been anything but for the last year. Not only did my marriage of 44 yrs. end but my son and his family (wife, 4 kids, 3 dogs, 1 cat, corn snake and a b/w rat named Romano) moved in to help me out. He and his wife are both in nursing school. Talk about mixed blessings. : ) I ended up taking early retirement. Now I'm actually ready to be on my own for the first time in my life so that room represents a haven to me. I will take your excellent advice and put it to good use as a guide.

My sister who showed the apartment to me called it an efficiency apartment and I was pleasantly surprised to find 2 bedrooms. Much more than I expected. I didn't argue the point though, she's giving me a break on the rent so she can call it what she wants. lol

Holly-kay, I thinks the fabric is lovely too. I will use it as drapes and pillows. I thought it would make a runner for the dining table too.

My3dogs, I will be moving in Feb. I'm going home to Mom's this weekend and will be able to get some measurements. I love that the fabric is on sale!! I'm going to order some tonight and start on some pillows. I can't wait. Perhaps I could try those clever valances you make.

Again, my thanks,
Mlou51

Mlou51,

I like your inspiration pic.
IMO, creams, blues, and greens will be very serene.
I think you're headed in a nice direction.
I wish you well as you begin this part of your journey.

Whew - I love new beginnings. Good luck. Love the chosen color choices.