Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Mood Boards

Jane's Beachy-Vegan Mood Board

May 23, 2012
One of my favorite things about doing custom mood boards (besides peeking into other people's homes) is designing spaces in a variety of different styles.  Recently, I was able to design a beachy-vibe living room that almost made me pack my bags and head to the coast. Here's Jane's letter:
 

Julia, 

Yay! I'm feeling hopeful alreadyI love soothing, beachy comfortable feeling with pops of color (like colors of beach glass)....I tell people that if 3 blocks of houses were cleared away, our house would be on the beach. We live in Racine, WI. right off Lake Michigan. There is a white slipcovered IKEA couch in the L shape that I really like. I have two boys (ages 7 and 4) who aren't always the neatest. I also have two cats that have claws. I'd like to stay away from couch material that is really rough since they may be attracted to it and want to scratch. I also want to stay away from any leather/down as we are vegan. No one uses this room. It is just a passing room to get from the den to the front door. I want it to be a place that gets utilized. A place we want to sit and read a book or sit with friends that is comfortable. I am open to anything. We don't have a ton of money so I have to be somewhat thrifty. I like TJ Maxx and IKEA. I buy things and then return them because I am at such a loss in that room and nothing is working.  Thank you!! 

-Jane

Here are a couple photos of her living room that Jane sent along with her e-mail:
And here's what I came up with for the space:

After studying the layout of the room for a long time, I decided to take all the furniture away from the walls--so there would be a walkway on the right side of the room, opposite the fireplace. Since Jane lived so close to the beach--I designed her living room to reflect that. Let's dive in:

1. A soft, greenish, blue, gray would be a serene backdrop for your room. Check out Quiet Moments by Benjamin Moore. Also, paint all of the trim a crisp white.

2. Coral and light turquoise (the general color scheme for the room) are a match made in heaven and this rug would be beautiful in the space.
Area rug found here.

3. The client mentioned she wanted a sectional, but a love seat would be a better size for this room with this layout.  I love this white, slipcovered one for it's size, beachy feel and affordable price. The door to the family room (?) will be behind the couch, although several feet away.
White Couch found here.

4. Two armchairs placed opposite the couch will create a balanced and intimate place for conversation.
Armchairs found here.

5. Toss a light turquoise throw over an armchair to tie the colors together in the pillows on the couch.
Throw found here.

6. I noticed the room didn't have an overhead light, and that floor lamp currently in place doesn't cover much ground. An arc floor lamp is a great and contemporary solution to no overhead lighting. I'd put it next to the arm chair closest to the fireplace.
Arc floor lamp found here (this is the exact lamp we just got for our living room and we love it)

7. Pillows for the couch are where you can really tie everything together. Look for a creamy beige, pops of turquoise, coral, and even splashes of gold.
Beige chenile pillow found here.
Floral turquoise found here.
Coral found here.
Gold and turquoise found here.

8. About that little nook near the front door--if it were me, I'd cover it up. Take that large mirror on the opposite side of the room and hang it right over that hole. Place a small wall shelf like the one pictured and you instantly have an entryway. A teal vase completes the look.
Wall shelf found here.
Teal vase found here.
Inspiration photo found here.

9. For the mantle, I'd go for more of a layered look like this. Take the big, framed picture off the opposite wall and hang it here. I love the other pieces you have on your mantle, but don't be afraid to add a few family photos leaning against your big art.
Inspiration photo found here.

10. Now for the opposite wall, that will now be clear of a couch. I envision a very neat, beach-themed-gallery wall here. Hang the photos in white frames. It can be photos you have taken yourself, or a few that I have gathered up for you for inspiration.
All photo prints found in this Etsy shop.

11. The large plant currently have in the far left corner of your room, think about moving to the corner nearest to the placement of the floor lamp. Clear out the space and walls leading to your family room and put two white, bookshelves on either side of the door. You can even add extenders if you want to and trim it out for a built-in look.
Bookcases found here.

Beachin' right?  Now if only our house wasn't so land-locked.  What's your favorite part?  I am crazy over the throw pillows.
Is there a room in your home begging for some help? Are you stuck in a design rut? Send photos and your dilemma to [email protected] and let's get started. Check out our Mood Boards page for more info.
filed under: 
— Hide Comments
+ ShowComments
What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. That is my house! :) I am diligently working on the new look and have come a long way. I am saving up for an IKEA trip to purchase the loveseat and bookcases. I LOVE the rug. I will send in pics as soon as it is done.

  2. LOVING the coral and turquoise together! So light and airy! I love when you post mood boards--I would love to see the finished products after people have taken your suggestions!

    p.s. I think you mean peeking (not peaking) into other people's homes :) Sorry, grammar stickler over here. I know it's obnoxious.

  3. Oh, and staying at the beach for a week, I NEED a beach room. Or a sunroom. Maybe not a bedroom inspired beach room, but a little retreat :-)

What We're

Loving

Right Now

What We're

Loving

Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop
Shop All

Love Stories

Love Where You Live

In an industry that often feels designed to make you discontent, we want this to be place you come for inspiration, ideas, and encouragement to make the space you're already in feel like home.
Read All Posts
let's break this thing up

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

01

Portfolio

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
read more
02

Projects

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
read more
03

Design

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
read more
hello world!

looking for inspiration?

Cleaning & Organization

My Storage Hack for Organizing Christmas Decorations

Every year when I pack up the decorations after Christmas, I collect all of the garlands together in one box, I get all the candlesticks together in another box, and all my nativity sets go into their own box. We label the boxes "garlands," "candles," "nativity sets,"...which seems great until you remember that you have […]
Chris Cooks

Cranberry-Glazed Ham

What do you make for Christmas dinner? Sometimes we'll do a prime rib or a roast turkey, but this year, I'm going all out with a Christmas ham that just looks festive. For this recipe, I made a cranberry-orange glaze with some warm winter spices that takes this ham to the next level. Oh and […]
Product Tests

Product Test: Portable Phone Chargers

Raise your hand if you panic when your phone's low battery notification turns on? (Just me??) There's nothing worse when I'm out on a fun holiday outing taking video memories of my family, and I see that red light. Or I'm traveling and stuck in the airport on a layover...it gives me anxiety! I've tried […]
Lifestyle

Ask Julia: Holiday Hosting Help!

I put out a call on Insta to see if anyone needed help with holiday hosting, and I had so many great replies. There were some questions that popped up multiple times too, so I compiled this Q&A to hopefully help you prep for a smooth and stress-free hosting season. It can feel intimidating to […]
Learn With Us
Want to do what we do? Get the tools, mentorship, and training to be a Good Influencer professionally.
Learn More
Looking for Something?

SEARCH THE BLOG

We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

hello world!
Follow Along on Instagram
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
© 2024 Chris Loves Julia, LLC
PRIVACY POLICYTERMS & CONDITIONSAFFILIATE DISCLAIMERSITE CREDITCOMMUNITY GUIDELINES