beyond neutrals.

Surviving this spending drought is much easier when I think about the purpose behind it--our future house! Plans are progressing nicely for our yet-to-be-built home. With each draft we get from the architect, I find myself mentally decorating each room. {cv} and I opted to have a large great room, so we have a slight challenge ahead in figuring out the couch situation. After looking at my pinterest boards, I discovered an interesting trend: I clearly love neutral couches, mixed with fun accent pieces.

{left column: top + bottom | right column: top + middle + bottom}

The nice and neutral couches pair well with a pop of color, provided by these fun accent pieces. 
My current research points toward getting those bold bursts in pillow or chair form...

{left column: top + middle + bottom | right column: top + bottom}

Since we've called a loft apartment home for nearly three years, we're lacking on "real" furniture. Though I can't wait to fill the home, I find myself starting the budgeting process now for the big pieces--like a fabulous couch ;) I would love love love to hear your learnings on the couch + accent front. 

Any advice as we look to navigate the process? Did you find the couch first--or the accents? I seriously don't know how I would have ever survived this process without all of you ;) Many thanks for all your help! I can't wait to share the final product with you as it comes together! Have a happy Thursday!


P.S. Don't forget to get your posts together for tomorrow's Friday's Fancies--I'll be sharing an outfit I'd wear to a sweet spring picnic! My post will be up at midnight EST, so you can get your post linked up for all to see :) If you have any questions, please email me--or join the Friday's Fancies mailing list!

23 comments:

  1. Love both of these looks...but, I would have to say the bold pop of color! YOu can do the rest of the room nuetral and just have one piece that stands out and give the room personality! Love these images!

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  2. So many fun choices! My thoughts come from years of nannying...even the most wonderful little kiddos have accidents, and spills happen! If kids are on the brain, then that's definitely something to take into consideration. You always have the option of slip covers/rules about drinks in the family room/etc. so I don't think it's impossible to have a light couch with little crazies, but it is something worth planning for. How exciting! xo, eliza

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  3. i love neutral too! because then you can pair some colors as you feel like it. :) xo

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  4. LOVING the neutral! I just don't think I could ever have them because of the pup!

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  5. I love neutral couches. It is much easier to replace bold items when you get tired of them if they are just accent pieces. However.. not sure how people with white or cream couches keep those suckers clean!

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  6. Neutral is great, especially when you're buying a nice piece and investing in it. I love the accent pieces you chose as well - my favorite is the navy and white striped piece!

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  7. I definitely like neutral couches. As fun as it would be to add a bright pop of color- you may get sick of it through the years. And inexpensive accent pieces are the perfect way to add flair.

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  8. Neutral couch, bold accents. I love being able to play with different colors in smaller pieces. Then you can change color schemes more frequently!

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  9. Neutral couch all the way. I have a big L shape microfiber couch in a tan color that I LOVE.

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  10. Neutral with pops of color and pattern in the throw pillows!!

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  11. I think a neutral couch is the way to go b/c if you're anything like me and most of the blogsphere you'll change your mind a hundred times on patterns and color schemes so it's good to anchor with neutral pieces. My second piece of advice is DO NOT skimp on the couch if that is where you're going to spend most of your time because you will be much happier if you're comfortable! Trust me you won't be happy you saved $500 on a cheap couch when your back is sore from laying on it. Also you can never go wrong with slipcovers if upholstery makes you nervous because you can always take the slipcover off and wash them, even white ones!

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  12. I just fell over and died ! That purple striped chair MUST BE MINE!!! A neutral couch is definitely the best route to take because you can decorate and re-decorate again and again!

    xx Olivia
    IWANTTHESESHOES

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  13. these rooms are all beautiful, but my favorite is the bottom right photo in the neutral couch section! wish my living room looked like that!!

    i awarded you with the "tell me about yourself" blogger award! :) check it out and keep spreading the love! http://www.cupcakesncouture.com/2012/04/blogger-love-tell-me-about-yourself.html

    xoamy
    www.cupcakesncouture.com

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  14. Neutrals are the perfect background for color and there is something so cozy, almost beach like about a neutral room!

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  15. Your home is going to be so amazingly beautiful!

    I love neutrals with a pop. My apartment is all black and white then my "pop of color" is a light blue couch.

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  16. i get you about not having "real" furniture yet!! when I moved to Wisconsin all i had was ikea stuff and my parents gave me a really nice leather couch from our former vacation home. The only downside is it's bottle green! quite a decorating challenge! I would love to start from an all white palette :)

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  17. I love the Neutrals and would totally pick one of them! But i would get them so dirty! Im thinking about going Bold in my new place. Keep me posted on this new coach! Good Luck!
    Celina

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  18. Looooving all this neutral inspiration...and those accent pieces are all so perfect! This post just makes me so happy :) Your home is going to be beautiful, hope the planning goes well!

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  19. I agree, neutral is the way to go for sure when it comes to a couch or furniture in general-at least I think so. you can add fun colored pillows, accents. Then when you get tired of them just add new pillows and you get an entire new look. it's cheaper to find new accessories than a new couch.

    congrats on doing so well with your spending freeze. i'd have such a hard time. it sounds like it will all be worth it in the near future!

    anica

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  20. I love the neutral with the pop of color! Your home is going to be beautiful!

    xoxo
    Angela

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  21. My absolute favorite thing in my home is my bright red couch. It does mean there is less I can do with changing out color schemes, but I don't care because the bright color makes me so happy. Though if I were furnishing a large room in a permanent home, neutral would definitely make the most sense. So many ways to change it up!

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  22. Loving these pieces! Accent pillows are great; especially those navy monogrammed ones!

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  23. I adore that purple chair!!! i want one so bad now :)

    Love K

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