Pale is Beautiful: Neutral Interiors

I have a constantly growing file of interiors images centered around a common theme: no color, not much going on in the spaces, just clean light, clean lines, clean floors…clean clean clean. (Very much the opposite of my house right now, might I add!) And every time I share some of these photos I say, 'I'm going to make it happen in my apartment.' Well. This time I'm really going to!

No really. I've had enough of dreaming and staring at rooms like this and wishing they could be mine. I'm not claiming it will be easy to transform my place into a neutral white-washed haven, but where there's a will there's a way. I'll start with a new paint job (Caitlin has offered to help me find the perfect Benjamin Moore whites!) and go from there…  

Step two will be figuring out what to keep from amongst what I already own–most of my things will work well, actually–and how best to incorporate that furniture into this scheme. For example I love my white 1960's naugahyde sofa (see it here) but it sure could use some new upholstery. Maybe a coat of black lacquer on the dresser and bed perhaps? Now I'm getting excited!

Once I identify the pieces that are working (and those that will have to go) I'll make a wishlist of items that I'd like to acquire over the next few months. This will be a targeted, strategic roster of smaller accessories (perhaps a new rug, frames and artwork, lighting and linens) that will drive the look home. Frankly anything will be better than the haphazard situation I have currently.

There. I've said it out loud. Doesn't it feel so much more like a plan now? Tell me: Do you have any decorating plans for the coming fall season? I've heard it said that sharing your goals with others makes you more likely to meet them, so spill them and we'll hold each other accountable! I'll keep you up to date on my progress, and you can poke me if I fall behind!

Images: 1. 2-5.