apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

A picture of your space and objects would be very helpful.

http://www.highfashionhome.com/dining_tables.asp?id=1900

You might want to look at the Santomer Dining Table. It is from the same manufacturer as the Seguro Media unit from Crate and Barrel. It's Peroba wood goes well with the Noguchi Coffee Table.

Where is the carpet in the image from?

curtains! white sheers that puddle on the floor would be a good mix for you and your husband.

One of my favorite ways of "compromise" decorating is to use things that are visually interesting, personal and yet non-intrusive. The easiest? Books.

To give your newly shared space some personality and uniqueness, set out a few of your fav/prettiest books with his prettiest books. Ours are currently on a side table, although we often have books on the fireplace too. My pic was Alison Bechdel's "Fun Home", while he picked "The Power Broker." Whenever I feel like we are going to drive each other nuts, knowing how cute our disparate tastes in literature reminds me that we can get along even though we are so different. And people ALWAYS ask about the bizarrely random assortment set out.

"Where is the carpet in the image from?"

That's an image from Room and Board.

The OP needs a decorator friend to come out and give her advice since we've been given nothing to go by here regarding taste/interests/budget/space available, etc.

A medium-size plant can provide warmth to a space and make it feel homey and lived-in. Also good for adding drama.

Your rug looks cool. Is that a lime or spring green colored detail? Look for a throw pillow in that shade for a pop of color on the couch. If the color gets old, it's easy to change it out for something else. A bright orange might be fun, too.

BTW, I love the media cabinet. I have the seguro coffee table.

Hi, this is Clara, the OP. Thanks for all your comments, they're very helpful! I just wanted to provide some more info since I think my original question was too long to be published. We've purchased the Jasper sectional pictured above, the Noguchi coffee table, the Seguro media cabinet, and a large Parsons leaning mirror. We actually do not yet have a rug or lamps or anything but we want the room to look clean and calm and bright. What colors should we consider? And what colors/materials should we buy the dining table and chairs in? Since we spent most of our budget on the other items, the more affordable the better (and IKEA is always reliable), but if there's a must-have investment we have a little room to move around our budget a bit.

Books and accessories sound great! Especially since we can mix and match when we feel like changing things around. And I love the idea of curtains - I think it'll make our apartment feel a lot less like a rental.

Thanks again and I look forward to reading more of your comments!

@cantabrigian1:

I would love to have a plant but have never had one before. Is there one you'd recommend that would thrive well in an apartment environment without too much maintenance? My apartment faces west and I have large windows so I get a good deal of light.

Thanks again!

STOP being so demorcartic about decorating!!!!
That is what kills a good looking room. Democracy and making your husband happy will kill all your inspiration to make a beautiful home, that feels inspired if every decision needs to be discussed until you get the safe thing to make no one happy. Stop that.
Unless he has a good eye and a real interest in design and decorating you should show him what you choose with confidence and excitement. (i feel like a marriage counselor!)

One of you has to stop caring so much about the choices. Otherwise it is too difficult to decorate, and you will always have bland unloved things as you mentioned.

Some art and objects on the walls. Do you collect?
If not buy multiples of something so it looks like a collection.


You Have a blank canvas with such neutral couch and table. Paint any Color that makes you feel good that makes you stare at it and feel gaga. It is all so personal.
Look,window shop, bring home paint chips, paint samples and keep patches of paint on the wall to see what they look like in your home.

I fall in love with stuff, fall in love.
That is what you need to do.

I like a saturated neutral color on walls, and deep saturated color rugs.
What do you like.

Try seasonal potted plants, they work better in most New York apartments than trying to have house plants live forever. This time of year the potted rosemary or mini pine trees look great buy three transfer to three of the same clay or decorative pots and put on the table.

I'm crazy about potted Paper Whites this time of year.

I like flowers.
I buy flower evey week, the same bloom in one vase they just make me feel right and cheerful to have flowers in the house.