apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

refreshing. i love it.

if i see one more mid-century/domino magazine room, i might scream.

thank you for being unique... it looks great. i love the red plates!

not my style, but lovely. i like the bowls hanging on the wall.

too shabby chic for my taste.

What? mmm didn't leave me a snarky comment yet? I was so looking forward to that.

Mar, the paint is Dunn Edwards Spooky. It was my second paint color attempt, and I think it came out just right for this tiny room.

Thanks Kelly G for the compliment. I know the style is a lot different than what most here like, but I decided to just take a risk and enter anyway :o)

Unfortunately, it looks like people are voting not on skill and use of color, but on their own personal taste, as dictated to them by Domino magazine.

Your room should easily be in the "insta-finalist" catagory. It shows creative, stylish, and beautiful use of color. Not only that, but everything is very well-placed and cozy.

C'mon people, vote on use of color, not on whether or not said room contains an Eames chair.

Obviously the negative comments were not well thought out. Not only is the color combinations fantastic, but all the items go together in a wonderful display of creative decorating. The first photo looks like it came straight out of a magazine. Good Work, love it.

Is this a B&B?

love that wall color. i've been searching for something similar and the closest i could find is BM's nob hill sage. what brand is your paint?

Love the green walls- very subtle, great use of color for relaxing in.

Sweet but quite old grannyish. I don't see a creative use of color - rather very traditional cottage.

Definitely an insta-finalist IMO, for the very reason kelly g noted - the colors have not been influenced by the current Domino Mag standards at all.

Filing this one away for inspiration!

I absolutely love this room, it's shabby chic at its very best and has such an indivudual, 'cottagey' and homespun look that works so well. Every colour has been chosen carefully to interact and bring about a sense of peace and calm. The flower pics on the wall are lovely.

Wish it were my bedroom! :)

I would like to curl up with a good book and a cuppa hot chocolate in that bed right now :)

This seems very traditional and, while inviting (in the way my grandmother's house feels), the use of colour is not that inspired, nor is the room particularly interesting. It's by no means awful, but I really don't understand all the "insta-finalist" votes... 2 pics of the same corner, painted walls in a muted colour, and a floral bedspread...? Really? Meh.

If this were a B&B, I'd stay at it.

What I find exciting about the use of color here is that colors on opposite sides of the color wheel -- red and green -- have been used together to be soothing, which isn't what complements usually do. Lucy's color choice also plays up a certain kind of clear morning light that I associate with southern California.

It's a bit Holly Hobby. The color here doesn't do anything for me.

oh please, folks... those of you who are denouncing the "domino magazine" references are missing out on one spectacular element:

those magazines exist to get away from the ordinary use of flowery and frilly patterns here as well as the tired use of color.

If you don't like what those mags are showing and you like this, then you are not making a bold statement or creative use of color. You are only doing comfortable combinations.

To Qualify... I am NOT a fan of just using what is popular and it seems that lime green is popular these days, but I will say that you can't get creative beyond traditional lines without pushing limits.

This one doesn't.

Wow .. people are really forgetting what their here to do. While this space is very charming, I would agree .. what is with the Instas???????

Whee is the bold and unique use of COLOR. Set aside design style .. what about the color is inspirational and has you floored??? Come on .. INSTA? Just because you like a flowerpot does not InstaFinalist make!

You guys need to re read the criterion on how to win this contest. This is getting sad.

I voted Insta-finalist! Love the beautiful color on the walls! Also, love the pattern on the bedding - it's simply pretty. Would love to retreat to this bed after work!! Good luck!

I have to agree with jo's comments. While I think this is nice, I don't think it's very complicated or original. For kelly g and erin g - ??? Are you two related ??? - it's definitely not Domino Magazine - it definitely IS Country Living, and we've been seeing the same formula for decades. No offense to you, Lucy. I think it's a fine room. I just don't see it as insta-finalist material.

I browse magazines/web sites/stores like Domino, Dwell, ReadyMade, DWR, IKEA etc. so often (and I do love those) that it's almost funny to me that this all of a suddent looks fresh and different.

I suppose it's all perspective - I'm a total modernist and didn't think I'd ever like something like this having grown up with my mom's Better Homes and Gardens magazines but this looks so cozy and oddly almost hip for some reason. Hmmm. I would love to wake up there.

For me this feel cool on the other end of the spectrum, and not dowdy or dated which logically I always think something like this should feel. Lovely.

wow DJ, I think that is about the nicest compliment I've gotten on this room. I did want the room to be fresh but cozy, and that's what it is to me.

For the record, I have subscriptions to Domino and Country Living, and I find them both inspiring. The bed is a curbside find, the bedding is from Ikea. We live in a small cottage/farmhouse with a wrap-around porch in the country. By day I'm a technical writer in the city, by night (and weekends) I raise chickens and sew and knit. I like to think I can combine modern and country in a good way. Anyway, I'm just hoping to win a book, I had no idea my entry would be as polarizing as it is.

Yay for not being swayed by all modern. Every style is beautiful if tastefully done. Refreshing!