ok, i have to say something: why are you sending in 5 pictures of the same one room when you have the luxury of showing off a 2 bedroom loft?

I like the space and use of colour, but why are all 5 photos of the same area of the apartment?

I love this room -- and I agree. I would like to see more of your place instead of 5 angles of this one (fabulous) room.

Only one room?

Everything seems so small and like it doesn't fit together. I do like that couch though.

But I am marking it as a longshot.

It is a very pretty space, but again, I'm not blown away by the use of color. The contest is about color, and while I like what I see in the photos, where's all of the color? And I agree with the others: why are all of the photos of the living room area? Show us the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, etc!

i love that table lamp with the branch base - where is it from?

I like the scandinavian feel, and your little doodads and wingdings spread around the room.

i LOVE the upholstery on the couch! such a great color.

Nicely decorated room. But too bad, I just don't see something bold in the pictures. Do you use a tripod? A little color adjustment can be a big help especially when you want to show color. Be careful about cropping and what you are including in a picture, when you shoot. Use unsharp mask at the very end of editing.(if you have a Photoshop) Always check web quality. Good luck!

Your sprigs of color do create an expansive, inviting space. Probably not dramatic enough for the purposes of this contest, but don't let that discourage you - you've made something fresh and lovely. Thanks for sharing your home.

where's the color?

I love all of the items/furniture, a great mix of new and old. For color though I would have really liked if the wall with the tv was painted something other than white as a contrast.

Thanks for the comments everyone. The reason for pics of my living room (with a bit of the dining room area) only is: The rest is not finished, at least not enough for the purpose of this contest. Yes, the colors are subtle, but they are here. To me, whites, beiges, blues can are as vital as other, bolder colors.

I really like this space a lot, including her subtle color choices. This room, however, does seem a bit sparse - perhaps more seating to round out the conversational area?

I do love the blue cube ottoman/glossy white side table combo in front of the sofa.

Although I appreciate the entries with lots of saturated color, I find the subtle use of color in contrast to the natural hues refreshing. The first thing that struck me most about this space is the variety of textures: the wood floor, the rug, the patterns in your fabrics, etc.

I like the freshness of the green, red and blue accents against the white. This is a beautifully done room. However, I'm voting longshot because:

1. Only one room is represented, and
2. While the colors work nicely, I don't think that color is really the defining element of this space.

Where are the arm chairs from? I like them both a lot.

bkb: The branch Table Lamp is from Pottery Barn, believe it or not. And I think it was only about $80.

Alix: The arm chair is from Pottery Barn (from '04) and the armless chair is from Nordstrom Home, but it's made by Mitchel Gold & Bob Williams (the fabric of the chair is also sold at Crate & Barrel).

stacygNYC31 -

will you please tell me about your sofa?

i love your loft!

to me, this is among the best in the contest - very elegant, judicious use of color.

aw, thank you bebklyn. the sofa is from bo concept. i searched far and wide for the perfect sofa for this space at a reasonable price. this sofa was on display at their store and I immediately gravitated to it. it was only $1200! and it's over 93 in and is amazing construction. bo concept has this reputation for being kinda cheap-looking, but some of their stuff is remarkable in quality and design. you just have to look more closely.

I *love* the warm lights (candles, lamps - and are those string lights in the corner in the first photo?) scattered about. I bet this is a very cozy room in the evening. Hi, kitty cat!

cute armless...cute cat, love the green pillow

Yes! all the same room? Funny how the lights are turned on in the middle of day for more effect. ;-)

Your room has lots of really interesting elements. Would be very comfy to live in.

Was wondering where the console that the TV is on is from. I'm looking for something similar.

Thanks so much!
Bri

bbsf -- the console is from Pier 1, circa 2000. I'm sure they have something similar available today. It has lasted me over 7 years and is still in tip top shape.

I am a very hard sell. I personally really like this interior. I think many people here are missing the point. I hear so much of "where's the color" blah blah blah. The truth is that even neutrals are, yes, a color. There are good and bad ways to use neutrals as well. This home highlights my preference, which is to use neutral as your base, and add personality and color through furniture, textiles, etc.

This home has a very natural attitude to it. Nothing here was "decorated" as much as it was collected and acquired. Everything here is appreciated as an individual object ... not bought to sooth the trend of the day.

I don't understand why everyone thinks you have to be shocked to appreciate a place. It's like the difference between a Risom chair and a Jacobsen chair. Both are very good, but one is subtle and mature, while one is daring and young. Both views are respectable.

I think this is A for style, unpretentiousness, general good taste and "realness."

I personally am sick of all the bright ass colors and the obvious "witty" trends that plaque our homes. How long could I stand to look at lime green? Not long. How about a real place with soul, individuality, and personality?

It's easy for a big loft space to seem cold but the color splashes and soft lighting make it nice and cozy.

I like it!

Well said, whitespike! I love this space for being laid-back, totally livable, and really well put-together. And it will look just as chic 10 years from now as it does today.

To the previous 3 posters -- thank you for the incredibly sweet comments.

Whitespike -- I'm amazed how well you nailed my style. I very much wanted this space to be organic, to be comfortable above all. And pretty. I think one of the best things you can do for your home when decorating is to diversify your sources. Look for pieces everywhere, in non-obvious places. Who would've thought I'd find my perfect chair at a Nordstrom? But there it was.

Don't be afraid to reinvent a piece of furniture. I bought my TV stand, as I mentioned in an earlier post, years ago for like $90 at pier 1 and used it as a simple console. I don't think Pier 1 or myself ever envisioned it as a tv stand back then. But it works.

Anyway, this has been a fun process. There are many inspiring submissions on this contest.

Whitespike, you rock

and for all the others looking for other rooms, LOFT = 1 room

I love your apartment, and wondered where you got the simple but pretty perfect rug. And what is it made of?