Eclectic Relaxation

by Ajia I. Meux

Sandalwood sticks

Photo credit: www.freshdesignpedia.com

Every morning, shades open to allow for natural sunlight, highlighting the warmer textile tones in the room. Black walnut and mahogany wood are paired with mismatched patterned throws – Inca, quatrefoil, and chevron – in similar color palates. The yellow sofa, with its broken arm and normal wear and tear, provides comfort when weary after a hard day’s work. Its color brings out the creamy undertones of the runner from India that sits atop the black walnut bar table. The gold and browns from picture frames containing smiling family contrast the dark wood and wicker baskets. Blue and red speckles from a throw tie in all the colors of the room, making it feel homely; an eclectic sanctuary.

Philodendon leavesPhoto Credit: Ajia Meux

The room smells of sandlewood and baked sweet potatoes; fresh brewed coffee and a faint hint of chocolate. Affirmations adorn the walls at every turn – Be Fearless, Do Your Best, Amore. The three potted plants, once in different stages of their life cycle, have been reduced to one – a single philodendron. It has emerged as most tenacious surviving varying temperatures in the house and stands a lively green in the sunlight. Books from different life stages line shelves, providing clues to the owners history – Impeach the President, The Godfather, The ColdestWinter Ever.

The culling of different textures, fabrics, patterns and scents works together to create a space of contentment and relaxation. It may seem counterintuitive that these contrasts work together to create calm, but it acts in just that way – a safe place in a world that in chaos.

Contact Information:
Ajia Meux
ajiameux@ou.edu
www.tallandloud.com

My Spot

Where I feel most at peace is my specific spot on my parent’s couch. In this spot, I can smell dinner being made by my mom, I can hear my brother catching my mom up on his day, and I can feel the warm blanket surrounding me. That spot is my “happy place” and has conformed to my body over the years. In that spot, I ate dinner with my family every week night and watched Criminal Minds with my mom until we both fell asleep. The retro wood-paneled walls and deep red accept colors gave the room a dark and cozy atmosphere. The living room was always bustling with after-school updates, deep talks and snuggling with my dog. This spot was right in front of a window so I could see when someone drove into our driveway and I’d be waiting to greet them with a smile. 

Being able to come home to this when I lived at home was such a sweet escape for me. Living hours away now, it is one of my favorite parts about visiting home. Sitting in that spot that my dad has now claimed for his own, makes me think of times when I would be comforted just by living room. I have eaten countless meals there, cried over broken hearts, been overjoyed with good news, and had several heart-to-hearts with friends and family members. No matter if my parents sell that house or live there forever, that will always be my spot.

My living room couch

A home-cooked meal

My dog, Cooper

Check these out:

http://www.ikea.com/de/de/catalog/categories/departments/living_room/10661/

http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy/packages/healthy-every-week/healthy-mains/healthy-weeknight-dinners

http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/decorating/living-rooms/living-room-mix-styles

Contact Information:

Email: sdeshurley@ou.edu

Phone: 281-222-7329

Instagram: @so_desh_so_clean

Twitter: @skdeshurley

Facebook: @sarahdeshurley

An Escape

By: Andee Gentry

   Everyone wants to be somewhere that they feel safe. A place of safety, warmth, and privacy. As I come home, I am drawn to my bedroom. It is a place of comfort where one can jump onto the bed and melt into the covers forgetting about all the stress going on in one’s day smelling nothing but the scent of cherry blossoms that take over the room. 

   While looking around the room, you are surrounded by a variety of paintings such as an American rendition of Marilyn Monroe or a simple pair of gold painted lips framed on the wall. There is a simple luxury within the walls that makes you feel as if you are at a hotel in New York capturing the city vibes. Although there are bright paintings on the walls, the room is simplified with 3 definite colors. Black, gold, and white take up the room in furniture, bedding and décor. The simplicity of these colors offer a classy yet subtle room that doesn’t overwhelm anyone but instead comforts someone. 

   A fluffy shag white rug comforts your feet as soon as you hop out of bed leaving your body to feel a sense of warmth.  Blackout curtains that cover the windows turn the room in the brightest of days almost pitch black. You are able to escape all the worries in your day even if it's 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Although its pitch black in the room, you are able to wake up to the hymns of birds and the foot trafficking of students. In the morning, you are able to unveil the curtains and look out onto your very own personal balcony to sip on coffee and take in the quiet morning where you can have time to reflect upon yourself before the day starts. 

   This room is cozy, safe, and private and this room is home. 

Golden Lips Painting

The All- American Marilyn Monroe

Faux Shag Rug 

Check out:

http://www.houzz.com/photos/82841837/Olivergal-Solid-Kiss-Canvas-Art-24x16-contemporary-prints-and-posters

https://fineartamerica.com/art/paintings/marilyn+monroe
https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/p/japanese-cherry-blossom-3-wick-candle-023015629.html?cgid=3-wick-candles-promotion

Contact information:

Email: Andee.W.Gentry-1@ou.edu

Twitter: AndeeWGentry 

Facebook: Andee Gentry 

Instagram: andeegentry