In March 1968, Weight Watchers magazine ran an article titled "Jackie Kennedy's Gourmet Chef Presents Her Weight Watchers Recipes." In it, Annemarie Huste, the private chef to the always thin former First Lady, shared recipes for lemon broiled chicken, Spanish melon, raspberries à l'orange, baked tomatoes, and a Bibb salad with just lettuce, parsley, chives, tarragon, and some fresh lemon juice squeezed on top.
Annemarie Huste worked as Jackie Kennedy's private chef in the 1960s, but found herself on the outs with the former First Lady when she shared some of her recipes with Weight Watchers magazine. "You should have known better," Kennedy told the chef, who lost her job over the kerfuffle.
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An editor at Weight Watchers magazine had met the young, attractive German chef on a ski weekend and suggested the magazine would like to publish some of her Continental-inspired recipes for cold lobster or maybe quiche Lorraine. Huste agreed, with the stipulation that no mention would be made of her employer Jacqueline—Huste had signed an agreement when she had been hired two years before, saying she wouldn't write about the family. Mattie Simmons, the magazine's editor, said she didn't know Huste had such an agreement but also that "Mrs. Kennedy wasn't even mentioned in the article," which was technically true, since her name was only in the title and on the cover. Kennedy was furious—she felt like it was a Jackie diet that she hadn't endorsed and didn't want to. She summoned her lawyers to try to get the piece stopped but they had learned of it when the issue was already in print.
Kennedy was furious with Huste for speaking to the press. When the story was picked up by a New York tabloid, the chef lost her job.
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Annemarie Huste worked as Jackie Kennedy's private chef and shared some of her recipes withWeight Watchers magazine.
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Huste retained powerful legal counsel of her own, Roy M.Cohn, the famous lawyer who had represented Senator Joseph McCarthy. "I was so humiliated and furious. I called my lawyer and he told me to just apologize to Mrs. Kennedy," she told a reporter. Kennedy's response was "You should have known better." But she dropped it and didn't actually fire her. At least until a week or so later. Huste passed a newsstand and saw a copy of the New York Post proclaiming her cooking was responsible for Kennedy dropping two dress sizes. "It was all made up and I was scared to death," she said to the press, denying her participation in the tabloid story. She called Nancy Tuckerman, Kennedy's secretary, who told Huste, "Under the circumstances Mrs. Kennedy felt you had better not come back to work."
This Is Big: How the Founder of Weight Watchers Changed the World -- and Me
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Huste hadn't been protective enough of the Kennedy mystique and was perhaps too ambitious. Kennedy had once chided her for being too impressed by money and power. "Isn't everybody?" was Huste's response. Publishers came calling for a tell-all, which Huste refused to give, comparing her job to being a doctor or a lawyer in terms of discretion. But she did want to write a recipe book. Annemarie's Personal Cookbook came out in the fall of 1968 with detailed instruc- tions on how to make loin lamb chops seasoned with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon and how she'd worked for a certain little boy—strongly hinting at John F. Kennedy Jr.— who loved artichokes.
Marisa MeltzerMarisa Meltzer is a writer in New York who has contributed to The New York Times, the Washington Post, Elle, and many other publications.
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Choosing the best color for your living room—the most public space in your home—can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. To offer you inspiration, we reached out to five experts who know a thing or two about paint colors to discover some of their favorite hues.
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Versatile Blue
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A perennial favorite for living rooms, blue is thought to evoke a sense of calm and order, but it's also appreciated for its versatility. "Blue is a color that works well with many styles of furniture, from traditional to modern," confirms Andrea Magno, color and design expert for Benjamin Moore.
Related: For Every Hue, a Mood—Use Color to Make the Most of Every Room
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Choosing Blues
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Which variety of blue to choose is a highly personal consideration. "Some people want a deeper shade with warm undertones to create a cozy feeling in a room, something like Van Deusen Blue from our Historical Colors collection," says Magno, "while others might go for something light and airy like Breath of Fresh Air, which is our 2014 Color of the Year."
Related: Last Year's Color of the Year
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Energetic Red
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"Red is one of the most powerful colors," says interior designer Kristine Robinson, principal of Robinson Interiors, in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, and a teacher of color psychology and interior design at Temple University. "It adds energy and life to a living room."
Related: 45 Ravishing Red Rooms
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Red Accents
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To avoid an overload of this vibrant hue, however, Robinson often focuses it on one wall. "Accent walls are terrific when you want to use a bold color like red but don't want it to completely overpower a room," she says. Pinpointing the best shade for your home may depend on the room's lighting and architectural elements.
Related: 10 Unexpected Spots for an Accent Color
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Atmospheric Gray
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Deep charcoal grays are gaining popularity in interior design these days. One fan is design blogger Holly Becker, founder of decor8blog.com and author of Decorate Workshop: Design and Style Your Space in 8 Creative Steps. "I love Farrow & Ball's Down Pipe for living rooms," Becker shares. "It's a moody, soot-like gray that looks stunning on a focal wall behind a sofa or on all four walls to cozy up a room."
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More Gray
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If you find yourself choosing between a few shades of gray, Becker advises getting samples and painting poster boards that you can tape up and live with for a few days. "Watch how the colors look at different times of the day and move the boards around to see how light affects them."
Related: Take our Color Quiz
Farrow & Ball / Pavilion Gray
Vibrant Yellow
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A classically appointed living room in a cheerful yellow hue is a common sight in historic houses, perhaps because candlelight may have illuminated this color in an especially pleasing way. Today yellow continues to attract homeowners who appreciate its vibrancy.
Related: Bob Vila's Guide to Historic Paint Colors
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Cheerful Yellow
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"Yellow living rooms can be welcoming, embracing, and even sophisticated for both formal and family-style settings," reports color consultant Barbara Jacobs, owner of Barbara Jacobs Color and Design, in Medfield, Massachusetts. "Warm golds tend to look better in more saturated variations, while the more lemony, cooler yellows look best when kept paler and less saturated," she adds.
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Enduring White
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"White is a perfect backdrop for any style of living room," says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. "And because it is highly light reflective, it will make a room that may not have a lot of natural light appear brighter." Evidence of white's enduring presence in American decorating can be seen in the growing number of paint colors that fall within the category of white—enchanting hues with touches of green, gray, pink, and other tints.
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Warming Trends
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Sherwin-Williams counts more than 100 individual whites in its collections. Among their best-sellers are Dover White (shown here) and Snowbound. "Dover White has just a hint of yellow to make it very livable and warm," Jordan points out, "while Snowbound is a cooler white that is perfect for more modern interiors."
Related: 12 Reasons to Embrace the Elegance of Black and White
Adjustable tabletops are ideal for working, eating, and more
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Coffee tables are a convenient spot to rest drinks or kick up your feet, but sometimes you might wish the surface was a little bit closer—for instance if you're eating or typing on a laptop. The easy solution? Invest in a lift-top coffee table.
These unique pieces look like standard coffee tables, but their tops are mounted on a mechanism that lifts the surface up and moves it closer to you. It's an ideal option for anyone who regularly eats or works from the couch, and these tables come in all sorts of shapes and sizes to suit your needs.
Here, the best lift-top coffee tables to add to your living room.
Our Top Picks
Black metal legs and a natural wood finish give this coffee table an industrial vibe.
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The unique tiered silhouette of this coffee table make it a great choice for modern spaces.
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The round form contains both a smooth-gliding drawer and a half lift-top.
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The rustic finish and metal hardware make this lift-top table ideal for a farmhouse style space.
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There are two cubbies underneath this coffee table where you can display knickknacks and other decor.
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This coffee table has a sleek tinted glass shelf underneath, as well as a hidden storage space under its lift-top.
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The drum-shaped base is covered in pretty woven wicker for a textured appearance.
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Half of the bottom shelf is covered in wood, while the other portion is simply metal bars.
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This square coffee table has both a lift-top and a second compartment with a hinged lid.
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This coffee table resembles an ornate antique trunk mounted on short round legs.
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This best-selling coffee table from West Elm comes in two sizes and three finishes, allowing you to find just the right combo to suit your space. It has an industrial look thanks to its black metal legs and solid wood body, and the lid includes a pop-up mechanism, allowing it to double as a workspace or tabletop. There's even a hidden storage compartment inside the table, allowing you to tuck away any clutter.
This popular coffee table is available in both 36 x 26-inch and 50 x 26-inch sizes, and it's made from sustainably sourced mango wood. The wood will have natural variations that make each table one of a kind, and the table is crafted in a Fair Trade facility, making it a purchase you can feel good about.
The Lenora Lift-Top Coffee Table has a cool modern form that's sure to earn compliments in your living room. The table comes in three colors, and it's crafted from laminate with four slim chrome legs that flare out at the bottom. The table itself has a tiered appearance that gives it a mid-century aesthetic, and of course, the tabletop lifts up when needed. The lift top of this coffee table can be locked into three different heights, depending on what you're using it for, and there's also a concealed storage compartment inside.
If you prefer round coffee tables, this option from Ashley Furniture is a great pick, offering a chic farmhouse design with a convenient lift-top on one half. The Urlander Coffee Table is made from a combination of wood, veneer, and engineered wood, and it has a rustic whitewashed finish with metallic legs and hardware.
The table features a simple drum design with a smooth-gliding drawer on one side, and half of its top lifts up to transform into an instant workspace. The shabby-chic design of this coffee table would mesh well in any farmhouse, country, or rustic home, and its 36-inch diameter makes it the perfect complement to a small- to medium-sized sofa.
This coffee table from Better Homes & Gardens will fit in perfectly with your modern farmhouse decor—it could even be integrated into a rustic or traditional space, too! It comes in both white and gray finishes, and there are two faux drawers on the side with complementary hardware.
However, the real benefit of this coffee table is its lift-top mechanism, which elevates the entire tabletop, bringing it closer to you, as well. It's great for using as a makeshift dinner table when you're eating on the couch, and there's also a spacious compartment underneath where you can store remotes and other items. The rustic table even has an open shelf at the bottom to display decor, and who could say no to such a reasonable price?
The Chantrell Coffee Table has a solid, stately appearance—you'd never know from looking at it that there's a lift-top mechanism hidden inside. The table is available in a variety of wood finishes to match your decor, and it's made from manufactured wood, which is why the price is so competitive.
There's a convenient storage compartment underneath the lift-top surface, and the table's lower shelf is divided into two cubbies for a more interesting silhouette. The table features a few metallic hardware accents for visual interest, and while assembly is a bit time consuming, you're definitely scoring a deal on a versatile piece of furniture.
The Falster Lift-Top Coffee Table is sleek and elegant, and its high-quality construction and versatile design make it worth every penny. The splurge-worthy table is made from hardwood with a beautiful acacia veneer that shows off the wood's natural graining, and it's mounted on open sleigh legs made from durable iron.
The tabletop of this piece lifts open on a mechanical hinge, revealing a hidden compartment to hold all your clutter. There's also a tinted glass shelf underneath the table, giving it a modern vibe and providing the perfect spot to display your favorite coffee table books.
Complete your beachy or bohemian living space with this round lift-top coffee table. The Nobles Coffee Table 33-inch drum-style form that's wrapped in woven wicker for a unique appearance. The table is mounted on four slanted feet, and yes, the wooden top lifts up easily to reveal a hidden inner compartment. The wicker has a rich cold finish that will warm up any room, and the piece is sure to earn you compliments thanks to its quality construction and unconventional design.
Bring some contemporary flair into your home with the Kirby Pop-Up Coffee Table. It has a black metal frame that holds up the faux wood tabletop, which has a natural finish to mesh with just about any decor, and there's a unique lower shelf that has metal bars on one side for an unconventional appearance. The top of this stylish coffee table lifts up to reveal an inner storage space, and it retracts slowly and quietly for safety.
For larger living spaces, you'll want a more spacious coffee table, such as this one from Grandin Road. The Tristan Lift-Top Coffee Table is a 36-inch square, and it's crafted from solid pine wood with an iron base. It has an intricate carved design on all four sides, and you can choose from two wood finishes to match your style.
However, the best part of this coffee table has to be its two-compartment design: One half of the tabletop lifts up to serve as a workspace or eating surface, and the other half hinges open to reveal an additional storage compartment. The lift-top's manual mechanism raises and lowers smoothly and easily, and the coffee table even has levelers on its legs for use on uneven floors.
This coffee table resembles an ornate antique storage trunk, complete with a (faux) metal keyhole, handles on both sides, and bracket accents on the corners. The table has a distressed light gray finish that accents the wood's natural texture, and it's built from reclaimed solid pine and mounted on four rounded bun feet.
The Carynhurst Coffee Table is fairly large, measuring 52 x 28 inches, and its tabletop can be lifted up to increase the height of the surface. There's a convenient storage compartment inside the table where you can tuck away living room essentials, and overall this piece is sure to become the focal point of any room thanks to its attractive appearance.
Style
People are attracted to a wide variety of decor styles: mid-century modern, boho, farmhouse, you name it! You'll want to select the coffee table that best complements your preferred aesthetic and coordinates well with your existing furniture.
Size and Shape
Some of the coffee tables featured above are square or rectangular, while others are round. Consider the square footage and layout of your living room before placing an order to ensure that the piece you purchase will fit into your space seamlessly.
Price
Furniture can be an investment, and you'll want to consider ahead of time whether you plan to buy a table to use for many years to come, or if you're looking for something that will be more temporary. It can be worthwhile to spend a bit more up front and rest assured that a piece will last for years to come, but others, such as those who move homes frequently, may wish to find a less permanent solution.
FAQ
How do you fix a lift top coffee table?
If a coffee table is not opening smoothly or has difficulty staying shut, there may be an issue with its hinges. Use lubricant on them to adjust as needed.
Can you eat on a lift top coffee table?
Yes, when the top of the table is closed, the piece will function just like any other coffee table and should provide enough surface space for two people to set plates and glasses.
Do you need a coffee table?
Most homeowners and renters choose to have a coffee table in their living room—it can make a space feel more complete but also serves as a key surface when entertaining or relaxing. It is beneficial to have an area on which to set cups, appetizers, magazines, remote controls, and other living room essentials.
This article was researched and written by Camryn Rabideau, who is a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. With a background in interior design, she's an expert on all things home and has ample experience testing and writing about furniture and decor.
Radienz Living debuts botanical disinfectant, sustainable wipes canister
Home and personal care product manufacturer Radienz Living is rolling out two new products meant to expand its sustainable product offerings.
Home and personal care product manufacturer Radienz Living is rolling out two new products meant to expand its sustainable product offerings. The Melville, N.Y.-based company has launched an exclusive citric acid-based botanicals disinfecting formula, as well as a sustainable 105-mm wipes canister that is made with Altium's Dura-Lite technology — both of which are available for private label.
"As a direct result of the latest consumer insights, Radienz Living recognized that incorporating an exclusive citric acid-based botanicals disinfecting formula and Altium's Dura-Lite wipes canister into our portfolio was a crucial way to reinforce our company's commitment to sustainable solutions," said Matt Stillings, Radienz Living CEO. "With 6 out of 10 consumers viewing natural cleaning products as beneficial ways to keep their households safe and our environment clean, we recognized the importance of our continued investment in these sustainable product solutions. We are looking forward to seeing the ways these new innovations strengthen our customer partnerships and impact consumers."
The new disinfectant formula is exclusive to Radienz Living, the company formerly known as U.S. Nonwovens, and is made without quaternary ammonium compounds, while still touting a five-minute kill claim, eliminating more than 99.9% of germs within a five-minute period. As part of the Environmental Protection Agency's List N, the product is effective against SARS-CoV-2 on hard surfaces when used according to label directions.
"The addition of our exclusive citric acid-based botanicals disinfecting formula is a huge milestone for Radienz Living," Radienz Living Chief Growth Officer Ernesto Levy said. "In July 2021, we are launching Dynamo Botanicals disinfecting wipes, and a ready-to-use trigger spray and bottle using the citric acid-based formula. There is a lot happening at Radienz Living surrounding sustainable creation, and we hope our commitment to the environment and producing products that are as safe as they are effective is made clear through these efforts."
The canister is designed to use 23% less plastic than traditional wipes canisters. IRI data shows that nearly 1 billion plastic canisters are produced every year in the United States. Radienz Living said that if every company used Altium's Dura-Lite canister, the United States could reduce plastic consumption by roughly 14,000 metric tons annually.
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15 Blue And Grey Living Room Ideas
By: Jorah Wilson |
When deciding a color scheme for your living room, there are hundreds to choose from that may catch your eye. Picking the perfect look for your living space is crucial to the interior design of your home, and may seem like a somewhat daunting task!
Don't stress this too much, we've got you covered with the perfect living room approach that is both simplistic, versatile, and relaxing for one of the most used areas of your home. Today, let's look at a blue and grey color scheme for your living room!
Grey And Navy Blue
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For anyone who loves a nautical theme or simply enjoys a bolder shade of blue, navy blue and grey is the obvious choice for your living room! These colors compliment each other flawlessly. From curtains to rugs, navy accents will give your living room a modern touch.
Another bonus that comes with the navy and grey color scheme is the ability to add other shades of blue without clashing. Navy blues against lighter blue shades looks beautiful, and the grey is the perfect neutral to emphasize the colors!
Grey With Light Blue Accents
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The color scheme of your living room can be showcased in many different furniture pieces and displayed artwork. In the case of a blue and grey living room, there are many ways to experiment with accent pieces. A great idea is to go with light blue additions!
Light blue against grey will give your living room a more upbeat tone. Choose some light blue pieces of wall art or even some pillows, and a few grey chairs or a grey rug, and your room will have a polished and intriguing look!
For The Minimalist
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You don't necessarily need to jam pack your living room with furniture, wall art, and decor in order to get your living room's theme across. For people who like to avoid clutter and feel overwhelmed in a busy room, stick to a simpler approach in your living space!
To give your living room a more relaxed and laid back vibe, test out a light grey and light blue combination. This will ensure that your room's colors aren't harsh or overwhelming. This living room look is optimal for a modern day minimalist!
A Bold And Unique Approach
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If you love a glammed up space and won't settle for bland colors or neutral tones then a grey and bluish-turquoise theme will satisfy your expensive style! This bold and unique shade of blue will stand out like no other and will look fantastic when used against dark grey.
Going with this specific color scheme will make your living room look expensive and exclusive. Your guests will notice the time and thought you put into your living space, and will be intrigued with your technique. What a statement!
Blue As The Centerpiece
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To switch things up in your living room, try using blue as the center of attention in the area. This will not only draw attention, but may be different than any other living room you visit! People will definitely be drawn to the eccentric look you've created.
Not many people opt for a blue couch or blue coffee table, so by doing this, your living room will be extraordinary! Blue is an alluring color, and having grey in the background of the room will only enhance its beauty.
Use Darker Tones Of Blue And Grey
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If you're a fan of a more traditional look, this is the perfect suggestion for you. Dark greys and darker blues will look wonderful in your living room! Dimmer tones will create a comforting environment and will be the perfect place to unwind after a long day.
Start out with a dark grey or blue wall color, and then try out a dark grey couch with blue accent pillows. You can also incorporate different colors within the room to add some color if needed.This traditionally styled living room is cute and classic!
Blue And Grey Accents
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Blue and grey accent pieces are another, more subtle approach to a blue and grey living room. If you aren't yet ready to fully commit to the blue and grey color scheme, or if it seems a bit overbearing, try using blue and grey accent pieces throughout the room.
Pillows, curtains, and rugs are the perfect places to experiment with color story. Seeing the colors come together within the room will give you a better sense of the room's aesthetic. Placing blue and grey accent pieces in your living room will look elegant and well-thought out!
Farmhouse Look With Blue And Grey
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The farmhouse aesthetic is becoming quite popular and frequently displayed in modern living rooms. While it's more of a traditional style, it is being carried into the modern era for its quaint feeling and coziness.
To participate in this trend while sticking with a blue and grey color scheme, all you'll need to do is find blue and grey living room decor that fits in with the farmhouse theme. Luckily enough, decor is becoming more diverse by the day, and there's no doubt you'll be able to find the decor you're looking for!
Light, Bright, and Coastal
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While we're checking out certain themes of your living room, let's review another popular theme that typically already incorporates shades of blue and grey: Coastal. A coastal theme is fabulous and encapsulates the warm feelings of being beach-side!
Blues and greys work tremendously well in a coastal setting! They reflect off of one another seamlessly and will not cause clashing or feel domineering. To give your living room a lighter, brighter, coastal look; try using white as a base color and add in blue and grey around the room,
Blue And Grey Bohemian
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The bohemian living room is one that is sweeping the current generation and is becoming more frequently seen. It's an eccentric take on your living space. Definitely one that is totally dependent on a more bold and courageous personal style.
To add blue and grey into your bohemian style living room will require very bold blues and decorative greys. Plain patterns and dull colors are not welcome in the bohemian environment! It's all about expressing yourself creatively and being adventurous with your color choice.
Modern Blue And Grey Living Room
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Keeping up with the times and modern trends is important to many people designing their living room. While some may prefer a more classic look, others enjoy the style of present-day. Blue and grey shades can work in this type of living room and look flawless.
In order to achieve a contemporary living room look using blue and grey, you should stick to very light greys paired with dark blue or navy colors. This will not only look modern and refined, but will match terrifically with white or black as well. No need to stick to only two colors!
Add In Other Colors Along With Blue And Grey
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Having a blue and grey living room does not mean being limited to these colors alone. Blue and grey can be great additional colors alongside others that give your room life and charm.
If you're wanting a modern look, pair grey and blue with white or cream. If you're wanting a more outlandish living room, try adding red or orange to the room as well. A pop of color along with blue and grey tones will look alluring and interesting to say the least!
For Those With Expensive Taste
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It's easy to fall in love with an expensive looking living space that gives off a rich and vibrant vibe for the guest and family visiting. This style can be achieved through color scheme and decor without necessarily having to break your bank. Grey and blue are classy colors that will fit right in!
Royal blue got its nickname for a pretty self-explanatory reason; it looks royal. Using a grey couch or ottoman and purchasing some royal blue chairs will tie the room together. You don't have to be high-class just yet to make your living room look high-class!
Focus On Artwork
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Your living room artwork is a crucial focal point and can convey the room's overall theme. The wall color and furniture are not the only places to consider your blue and grey color scheme. These colors can also be applied to wall art and decor to create a connection.
Finding blue and grey artwork can be done easily and will depend on your personal preference. You can find pieces that depict scenes of nature, or you can choose more abstract artwork. No matter what you choose, use these to tell your color story.
Small Space Vintage
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If you have a smaller living room space to work with, and still love the blue and grey concept as well as an old-fashioned look, we've got you covered. Just because you have limited living room space, does not mean you should limit your creativity!
Keep the room simple, while still staying true to blue and grey, and don't forget to add in a few vintage pieces as well. These will stand out and catch the eye of guests who want to know more about your timeless sense of style!
The Blue And Grey Living Room Approach
A blue and grey color scheme is a fantastic choice for your living space regardless of your personal style. These colors can be easily incorporated into multiple areas of your living room. You can create so many incredible themes with these versatile colors that blend well with almost any other colors you adore!
Choosing the colors you will include in your living room is a big step to make when decorating the interior of your home and should be planned and intentional. Blue and grey are two colors that are multifaceted and can make a room look elegant, bohemian, glam, or simplistic. So, go ahead and give blue and grey a chance in your living room!