Very recently one of my girlfriends Whitney made her big move to Boston with her boyfriend of five years Jon. Whitney and Jon are probably one of the funnest couples I’ve met, they are absolutely picture perfect and their apartment is nothing short of extraordinary for their first home. I had been meaning to start a segment on this blog about first homes, since so many of my friends, including myself, are now starting to ground our feet in homes we love. So I asked Whitney a couple of days ago if I could feature her fabulous pad on Elements of Coco after seeing the stunning results, and lucky for us she said yes. Whitney was also gracious enough to tell me what her style inspirations were, the direction she took, and all about her over all execution. Enjoy!
Can we just take a moment to gasp at this amazing view? I look at a pool, this is way beyond my little pool view.
Whitney What brought you and Jon to Boston?
- The Friday before Memorial Day weekend Jon got a job offer for a two year program he had been keeping his eye on for a while. Of course he was going to take it but he also didn’t want to leave me behind. Before Jon got the offer we had a loose plan together which was to take the next step in our almost 5 year relationship, and move in together. After a months worth of deliberation I decided to take the plunge and join Jon in Boston. I couldn’t let him have all the fun! Plus, my mom, stepfather, brother and stepsister live up here making this decision and move much easier . At this point in my life it was now or never ,so I decided to risk it all. Plus if I were to live in a city, Boston would be in the top two. It’s such a great city, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it thus far!
What styles influences were you seeking to establish in you new home?
- I wanted something that was fashionable in an interior design sense, but also comfortable to live in. I was going for a little glam, a little chic but also male-friendly (aka comfortable furniture, a big TV and not too frou frou) since after all, Jon had to live here too. My original idea for the living room actually consisted of cream, white and pops of fuchsia while adding gold accents in geometric shapes with a more Morroccan/Middle Eastern flair to the room. However, considering Jon wasn’t a big fan of fuchsia I needed to respect that and compromise since that’s a huge aspect of a healthy relationship, right?
Back to the drawing boards I went, and countless sleepless hours and “pinteresting” later, I decided to go a completely different route for the living room. My mom and I (since she is the interior design queen) decided to go with different shades of grey’s, warm yellows and different shades of purple which consists primarily of lavender and plum. To get that glam and chic factor we also incorporated mirrored pieces including the wall decor behind the couch, the “Z” side table and the glass and chrome coffee table. - For the bedroom, I’ve always known what I wanted to do in regards to the color scheme and style. I wanted something that was clean, crisp, a little art deco but also warm and comfy so when I crawled into bed at night I could be completely relaxed, and at peace. The bedroom is primarily white, silver, and shades of grey. The pop in the bedroom comes from a French/teal blue in my distressed dresser which I brought with me in the move to add a random pop of color. I brought in the art deco style by using clean lines in the dresser, bed-side table/file cabinet, the simple white desk and my bedside table lamp which is a square shade rather than round. The fuzzy winter white flokati rugs on either side of the bed and at the end, the grey chunky knit throw at the end of the bed, and the fluffy white goose down duvet cover and mattress cover all convey warmness and a sense of peace and relaxation in the bedroom.
What is your favorite part of the apartment?
- As of now, my favorite part of the apartment is the dramatic entrance into the bedroom. When you enter the bedroom the wall of tall windows acts as a headboard for the bed showcasing Boston’s skyline and amazing sunsets at dusk. It’s quite a spectacular sight and still manages to take my breath away every time I enter. Plus the fuzzy feeling under your feet when you walk across the rugs is not too shabby either. Those will really come in handy when the cold Northeast winter comes around!
Well it turned out fabulous!!! Additionally it is very apparent that Whitney was very conscious of including her partners taste in creating a home for them both.
Where did most of the pieces in the apartment come from?
- Most of the pieces came from ZGallerie, a California-based furniture company that has unique, fashionable furniture at decent prices and (so far) excellent quality. My whole living room basically came from ZGallerie including the furniture, (minus the dining room table which I brought with me) wall decor, and floor lamps. The throw pillows I collected either online or at Target while the throw blanket came from West Elm. I highly recommend that blanket by the way. (NOTE TO SELF COCO: BUY BLANKET!) It’s called the Sunset throw and its dyed ombre but more importantly super soft and warm and comes in different colors like the warm mustard I have, plum, shades of grey, green and a rust red. All very appropriate for the coming Fall months.
Did you achieve the look you were going for?
- I definitely achieved the look I was going for. Both rooms have a little flair but are still practical, cozy and male-approved. Although I didn’t get to do the original color scheme in the living room I was looking forward to doing, I still love the new look. I think it came together nicely!
Well it looks amazing, if you had to describe your style what would you say?
Not going to lie, but I want to sit in this room and have a tea party!
- I would say the style is classic, chic and fun! What I like most about the furniture pieces in my living room and bedroom is that they will take me through many more years while still being in-style, especially that grey! The yellow chevron accent chair may be an exception, but its such a fun piece that adds an extra seat for guests which is why mom and I added it to the mix. Plus it’s a classic shape, all it needs is a little upholstering in the future!
It looks perfect doesn’t it? Whitney was also nice enough to give the rest of us some pretty practical tips to decorating out new homes.
- Add amazing smelling candles to each room so the place has a warm comforting feel. Plus it adds ambiance to any space when lit. I have the Volcano candle from Anthropologie currently burning in my living room. Coco has found candle for you readers: Click here!
- Fresh flowers is a must. Because they are expensive, we can’t have them in our place 24/7. However, every now and again it’s nice to buy some full, lush flowers like hydrangeas, and peonies. I am also a big fan of a full display of white tulips because they are so elegant and classic just like miss Audrey Hepburn. Ps. For a more inexpensive and long lasting option adding small bunches of carnations to your desk space, in the bathroom or bedside table works wonders and won’t cost a bunch!
Thank you Whitney and Jon for letting us take a peak at your fabulous new home. They are living proof that if you can still achieve the style you want while keeping everyone happy! The place is gorgeous and chic! Oh and here’s a photography of the two love birds, yes they are this picture perfect at all times. Also Whitney writes a pretty terrific travel blog called the Wanderlust, which of course I’ve linked. Wanderlust: Near or Far, by Plane or Car.
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I am dying to know where the glass-topped nightstand came from! I’ve been scouring the Internet and haven’t come up with anything, help!
Hi Pam, here is similar a one! http://www.homelement.com/Bedroom-Furniture/Night-Stands/Lyric-Night-Stand-with-Tempered-Glass-Top-Homelegance-p-37201.html
I did check with Whitney herself and the night stand came from crate and barrel. I check on their site but it wasn’t there. You might be able to find it in store. She said be forewarned that thing took 2-3 people to assemble!