Part Two: The Role Models

The second part when dealing with a room identity crisis is to pick out what you consider to be your "dream [room]". Check out books from the library, flip through magazines or play around on google to find the one (or two) that feels the most inspiring and, more importantly, the most "you".

Focus on one aspect of your home at a time so you don't become overwhelmed. Pay close attention as to what attracts you to this room the most and identify the top three reasons you just can't get enough of it. Is it the color? Is it the way the accessories are displayed? Is there one piece in the room that makes you melt? 

Since all of the photos from the last post (sorry it was a week ago) are from my living room, I'll start with that. 

What I like most about these rooms are their natural elements, attention-grabbing artwork and the vibrant mix of textures and patterns. What do you need in your room?

top to bottom: Domino Magazine, Elle Decor Magazine

Gray and gloomy with a side of sun.

Today was just another gray day in the wonderful city of Cincinnati and I am officially in desperate need of some sunshine. Then I thought of a color combination that is perfect to write about on a day like today - gray and yellow.

These days, this classy duo can be found anywhere from the bedroom to the bathroom, the trick being able to choose one of the colors as the primary and then balancing the warm with the cold. There are two directions you can take with gray - warm or cool. A warm gray has a taupy undertone that works well with a golden yellow. A cool gray has more of a purple undertone that looks incredibly chic with a very saturated yellow. Try adding gold, silver or white to the mix for some extra splash. To add more depth to a space, mix different shades of the primary color of your choice. A few inspirational rooms to get you started below.

  top to bottom: Domino, Decor Pad, Rate My Space, ShakinStyle, West Elm

DIY OPP: Looking for artwork to finish off the room? Try making your own. Grab a canvas and stripe on some gray and yellow paint or, if you aren't a painter, check out Flickr's Color Lab. If the image is under a Creative Commons liscence, you can download the image, blow it up and get it printed on paper or canvas. Import them in iPhoto to add some personal flair and choose a black or dark brown frame to help draw attention to your beautiful masterpiece.

If you have the artwork covered, try constructing some pillows (two cloth napkins will do) or crocheting a bright yellow blanket to use as a throw. Here are some great ideas.

 top to bottom: flickr, flickr, sew on 'n so on, Delicate t Bone, flickr