Monday, June 1, 2009

The calm of colorlessness...

Wow, this Monday is proving to be quite hectic just when I thought it would slow down for the summer time...nope the research must go on! (In case you're wondering what I'm blabbing about, I work with grants).
I'm going to pretend, just for a little while, that this gorgeous space belongs to me. I'm all about a little escapism, especially on days like today. This space isn't completely white, but I couldn't write off color altogether...
Whoever designed this space makes decorating looks so easy, no?
These neutrals are anything but boring and the little polka dotted pillow is a nice surprise.
The chandelier is the star of this room and for good reason. I normally wouldn't opt for gold, but it works so well here...
The elegance extends to the bathroom area...
...and to the porch.
all photos via Alvhem
Oh my (insert deep breath here). I hope you're having a great Monday, or at least a bearable one. How do you escape (legal and g-rated, please!)?

{Do not miss entering this weekend's giveaway. Click on the towel to the right. A winner will be chosen tomorrow night!}

45 comments:

Bella Photos said...

I love tonal design. Its very tranquill. I love how they added the crystal chaneliers,it makes it feel more shabby chic. I like it all :)

Anonymous said...

a lot of the time I find the best way I relax or escape is to read... or write... or doodle/try and draw... I feel like any time I can sit and just be creative, is very cleansing to me. Starting a blog has made a world of a difference to my personal life. I feel like being able to communicate with others about any topic what-so-ever is relaxing and being able to write whatever I want is very cleansing. Even if it isn't about much. Sometimes I wish I could bring some wine and a porch and bring all my followers together. That would be a perfect escape.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I've been obsessed with thoughts of white kitchen cabinets for a while now. So fresh. Love all your pics!

heisschic said...

escape methods? disney movies or books. i ignore the present by enjoying those constants from my childhood. (wine doesnt hurt either--- but that's not from my childhood).

btw i love the room with the polka dotted pillow. one of these days, when i have a for-real house, that's how i want to decorate the guest room.

Meghan said...

Lol. I too spend some of my time looking at pictures of lovely rooms and imagine living in that environment. Great way to relax :0)
As a college student any time that I can relax means nap time. lol

flynn said...

pet +couch +a.c./blanket +beverage +easy read. (if i don't fall asleep this one is failsafe.) don't let the office badies get you down!

b-chic said...

beautiful way to decorate, very close to my way of looking at interior design ... I think that today, in capitalist societies such as ours, it is very difficult to be simple and it is hard not to accumulate. The beauty of things often do not coincide with their appearance but with their intrinsic value.. I like to decorate a room with a few items that have a meaning for me, rather than having a trendy house full of "fashionable" objects.

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

The chandeliers are divine! Not to mention the natural light that flows into these beautiful open spaces....nice post.

Sixpence and A Blue Moon said...

White and minimal is so tranquil and calming; and I wish I could do it. I have tried to tone down, but within 24 hours, I'm adding color back. I have accepted that I am not a minimal and no color woman. Lovely photos.

I find it hard to relax, it's not in my nature. But for me, the best way is bike riding. It was easy to do living in Germany, but here, I have to put my bike in a car and go somewhere to ride. I do not relax when I am at home, always too many things to do. If only we had a switch to turn our thoughts off when we need some down-time.

Have a wonderful day!!!

Rachel said...

Ooh, that gold is definitely a nice touch I wouldn't have picked either!

To escape: I daydream, a lot. Or look at pictures of mine I have stored on my work computer (such as adorable pictures of my nephews). I did find myself going to the work room last week and doing some exercises to let out some bundled up energy... weird huh?

Elizabeth Marie said...

What I wouldnt give to be having a cup of coffee on that porch right now!

I love escapism!

jess@noelmarie said...

I agree that these are gorgeous and peaceful images, but I LOVE color. I have to have it!

You Are My Fave said...

That bedroom is just quite perfect.

Monika said...

I love these interiors, they look stylish and effortless.

beauty comma said...

The bedroom is gorgeous. And yes, the roof terrace looks okay, to =D

I wonder if there are other real estate companies with a similar concept, it's a great idea!

Sabine, La Marquise des anges said...

really like the atmosphere of these rooms ... the bedrooms remind me ...of mine ;) except mine is a little smaller and I don't have a dotter pillow on my bed ;)

btw : a new giveaway etiquette question : may I enter my own giveaway ? ;) ;) just kidding of course :)

Claire Kiefer said...

Escape = bubble bath, wine (though I'm on wine restriction right now, damn), sitting on the beach, a couple of hours of Sex and the City episodes, stretching, a good, uninterrupted hour of reading (right now I'm reading Jodi Picoult's The Pact, which is easy to read AND riveting), catching up with an old friend (on the phone if it isn't possible in person)!

Also: enticing the neighbors to sit outside on the porch and have a beer . . .

Xoxo

inkWELL Press said...

I agree - this house just enough color to make me feel like I really could live there.

beauty comma said...

Hello, thanks for your comment! I've already bookmarked you for my links directory! I just never get around to updating it...
I'm adding you right now, thank you so much for asking =)

drollgirl said...

i think i am feeling a little calmer already!!!! these pics/rooms are beautiful. and not boring. beautiful and soothing, and don't we all need that?!?! and i think my favorite is the pic with the flowers outdoors. love it!!!

Anonymous said...

ahhhh I wish I lived there. I escape by being with my friends or cleaning my apartment. I know sucks cleaning but I love the feeling afterward and then I get to relax in a nice clean apartment.
:D

Rachel Follett said...

I am swooning over that bedroom! So gorgeous!

Aline said...

so gorgeous!!!

rachaelgking said...

So clean and beautiful and just LOVELY! Sigh.

Anonymous said...

i am liking this modern/vintagie style. maybe a vacay home or something. love the pops of pink!!! and that bedroom!!! love it.

Kasey said...

where have i been?
love.love your blog.
off to peruse...
xo

~h~ said...

The bedroom is my favorite; as is the chandelier. I'm glad to have come here via Jorah's blog. You have fabulous style. :)

Lauren Jade said...

hey lovely post! and of COURSE it would be from your blog, essence of chic and not to mention your my favorite blogger. hah well have a great monday..and i definitely agree with you on hetic mondays! just had one my self!

Callie Grayson said...

when you live there can I come visit??? i will bring the wine!
xx
callie

christina said...

What a lovely place to escape to! I love how clean and calming it is, but there's still just the right touch of color.

As for relaxing...if you figure out how, let me know. I have a feeling the next month of my life is going to be anything but relaxing.

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

oooh...so peaceful! White is color in my eyes... Fab new week dear!! XO*

PS~Erin said...

The light fixtures are so very pretty!

BRANDI MILNE said...

Whoa. I'm dreamily inspired and jealous.. Help.

One.Young.Professional said...

What gorgeous space! Btdubs, I love your new heading... its probably not new but you should knows its beautiful!

Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese said...

Such beautiful spaces. I used to run from white walls, but now I love the idea of using them as a palate for the decor. A nice, high quality satin or eggshell sheen white wall paint with high gloss white trim is quite fetching when paired with bold colors.

paula said...

I could move right in.

S and O said...

Jeez I'm so friggin' jealous. Those pics are so beautiful!

Diana said...

ah i love this. you will probably think my home is a bore, but everything in my home is white (except our couch) with neutral walls. we try to make it look like something out of a hotel or getaway!

naphtali said...

So wondefully peaceful!! Oh, how I dream...

Kellie Collis said...

I adore the flowers on the balcony!!

Tina { Luphia Loves... } said...

that website is so amazing!! i found my dream apartment there too :)

FROM THE RIGHT BANK said...

Um, I'd like to move in please.

Samantha said...

Great Monday post that I did not have time to look at until Wednesday.

kathryncole said...

Beautiful. I love the simplicity. And the flowers.

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