Espresso Inspired Color Palette + A fabulous ottoman idea!

Starting next Wednesday, I will be camping in Connecticut for a while. I am not quite sure about my schedule at this point, but I will have to be there to make color selections and to oversee the work that we’re doing to the house. Heck, I might even join in and paint a thing or two?!

I say camping because we are not moving anything in until the majority of the work is complete. With that, I had to plan what we need in the house for this period of time. Yesterday, I made my first visit to Ikea- EVER! I know, I know… I have always been against the idea of disposable furniture. But like I always say, there is a time and a place for the Ikeas of the world. My biggest problem with them is that people buy the stuff and two years later it’s in a landfill when they purchase something better, newer, more long-term, etc. That is the shame in it all. Furniture that was built 50 years ago is still in existence now because it was of the highest quality and honest construction. I betcha someone will still be using it 50 years from now! Anyway, I’ll get off of my Green Soapbox now and get on with it… At Ikea, I picked up three twin mattresses. One is for me, one’s for the Mr. and the third is for our friend J who will be helping us with the punch-list/handyman items in the house. J has a wealth of knowledge about all things construction, so we feel quite lucky we were able to wrangle him in to work on our job for the first two weeks that we’re homeowners. He’s gonna get us rolling with tradesmen and work on a few punch-list handyman items.

The bedding I selected for our camping on the floor fun is by Alvine Kvist from Ikea’s Alvine line. I feel like it works with the neutral color palette I am attempting to achieve in our new abode. *Add my colorful vintage poster art and that color theory is broken – but whatever – at least the base colors are neutral!* And since we’re ultra-short on bedrooms in the house – I’ll be able to utilize them again in the future when a large group of friends are up from the City for a weekend. Where am I storing these mattresses, you ask?
Isn’t that a fabulous idea?

Posted by Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo / ABCD Design Inspiration and Color Palette and Dream Decorating and The Country House and Uncategorized

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13 Responses to “Espresso Inspired Color Palette + A fabulous ottoman idea!”

  1. Vitania on 08 Jun 2010 at 10:27 am

    I think i am in love with this very warm and cozy country palette..

    I feel the same way about the Ikea or any other “temporary” furniture. I am embarassed to admit that there are some spots in my home that are just vacant. But I can’t fill it with Junk, I want the real deal! The Ikea furniture that I do have is in the kids rooms, and I hope it will last them a few more years.. but it’s not looking good so far.. I also own their Pax closets system, they are holding up quite well..

    So excited for you and your new home..

  2. ABC Dragoo on 08 Jun 2010 at 10:33 am

    Here, here to the sentiments you wrote Vitania!

    I lived without a kitchen table for 3 years when I first moved to NYC for that VERY reason! I still love my farm table today and wouldn’t want any other one.

    Thanks for chiming in.
    xoABCD

  3. isha | isha foss events on 08 Jun 2010 at 10:35 am

    Consider that idea stolen!

  4. ABC Dragoo on 08 Jun 2010 at 10:40 am

    Right Isha?

    I mean really, who wouldn’t love to replicate that? Especially in NYC when space is so limited! If you’ve got the space in your living room anyway, might as well make it the spare bedroom!

    I think it looks great, and I love the way she put a tray on it for drinks, yet there is plenty of space to put your feet up too. I tell you, the lady of the house is one smart cookie. <3 her!

    Thanks for popping by ABCD and for chiming in today.
    xoxABCD

  5. Nyla on 08 Jun 2010 at 11:46 am

    Love Love LOVE this Amy Beth! The presentation of all your colours, materials, finishes and textures is eye candy indeed! Really looking forward to your country house coming together. {secretly living vicariously ;-) }

  6. Sally@DivineDistractions on 08 Jun 2010 at 12:14 pm

    How fun for you to have a new house! I know you’ll have a grand time making all the decorating decisions. You’ll have to share pics with us along the way. I really love the first image. Is that a fabric or an embroidery piece? It’s a lovely palatte…very relaxing and comfortable. Have a great week “camping”! Oh, and on the IKEA thing? I’m with you 100%. I would love for clients to value the heirloom sofa and chair.

  7. ABC Dragoo on 08 Jun 2010 at 12:22 pm

    Nyla, thanks! :)

    Sally, yes… we’re pretty excited. All our belongings have been in storage for a year+ so I can’t wait to see everything! That embroidery piece, I think they call it crewel work, if I am not mistaken. Pretty, right?

    Glad I am not the only one who’d prefer something old over something cheap + new!
    xxABCD

  8. Lee Nicholson on 08 Jun 2010 at 12:41 pm

    LOVE the palette and that ottoman idea is genius! I agree about disposable furniture : )

  9. Susan on 08 Jun 2010 at 1:35 pm

    Love the eco inspiration for the post…and what a lovely surprise to be included! Merci!

  10. ABCDDesigns on 08 Jun 2010 at 1:43 pm

    Please Susan, your image is perfect — I have been holding onto that fabric swatch and Uncle Beefy’s image for months = your image tied it all together perfectly!

    I should be saying THANK YOU!
    xxABCD

  11. Tobi Fairley » Packing for Successful Camping Expeditions with ABCD Design on 05 Jul 2010 at 9:48 am

    [...] bare necessities. I did what every good camper does, I packed a Nespresso espresso machine, a couple of ikea mattresses, and had an eco-friendly gas grill [...]

  12. Home Renovation Story in New York | Newlyweds and Nesting: Elizabeth Anne Designs Living: A Food, Lifestyle, and Craft Blog on 30 Jul 2010 at 10:03 am

    [...] roll out of my bed onto the sawdust covered floor. I am achy from sleeping on my budget-friendly Ikea mattress. I rub my eyes, grab my laptop and head out to the barn (in my pajamas!) to make espresso. Why is [...]

  13. Sara on 19 Feb 2011 at 12:57 pm

    Thank you for posting close up photos of the alvine kvist fabric. when i viewed this fabric on ikea the print looked very light but when i viewed this same print in an ad the print looked darker. Could you tell me how thick the fabric for the alvine kvist pattern is. I fell in love with this collection when I first viewed it in the march 2011 edtion of family circle. currently i have a much bolder color pallet in my bed room but want more neutral tones. before i purchase this duvet i want to be sure that it would cover a burgendy floral comforter. i am also thinking about introducing french country blue accent pillows similar to the city scene french blue branch design. i like the latte color scene for the walls. would these colors clash.

    i would go to ikea but the closest store is three hours away from me. just wanted to know your thoughts before i invested the money into them, even if they are a temp. fix.

    i have a 20 mth boy so i know eventually things will need to be replaced.

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