Recreate This Room: Gray & White

Having an intentional apartment doesn't have to be hard or expensive. We've recreated this beautiful Scandinavian living room with affordable options.

Recreate This Room: Build This Look on a Budget!

It’s a common problem among guys trying to furnish a new apartment – you know what you like when you see it, but you don’t have a clue how to recreate it. For those left brain thinkers in the group, it can be really tough to translate your ideas into an actual space, and even harder to source the materials. So we took the guesswork out of it. Here are affordable versions of all the major pieces in this monochromatic living room so you can easily recreate it in your own apartment.

This beautiful room was photographed by talented Swedish photographer Henrik Nero and styled by Stockholm-based interior stylist Scandinavian Homes. Follow both on Instagram for drool-worthy minimalist interiors.

Image of Zinus contemporary upholstered couch

1. Zinus Contemporary Upholstered Couch, $380

Start with this plush gray sofa from Amazon which boasts thick cushions and modern textured gray upholstery. It will be a great neutral piece that you can bring with you to future apartments. And the reviews are great so far! The original is by Swedish brand Sofa Company

Image of Vittsjo coffee table

2. Vittsjo Coffee Table, $70

Ikea’s Vittsjo is masterfully designed, with a layered style that allows you to enlarge the piece if you need an extra work surface, or you can slide them together to save space. And the glass top gives it a smaller visual footprint than something that’s all metal or wood.

Image of black and white abstract wall art

3. Printable Abstract Wall Art, $7

Etsy is a great resource for printable art. If you don’t have a printer at home, just head over to Staples and they’ll print it for you. Your buddies will think you spent an arm and a leg on this abstract black and white piece… we won’t tell! Or if you'd like some free abstract wall art, simply download our Free Art Printable:

Image of Beer & Food pairing chart wall decor

4. Beer and Food Pairing Chart, $4

Here’s another printable that will look good on the wall alongside your other monochromatic pieces. This beer and food pairing chart can be downloaded upon purchase and printed at home. Bonus: use it as a reference the next time you’re trying to impress your date! If you’re looking for a similar but free option, check out Primer’s Free Art Printable of Cocktail Diagram Chart:

Image of Jannie diamonds black and white area rug

5. Jannie Diamonds Black and White Area Rug, $367

Rugs are known for tying a room together, and this one is no exception. The black and white pattern ties in with the rest of the decor, and the diamond shape feels stylish and classic at the same time.

Image of gray faux fur throw

6. Amraupur Overseas Faux Fur Throw, $27

Add a blanket or throw to your living room for some extra texture. This faux fur throw from Overstock won’t break the bank, and it will complement your other neutral accents. And it’s not just for show… it will eventually come in handy during those cold winter nights.

Image of Hey Tang decorative throw pillow case

7. Hey Tang Decorative Throw Pillow Case, $14

Layering lots of pillows with the same fabric can lend a cohesive, high-end look to your space… try mixing in a few square ones too. Just be sure to purchase the coordinating pillow insert to accompany the case.

Image of Tai Torchiere floor lamp

8. Tai Torchiere Floor Lamp, $36

This contemporary floor lamp from Wayfair will be a great conversation piece, thanks to its bold shape and vintage style single bulb. Its minimalist design will go perfectly with your new black and white living room.

Image of metal folding tray table

9. HollyHOME Metal Folding Tray Table, $37

Finally, a place to rest your beer. This modern black tray table from Amazon is touted to be extra sturdy, and it’s powder coated for serious durability. It can be folded up for easy transport and storage, and you can even use the tray separately.

Image of Welcome To The City Of Champions wall decor

10. Welcome To The City of Champions Printable Poster, $7

The most interesting art is often the kind that poses a question… so this piece is sure to pique the interest of your guests. And it’s another Etsy printable, which will save you plenty of green.

Putting It Together

Styling your room is an important final piece of the puzzle. Be sure to vary the placement of the artwork, leaning some pieces against the wall and hanging up others. And don’t forget the greenery… head to your local home improvement store or nursery to grab a few houseplants. Pothos, bamboo and snake plants are all very low-maintenance. The addition of plant life will help prevent your living room from looking too sterile. And the most important tip of all – don’t be scared to try different pieces in your space. Just save the receipt and bring it back if it doesn’t work. Good luck!

Check out more rooms you can recreate in our Intentional Apartment series!

Faith Towers Provencher

Faith Towers is a designer and writer with a passion for all things creative. She received her art degree from Skidmore College, and her work has been featured in many well-known publications such as Forbes, Yahoo and Curbly. Visit her blog Design Fixation for more creative inspiration.