Fresh Decorating Ideas from a Converted Monks’ Retreat

I love drooling over gorgeous homes as much as the next girl, but what I love more is finding a space filled with ideas that can be replicated at home. Do you know what I mean? A home may be utterly breathtaking, but if the appeal comes more from the space itself, the amazing views, sky-high ceilings, and original architectural details, it can be hard to feel there is much to take away, aside from wishing you could live there, right? But I assure you that even if you don’t live in a space as intriguing as the 1800′s former monks’ retreat in Cambridgeshire, England, featured in today’s post, there will be plenty of totally doable ideas to take home.

Let’s start with the living room, shall we? This room is a great example of how to create a neutral space that feels fresh and interesting rather than boring – let’s break down how it was done. First off, choose several neutral hues to work with: pale gray, mid gray, cream, beige, and white were used here. Using only white, or only beige would feel sterile, so it’s important to build in a good mix of neutrals. Next, choose one or two darker shades to ground the look – in this room, it’s the rusty table legs and wooden bowl in the fireplace that provide contrast. As you are choosing pieces for your neutral room, pay special attention to texture, as this becomes a focal point in the absence of color.

In the bedroom, a Moroccan wedding quilt was simply draped over a rod to form a unique headboard – such a great idea, don’t you think? If you have a bed with an upholstered or wood headboard, you could just drape a wedding quilt or other interesting textile over it for a fresh look. The soft pink and tangerine bedding reminds me of a beautiful sunrise; a lovely combination for the bedroom!

This is a fab idea for sprucing up a blank corner (we all have those, and I never can decide what to do with them!): track down a set of decorative tiles – these look like vintage ceiling tiles to me – and mount them together on the wall. Voila, instant art!

Okay, how adorable are those tiny pink printed bathrobes hung all in a row? A dash of color in a white bathroom is refreshing – try colorful fringed Turkish towels, hang a pretty patterned robe from a hook behind the door, set a row of candles in colorful tea tins along the bathtub, or hang a colorful print on the wall.

In the kitchen, why not use an antique (or antiqued) mirror cut to fit as a backsplash? This is such a fresh alternative to the typical tile, and it calls to mind smoky French cafes, which is never a bad thing in my book! Other ideas to steal from this kitchen: tuck small paintings and framed prints among the shelving; fill upper shelves with a collection of vases or glass jars; hang a large flat basket on the wall.

I’m curious: What was your favorite part of this home? Did you see any ideas you would like to try at home?

(Images: Matthew Williams. for Living Etc.)

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