Happy Monday!!
Oh. My gads. How is it already Monday!?! We have been working like crazy people round these parts. The living room and entryway are coming together and they are pushing me (more like shoving forcefully) outside my design comfort zone. I know that so many of you have these same feelings so I thought it might help at least one person to talk about it.
I know the things that I like in a room. White walls, raw wood, bursts of color, some sort of geometric. This is my comfort zone. I can totally live here. But lately I’ve just been itching to try something different. Because you never know what can happen unless you try it. So I’m trying it. And it is scary.
Here is what is going on. For now the brick in the living room is staying raw. That alone has made a huge difference. It moods the place up a lot. 2 of the 4 walls in the living room are white, but they aren’t the ones that you focus on when you walk into it so until you are actually IN the room all you see is the brick. The plan for balancing the darkness is to use lots of big bright pieces of art.
My usual bold colors are toned down a little and everything is sort of taking on a more masculine vibe (not totally, but definitely more than the usual).
I don’t consider myself a super neutral person but this room is way more neutral than anything I’ve done before.
Even though it feels a little awkward and I am not 1000% about it, I love the idea of a new vibe. So I’m pressing forward.
Why does it seem like such a big deal in my mind?! Lets be honest, it isn’t life or death, its just decorating! I know this, and yet, I wonder and worry. I am a massive fan of using what you can find. Thrifting and secondhand shopping are my lifeblood and when that happens you get what you get (complete that sentence).
I scored this GIANT brass and glass pendant for $800 off (!!) and it totally goes with the loftiness.
To me being fearless about design doesn’t mean that you don’t actually feel fear, it means that you feel it and move forward anyway.
The entire room reveal is happening on Thursday and there is still SO much to do! You know on Top Chef when there is like 30 seconds left and everyone is FREAKING out and racing against the clock? Yes. That is reality at the Gubler’s right now. Fingers crossed we can pull this thing off!
The copper shelf. Be still my heart!! I can’t wait!
I love what you said because I feel I am in the same boat with what i’m creating/tearing up in my house now. Also, we are kindred spirits because I am 99% positive we just did the almost exact same thing with some copper shelving….can’t wait to see yours 😉 My husband just looked away like he didn’t see me when I brought home the materials. Til death do us part…or whatever. XOXO
I’m in love with your brick walls! And your peek with the card catalog…drool. Can’t wait to see it all!
Cannot wait to see the reveal on Thursday! So wish I lived closer, I would totally offer to help you pull it off in the last 30 seconds because I know that feeling too well!
I’d love to gift you a piece or pieces to use in your new room! Check out my Etsy store! XOXO (I know it’ll be great! Excited for Thursday!)
You get what you get and you don’t get upset! Was that a Pinkalicious ref? I’m so jazzed to see these new projects, especially the wood one. You inspire me.
You’ve got this! I know it’s going to be fabulous. I can’t wait to see what you do with the art.
Mandi My Beloved, You gave us such a pearl today “Being fearless [about design] doesn’t mean that you don’t actually feel fear. It means that you feel it and move forward anyway.”
Just because your body actually lives in St. George , Utah, doesn’t mean your imagination can’t live in Soho or London or wherever else you want. Your loft will be stunning.
I have loved everything you do ever since I saw you create the herringbone ceiling.
Your fan forever!
Cant wait to see how you put it together!
You’re ticking all of my style boxes with this.
Can’t wait to see it!!
Everyone’s talking copper lately! I’ve got to get on the bandwagon – or at least suggest it in a client’s home 😉
OMG! I can’t wait to see. It’s totally a different vibe for you! PS: whatever is going on in that pic with lots of wood lines looks amazing.
I’m so excited to see the space and so excited for your leap of faith! I’m super confident whatever design instincts you’re feeling are pushing you in the right direction 🙂
Thank you for this post!! I’m doing my living room now and I’m going thoroughbred same fears.
I’m going through the same fears. Oops!
I agree 110% – there is nothing more dangerous to a professional designer than their own fear of failure – although a lot may be riding on any particular design, it is ultimately vital to let go of the fear to give way to TRUE creativity. It not only applies to certain industries such as mine (architectural design) but every single aspect – that is my belief.
You have got some great ideas, love the wall design, up to the minute creative. Great blog, thanks for sharing.
Good luck with these, can’t wait to see the pics! I like the idea of having a darker look with the bricks and using bright art to bring in light. I think it’ll be a really unique look that’s super different from what you have now.
I love this so much! The look is so clean and modern yet vintage! My boyfriend would die for it.
Mindy,
Can’t wait for your reveal!!! Do you have a page setup that shows your progression of your different rooms over the years!1 I always want to share your particular design madness with people & would like them to see the overall progression easily.
You go Mandi! Don’t worry about what people are saying – even if they don’t like it they are still on your site and commenting and being inspired. You can’t please everyone all of the time – so just keep on pleasing yourself and we will continue to take design (and life!) inspiration from that. Can’t wait to see it!!
Does ANYONE know what that type of cactus is? in her sister in law’s room? I am dying to buy a nice big cactus for my living room and I love all the ones she has on her blog.. can’t figure out what species to look for? please help!! [email protected]
Thursday!? You really do perform under tight deadlines! LOL
Looks great, especially that couch!
“it moods the place up a lot” – you are a genius. love that perfect description! and your brass and glass pendant is the bomb. enjoyed surfing your site. thanks!