May 18, 2011

Living rooms I love.

Does your living room give the right feel about you?  Is it relaxed, elegant,  exotic, traditional? What elements make it casual, cozy, eclectic? Do you know what colors will help you attain that look?  What fabrics and window treatments work with your style?  However you answer these questions, you should determine the elements you'd like to incorporate - what you like - and focus the color palette and style around them. To get you started, and inspire you, here are 3 living rooms we love.



With an overall neutral palette with walls and fabrics in a creamy gold, this small space living room imparts a cozy yet elegant feel. Warm and inviting, the client's art collection is the focal point. Selected wall areas and the shelves flanking the fireplace are highlighted with LED spots, to feature favorite collectibles and canvases. Rich toned wood flooring and legs on furnishings contrast the light fabrics yet keep the palette unified. The client wanted a sleek look, but to have her pieces based on traditional style. Despite the need for this family to have seating for eight, simple moldings and clean lines on seating impart necessary detail without appearing cluttered. Mixing Asian inspired lighting and accessories with the transitional furnishings provides a great balance of style.


A mixture of traditional and ethnic was achieved in this space. Richly textured fabrics on the seating - from a leather lounger to a custom bullion fringed sofa - provide the right backdrop for the client's African artifacts collection. Bold pillows and a pair of slipper chairs provide accent colors without detracting from the detail of the collections. An antique cupboard was selected as a focal point, to house small items and keep family photos in one area. Soft lighting completes the look. 


The views are the star of this space. To maintain the open feel, the furniture is low for an open fell yet perfect in height for sitting. Clean lined upholstered goods in textured, natural fabrics, impart continuity with the outdoors. Sharply contrasting the light toned fabrics is the dark ebony wood used on flooring, windows, doors and tables. The overall effect is a harmonious blend of interior and outdoor spaces.