There is a lot to be said for the staying power of decorating with neutrals. It shows restraint and lets art, flowers and plants, accessories and the outdoors provide color instead of the trendy colors of the moment. Today, for my Five Faves, with Annie and Cindy I’m discussing neutral decorating and more.
Last weekend Howard and I stayed with our friends, Lisa and Jim in Winter Park, Florida. They had a lovely dinner for us. You may remember how I helped them decorate their two-story neutral living room.
The furnishings still looks great after seven years…the power of decorating with neutrals and classic neo-traditional decor!
We displayed their antique map collection with a neutral color palette and had furniture custom-made in shades of beige with wood tones coming from the tables. The paint color on the walls is Benjamin Moore White Dove. There are before and after photos of this room here.
It was fun to see the other parts of their home renovated in a neutral palette with the help of interior designer, Pam Niemann of Niemann Interiors. In fact, Lisa agreed to let me show you a few of the new spaces.
And there’s more as it’s Five Fave time with Annie and Cindy!
1. Stunning Neutral Primary Bathroom With A Lake View
The taupe tiled wall behind the free-standing tub adds texture and the view from the window seat provides natural light and a pop of color with the lake view.
Here is the view outside of the lake and boat house (where we had cocktails before dinner).
2. Map Wallpaper In Neutral Shades Powder Room
We bought this cream and charcoal grey Thibaut map wallpaper of 18th century London years ago. (Jim and Lisa lived in England for many years). I’m glad they saved it and were able to use it as it’s discontinued now. It’s in keeping with the living room artwork map theme.
3. Breakfast Room
The art, flowers on the dining table and blue linen fabric on the chairs add colorful accents and depth to the neutral space. I love the natural fiber grasscloth wallpaper used in the bookcase.
You may also like Wallpaper In Small Spaces To Elevate Your Home’s Style.
4. Stylish Neutral Home Accessories
Here are some textured neutral accessories for your home.
driftwood for a bookshelf (or I use mine on the table outside) • cotton throw to refresh your sofa • Target vase (I should buy another before they sell out) on sale • Inexpensive placemats • weathered finial – two would look good on a mantel • Paisley Etsy Pillow • shells for summer • floral Etsy pillow • striped lumbar pillow from Crate & Barrel
5. What To Read/List Listen To: Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson
My friend, Mark said he was finding the biography about Elon Musk interesting so I borrowed the book on the free library app, Libby. It really IS interesting to get a view into this man’s life. Elon admits he has Asperger’s and has a maniacal work ethic that he expects everyone to also have who works with him. And he’s abrasive. At what price success? Read the book and you tell me…and I will tell you what I think.
“This is the astonishingly intimate story of the most fascinating and controversial innovator of our era—a rule-breaking visionary who helped to lead the world into the era of electric vehicles, private space exploration, and artificial intelligence. Oh, and took over Twitter…
When Elon Musk was a kid in South Africa, he was regularly beaten by bullies. One day a group pushed him down some concrete steps and kicked him until his face was a swollen ball of flesh. He was in the hospital for a week. But the physical scars were minor compared to the emotional ones inflicted by his father, an engineer, rogue, and charismatic fantasist.”
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Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
kim says
Mary Ann, How fun you are able to visit for a weekend with pals. Looks like a beautiful location. I love the maps and especially that wallpaper in the powder room! So cool. I love that floral pillow you chose.
annie diamond says
Mary Ann, I had forgotten about this beautiful home… timeless and neutral… so pretty!
Patricia Demling says
Mary Ann, I hadn’t seen that neutral scheme room you did before, it is beautiful!
Pat
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks 😊
DMM says
Love your decor in the 2-story living room! So many times these rooms end up looking cold and strange—your version is warm and sized for humans.
Sandra Sallin says
Sure I’d love have cocktails at the boat house. Gorgeous being on the lake.
Gail says
I remember that home and how much I loved it at the time. And it’s still looks just as beautiful and certainly timeless. The lake and boat house are gorgeous, what an amazing view! Wondering if you know the source for the map wallpaper in the bathroom?
Have a great week!
Mary Ann Pickett says
It was by Thibaut…but I believe it’s been discontinued. Thanks, Gail!
Heidi says
Hi Mary Ann,
Neutrals are a great place to start, and that is a lovely home. The location especially. I would love a drink by the lake!. But, I need color! So the neutrals are my base and I add color to kick things up a bit. Plus, I collect so many weird things that would never work in a neutrals only decor!
I finally ordered the placemats, they were out of stock at my store. (It’s a tiny Target and very frustrating.)
Glad you are having fun with friends and family.
Xo Heidi
Sheila says
I live on Amelia Island, so I find your posts inspirational when it comes to decorating and clothing! I was anxious to order the weathered finials you posted, but the link goes to Pottery Barn for the shells. Can you please provide the info to order the finials?
Mary Ann Pickett says
So sorry, Sheila. I fixed it. That’s cool that you are so close by.