apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Go with the ivory. I like the idea of dialing up the warmth in the room.

Beautiful Kitchen!
I'd get a non-neutral/psuedo-neutral colored sofa. Maybe a natural green or dark orange.

I think your sofa needs to be something that "pops" and since you seem to be wedded to the various-shades-of-white colour scheme, and since the painting over your sofa already "pops" in a strong colour, I think you should go with the brightest white sofa you can find. But I have to ask, how do you keep this place clean?

ivory. the white looks too stark and your whites are modulated by the lighting. i also like the brown, but it's probably too dark for the room.

I'm thinking a rich cream. I would also think texture would be far more important because of the monochromatic color scheme. Something very rich and soft looking.

Provided, of course, that you have no pets, children, or me as a visitor.

I vote for the ivory. A sleek look such as you've got going can veer toward chilly if you're not careful. Lovely apartment!

If the choice is between white or ivory, I would go with warm ivory.

However, I think a dark (almost charcoal), heathered gray sofa with similar lines to the one you already have would look good in this room, too.

BTW: Love the display nook that wraps around the corner of the kitchen bar.

i'm assuming youre trying to go for a pretty monochromatic look here, otherwise I would suggest like a green or light blue couch... if youre trying to keep it pretty light and one-toned i'd definately go for the ivory...maybe even a darker ivory to add some warmth and depth to the room.

BLACK

Your place is very nice. So much potential! I know you are asking us to choose between white and ivory, and I am not really answering your question when I say that I would choose a bolder color. Your palette is so neutral that many colors would work.

Bright color! It will be too drab in white or ivory

Definitely ivory. Having an ivory sofa myself and it is a constant battle to keep clean - despite the fact that it's microfiber and my cat matches it and I don't even have kids yet. I can't even imagine trying to maintain cleanliness on a white sofa!

Why not a rich green or purple to coordinate with the artwork on your wall? With so much white and ivory, I'd think a sofa in an actual *color* would become a wonderful focal point in the room, and help to avoid the not-lived-in/catalog feel of an all white/ivory home.

Beautiful home, by the way.

I would go with a bolder color like red or orange. But if I had to choose between white and ivory I would go with white simply because i am not a big fan of ivory...

White or Ivory is a bit boring. I would buy a light green or blue sofa for this room. If you have to go that neutral than I guess I would say Ivory but one that is richer than pictured in your link.

If it has to be white or ivory, i'd go with Ivory, but like many others, that maybe you should consider a color option, even if its a muted blue or green.

What is your overall goal?

If you want to go Monochromatic/Textural - then either White or Ivory will do, but then those grey barstools should be white as well as that coffee table, the frame around your artwork, your accessories...

...on the other hand if your goal is to make the space feel warmer and richer - White or Ivory are not going to accomplish that for you. Given that you've limited yourself to that one sofa, the Brown one would be the correct choice.

First of all that is a great space to work with, lovely.

I see something besides white or ivory sofa, keeping things soft and neutral but with some color I see pale robins egg blue or soft gold yellow or deep chocolate brown in a mohair, velvet or textured wool for a sofa or to recover that one. This would bring some harmony and slight color into your place. The coffee table is off IMO, you could go dark wood or a ghost table depending on the color direction.
I think the painting above the sofa is a bit contrived and static, it's not big enough or bold enough for that large of a white wall.
That beautiful clock needs its own personal space and not at an angel it just looks like it may fall over. Do you have a narrow wall space so it is of interest and not a focal point?

I think as long as you have overhead lighting it will always be off...bring it down with some lamps to soften.

I'd go with the ivory, but I'd definitely recommend some toss cushions and/or a chair in a bright color to add some pop. And I'm thinking the grandfather clock should live in another room. It just doesn't work with the rest of the space. Your kitchen is stunning!

sunshine yellow?
hot pink?
bright blue?
even chocolate brown, or black.
I just can't summon the energy to think about the
difference between white and black in your
beautiful, subdued space.
good luck! It will look very nice, no matter what
you choose.

sorry, I meant between white and ivory.

Wow your kitchen is a dream.. Love the wraparound counter and the display nook!

I vote for ivory to tie in the colors from the living area and kitchen.. the kitchen is so warm and living area is so cool..

I'd also do something about the lighting that is making the living area look stark in comparison to the kitchen. Perhaps drapes for the full length window? Or a standing lamp with warm lighting?

I agree w/ Lori - That's not the place for your clock.

It really does need it's own space away from the seating area and windows, flat against a wall.
(and your shag rug needs to be about 2x as large for that space)

If it's between white and ivory, I say ivory, but agree with previous poster that a color would be better. Also I think the couch should be much bigger. The current poor little grey couch seems to cower against the wall in that big space. And yes, very nice place!

Brown.

But it is a beautiful room (congratulations!) and probably anything would look good there.

I would do an ivory leather sofa/sectional with a left side chaise. I would also pull it away from the wall, there's enough space in there to not have the furniture smooshed up to the walls like that. This will actually make the space appear somewhat larger and more airy. I would lose that coffee table, something longer and lower, or a couple round lower pieces. Since I'm babbling, I'm not sure if that grandfather clock is an heirloom... but if it were mine I would take a weekend and cover the entire thing in silver or gold leaf, it would look amazing in that corner with a light on it. Cheers!

After looking at that sofa that you've considered I would suggest that you keep looking, a sofa that large for that price has to be so dreadfully constructed that you're going to be buying a new one in a few years. I always suggest saving up for quality, you get what you pay for.

Great room/great space. My vote is for the ivory. I rushed through the comments and didn't quite absorb them all but they are all good. I am an absolute color person and would be the first to say ORANGE COUCH!!! However, I think you are on the right track with your neutral, monochronomatic scheme. Love the idea of a soft robin's egg blue. The couch you selected is beautiful and a great value; it will be fabulous in that space (in ivory). You can add texture via pillows and a throw and accessorizing. I think that art above the couch is too small for the sectional you want in that room. Rethink that choice. Go for something large scale and not so much color. Color, yes, but not shouting. Change up the lighting and accessorize that cocktail table.

jacksonlalonde --

You're right - The stuff on that site appears to be the cheap made in China crap that you see everywhere these days...

American Leather has some great sectionals, lots of colors, great quality, fast delivery and reasonable pricepoints.

Check out the Venice:

http://www.americanleather.com/Products/Sectionals-Contemporary.asp

I'd go with white too.Only because I'm not a fan of ivory. Since it must be white, I'd add some colorful throw pillow though.. maybe to match the artwork?

If the options are between white and ivory, I think a warm ivory would be the way to go. It would be a lot warmer, more welcoming, and comfortable than white in that space.

However, I also agree with many of the commenters that a darker, richer color would be a better move.

I say keep the grey.

the white would look great......but I shudder at the thought of keeping it clean.

I'd go for the black myself....and I don't mind the clock standing there. It turns it from what you would usually expect with a grandfather clock into something a bit more object like

Between white and ivory, I'm with the ivory crowd. Left to my own devices, I'd buy the richest, deepest navy blue. For me, it would be a nice look with the warm, brown woods.

I suggest warm ivory and please bring some color in with throw pillows. I'd be interested to know the story / thinking behind that clock, too.

I agree that it should be something other than the white or ivory. I like the gray! Kind of gives it that "greige" feel. Still neutral, but gives it a little something.

I agree with MaeEast; go for the navy and pop it with bright pillows that pick up the colors in your artwork. I'd angle the rug but not the coffee table.

I have a white sofa, and love it but I recommend getting one with removable covers for easy cleaning - especially if you plan on sitting on it.

I would go green, but I am a serious green person. But if I had to stick within your parameters I'd go irovy!

I vote for white if the only options are white and ivory. Otherwise I'd choose a bright colour; red maybe.

I actually like the gray. It works very nicely with the floors, walls, and kitchen. I'd switch out the coffee table and add an accent chair or two before I'd replace the sofa.

One other comment: you have all that great space. Why do you have your sofa pressed against the wall? Let it breathe a little. That's what all that space is for.

You have a gorgeous space -- congratulations!

I'm afraid though that I am not a big fan of the sofa you have chosen. Like bepsf and jacksonlalonde, I don't think its quality is a match for your home. I am a huge fan of white interiors (more in the Scandinavian vein), but I think the sofa you are considering is too slick, and would not add anything to your home, but rather, would make it seem cold and sterile.

You need to add texture with your new sofa, and can afford to go with neutral colours either light or dark.

If you are wed to the idea of a sectional, I would suggest you check out Minotti, who have a great selection of beautifully made pieces that come with the option of subtle woven fabrics that would be ideal in your space. I know it is a different price range, but it is a long-term, if not lifetime, purchase.

The Hamilton range would looks great in your space, and the cloth covers are removable:

http://www.minotti.com/eng/prodotti.asp?IDLineaProdotto=1&IDProdotto=8

However, personally, I would go for more contrast in your space, and so would chose something less modern. My sofa of choice would be this one by Axel Vervoordt:

http://www.axel-vervoordt.com/avpublic/(S(n04etz550lksrqiicfbbcm45))/home_collection/HomeCollectionCatItem.aspx?CatId=de68e40d-6026-46f3-8d23-5cd1216d8ab3&Id=247cdd24-38c9-47b7-a831-5aec8bc08a1b

It comes in a range of sizes (the bigger the better), and the choice of slipcovers is almost infinite. Linen and linen union cloth (linen and cotton, for ease of care) are the best, and being a Belgian company, they have an extensive choice of lovely subtle colours -- sludgy greiges, dark grey (as in this image), and loads of whites and off-whites in addition to brights and saturated colours. The linen provides an earthy texture and warmth that is missing in your space (especially if a bit coarse), and the style keeps is from being boring.

There are many knock-offs of Vervoordt out there (even Crate and Barrel), but remember, the original is made with horsehair and is hand-tied, and meant to last a lifetime. Plus, the knock-off don't get the scale right (check out the dimensions).

Good luck!

Ivory. Hands down.

I agree with Jennie - ivory would be the best.

First, love the space. It's gorgeous.

Secondly, and I never/ever do this, are you friggin' kidding me??? A post debating between a white or ivory sofa??? With 44 comments and counting???

WTF?

Here's my answer: Either color would be fine in the space because there's really not much of a difference between white and ivory in room that's monochromatic.

Jeez!

My vote would be for a pop of color, even if it is a grey tone with hits of blue or green in it.
Or you could go with a burnt orange color.
I think since your rug and all other areas are neutral, a little pop from the soft seating is nice.

My take after reading a good number of the posts and looking at the space and the couch you are considering.

I generally agree the space is awfully monochromatic and is that what you are intending?

Secondly in looking at the space, it seems sparse, on the cold side despite the warmer tones of off white/ivory in the kitchen (and with virtually nothing in there but a few items on the display nook) but you have gray in the bar stools and in the sofa you have now and the lighting, while nice needs lamps on tables to help warm up the space and your coffee table is not working and is too high to work and that rug needs to be twice the size. I'd wait until you have the new sofa and then figure out what you need size wise. I'd size it so the couch fits on it completely on one side and the back and pull the entire thing out from the call 2-3 inches, the painting you have is nice but even in this instance, seems kind of small for the wall.

The clock needs it's own spot, not next to the couch. Also, it does not look like anyone really lives there. The art you have over the fireplace is good, keep that.

As for the couch color, the gray isn't doing it, it's kind of blending in and the whole space doesn't have that light feel to it at all, rather bland if you ask me so between white or ivory, I'd go ivory but go with a darker shade if you can so it does not blend in w/ the wall so much but better yet, go brown or cordovan even since it looks to be leather you are considering as well for the fabric.

That said, I'd try going w/ a bolder color such as orange or red and let that couch bring a much needed punch of color to the room and add some warmth as well.

I do get tired of people "playing it safe" when it comes to decorating their lovely spaces, why not have fun and simply enjoy what you love in your space, after all IS your space, right?

First of all, I love the space.

If you are looking for a monochromatic look ivory.
If you want a splash of colour I'd use green to bring out the colour from your artwork. :)

I'd go with a color, something to make the place feel a bit warmer.

I understand what you're going for, with this almost industrial feel feel with clean lines and sharp corners and very grey-hued tones, but throwing in a few colorful paintings and that grandfather clock totally water down that theme.

Maybe a light blue couch.

All that being said, I love the space you have, and your floors look great.

i'd say ebony...

...or ivory...

...either would live together in perfect harmony with your place

Ivory.
Or the same color as the fireplace cladding.