I predicted this day would come. Back when I painted my office / living room, I told my friend Krista that I loved the turquoise color I chose for above my fireplace, but I had a feeling I would eventually tire of it. Well, it’s happened.
Goodbye, turquoise. Hello, gray.
Please don’t get me wrong. I loved the pop of color, but it just became too much for me. As I was accessorizing and furnishing the room, it seemed that it was fighting with everything I was trying to accomplish. Immediately after swapping out the bold color with a neutral gray (which is Sensible Hue from Sherwin Williams – a shade darker than the wall color, Aloof Gray.), the room felt so much calmer. Plus, it’s already allowed me to have more fun with the furnishings and accessories.
Speaking of accessories, I picked up a pair of these new poufs from Target. I’d been seeing them in lots of places and became obsessed. Not only do I love the color and pattern, but they provide a little extra seating for my space. (And apparently a new place for the cats to hang out.)
I always think it’s amazing how much a few simple changes can alter a space. What little tweaks have you made in your space that have made a big difference?
I love, love this room, and I keep contemplating buying myself that turquoise lamp!
that kitty sure looks comfy sitting on that pouf!!! love that neutral gray you painted over the fireplace; that color just fits that space so well, like it was meant to be! [love the entire room!]
Really, really loved that turquoise wall, but recently just did the very same thing {said goodbye to a green I loved in the living room in exchange for a soft gray}, and it just makes so much sense for us color lovin’ peeps! Your room is absolutely stunning!
I love love love that little gold elephant on your coffee table! Where did you get that little guy?
LOVE the wall color and LOVE the poufs! My cat as taken over the nicest chair in our living room (naturally) and the pouf would be a fantastic alternative.
Your space is so warm and inviting. Crisp and clean and cozy at the same time. Thanks for the eye candy and inspiration!
Hi Michael, that grey is p u r r fect (sorry, :)) – love it – makes me want to take the paint pot and brush and start on my own home – This colour is very elegant and goes extremely well with your new 2 purchases (your beautiful cat seems to agree as well). Carina
Loving everything about this space! Definitely think you made the right move going neutral, even though I can’t get enough turquoise in my life! Could you tell us where you got some of the great items here such as the mirror, lamp, pillows, and side table?
I’m going to miss the turquoise wall but I understand the change. I’m trying to get my decor mind around those chevron gold cushy cubes on your print rug. 😉
Looks fantastic! Where did you get that beautiful rug with so many great colors?
Thanks Lori! It’s from CB2.
xo Michael
Michael, I have loved watching this room evolve! It has come together so well. I am in the process of switching out the buttery yellow in our dining and living rooms to grey/blue called East Coast Blue! Like the color you have chosen, it is the perfect neutral with pizzaz!
Your living room is beautiful! The gray is perfect with the pops of color in the room.
I love the wall and the ottomans. I have gray in the living room and also did one shade darker gray on the fireplace bumpout, although it’s a slight difference that I’m sure most don’t realize is there. I’m sure it would look better if you had done it instead of me ha ha!
That is a great price for those ottomans I have been looking at them different places.
It has been so much fun watching this room come together. Love new new paint. The only thing in the room I was iffy about was the new coffee table (but I’m sure it’s only because I was in love with that little wooden bench you were using). But the poofs integrate it perfectly into the room and now I love it. Also like how the poufs make the chevron lamp shade by the bookcase pop. I look forward to your posts, Michael. They’re always the first thing I read in the morning.
Hi Michael,
I’m new to your blog and a huge fan of your style. This room is absolutely gorgeous, I love how much personality it has. I have a question for you. We have been considering getting the Henry sofa in performance velvet which I believe is what you have. I’m wondering how it holds up with the cats. Is it easy to clean their fur off? My two cats love to sit on the top of the couch, usually ruining the shape of the back cushions. Do yours sit up there? If so, has it held up to them doing that?
Thanks!
Everything looks fabulous, Michael! The bright pops of color make this room look like a very happy, fun place to be! 🙂
This is my first time visiting your blog and I’m in love! Over the weekend I painted my living room a similar light and bright grey. The neutral background and the pops of color make me happy. You definitely have a new follower!
Love this! Can’t go wrong with gray. And I’ve been eyeing those exact poufs. I really have nowhere to put them but I’m still lusting after them!
Wondering where the rug is from. It is amazing !
Thanks so much! It’s from CB2.
xo Michael
Love grey walls!! Soothing and a nice neutral. Your room looks great!! Can you share where you got your rug? Sure would be perfect for my boy’s room.
xo
Cecilia
YEA!! I couldn’t agree more. While the turquoise is a gorgeous color, I like the change, and can still it in the rug and accessories~ The room has grown UP! Cheers~ Your friend, Cynthia : )
cute cat!! http://thewanderlusthasgotme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/best-pizza-in-london.html
I love your room , where did you get your coffee table ?
The coffee table is from Joss and Main. Thanks Kathy.
xo Michael
Where is your mirror on the mantel from? I love the shape!
Thanks! It’s from the Jonathan Adler Collection at JCPenney.
xo Michael
I second that! Love the grey and the RUG! Would love to know the source.
Hi Michael,
I’m a new fan of your blog and decor style! Do you ever let your readers know where you find your great finds? (rug, bedding, etc.) If you don’t, I will stop asking. 🙂 Thank you for your inspiration!
So sorry Janell, I’m a little behind in comments. I’m happy to share any and all sources. 🙂
xo Michael
I loved the turquoise but the gray looks fab! I can see why you did it. IT really lets all the other colors and patterns of the space shine! Those poufs are great. I picked one up too. Im thinking I may go back for another:)
I love the entire room, gorgeous! Where did you get the blue hello pillow?
Absolutely LOVE this space!!!! Perfect colours and accessorizing!
Your room is beautiful, I love all the color.
Love this space! Do you mind sharing where the patterned pillow with navy, white and teal is from? It is the one next to the Hello pillow. I could have sworn I have seen it on Joss & Main or One Kings Lane perhaps and just love the pattern. Thanks 🙂
Hi there!
I just found your blog through Brit + Co which posted your new color scheme, above…and I’m so glad I did! Love your style! I totally agree w/ how you’re feeling about the gray. I’m a big time color gal and went through a couple of variations of wall color for my living/dining room. It wasn’t until I chose a soft gray that I finally found the perfect backdrop for my pops of color. Before, the walls were competing w/ the colors in our artwork, furniture and accessories. Now, it all looks cool as a cucumber! Feel free to check out our blog (www.littleyellowcouch) to see our aesthetic. (I have a biz partner so you actually see the style in both of our homes). Have a great day and I’m so glad I found you!
I would LOVE to know where you got your area rug from in this picture? Thank you!
hello there,
i am in love with the rug in your space. Where might i find that? thanks!
Where is that sofa from?? Awesome job btw, it’s not easy to get such a cohesive collected over time look!
Hi just wondering where you got the white and gold poufs (?) that the cat is sitting on, they are beyond perfect!
They are from Target. 🙂
xo Michael
Hi There, I am in LOVE with your living room! May I ask where you purchased the blue patterned pillows from? Pretty please tell me I can find some somewhere!
I love this rug! Can you let me know where it’s from?
Cheers 🙂
It was sold by CB2.com last year.
xo Michael
I love your living room! I’ve looked through all the living room posts, but can’t seem to find where/if you talked about the curtains? Where are they from? Thanks for posting so many inspiring designs…it is so helpful to reference them while trying to decorate my own place!
Thanks so much! The details on the curtains are here: https://inspiredbycharm.com/2013/11/let-there-be-shelves-and-curtains.html
xo Michael
Can you share the name of the paint color used for both the wall and trim in the living room? It’s a great back drop to the creativity.
Hey there!! You can get all of my paint colors here: https://inspiredbycharm.com/2014/07/inspired-by-charm-paint-colors.html
xo Michael