Why I Love Living Rooms

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http://www.kellywearstler.com/

The living room is where you relax. It’s where you talk with friends and family. I love living rooms because of their versatility. A living room can be a place where you kick your feet up and watch TV and it can be a place where you prohibit your children from entering. I strongly believe that living rooms should be open to everyone. Keep it inviting  and innovative. Pull your sofa away from the walls. I have seen many living rooms where all the furniture hugs the walls. The center of your living room is the best place to position furniture as it is perfect for conversation. Accessorize, by adding pieces that are meaningful to you such as a book or lamp, this will turn your house into a home. Make sure your living room has the right ‘flow’, keep entrances and exists wide open. In addition, add much texture. Whether the texture is on a lamp shade, blanket or pillow, using texture allows you to add another dimension to a space. Don’t buy living room furniture sets. Having all the same furniture is boring and does not display emotion. Mix and match your furniture. Vintage, Eco, Classic and Traditional furniture can be placed in the same room and still work. Lastly, be sure to add bold lighting so that your living room has an inviting feel. You can add as little or as much to your living room as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do. 

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http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/designer-living-rooms

http://lookbook.elledecor.com/search/room-Living-Room

Fashion Meets Design: Natural Materials

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This beautiful Living Room was designed by Paul Caddell. I love the natural look and clean design of this space. The wide planked wood floors have a wonderful rich color and texture. Floors that have scratches or stain marks have a wonderful charm to them, they bring character to a space. Despite the minimal furniture, and lack of a rug, and pillows, the space still feels inviting because, wood makes a space feel warm. The mirror in between the two windows was a great idea as it makes the Living Room appear larger.

Create This Look In Your Home:

Whether you buy these items or ones at a cheaper cost, the key to recreating the look of this Living Room in your home is to bring in wood, and neutral colors. Wood can be brought in through furniture, wall art work, and sculptures. Neutral colors can be brought in through wallpaper, and paint. The 1950s Nanna Ditzel white arm chair is from Almond Hartzog Gallery. The chair itself resembles the arm chairs in the Living Room. The chair legs, resemble the floors, case piece, and wood sculpture in the space. The Bronze Bull's-eye mirror is from Maison Gerard. The branch design of the mirror is why I choose it, as it resembles the branch sculpture located to the right of the space as well as the materials. The 1960s Sculptural Chest of Drawers is from Astor Place. The piece is made of wood and it resembles the one in the Living Room located adjacent the windows. The Tear Drop Sputnik is from Venfield, it resembles branches as well as the chandelier that is seen in the mirror. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Dress It Up This Way:

1. All Saints leather jacket, 2. See by Chloe sheer skirt, 3. Giuseppe Zanotti black bootie, 4. Kelly Wearstler oversized ring, 5. Kelly Wearstler brass jewelry

The Family Room

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http://www.kwid.com

The Family Room of your home is a great space to unwind at the end of the day. Family Room’s are an awesome space to have for those privileged with a little more square footage. Family Room’s are casual, easy going and on average, used more than living rooms. Place the TV in your Family Room. Living Room’s should be kept for more formal entertaining, a TV in your Living Room will receive much traffic. In addition, don't place your TV set in a media cabinet. Either above a fireplace, free standing, or on top of a beautiful console is the way to go. Add enough seating to your Family Room. Whether you buy a few sofas or a couple armchairs, seating is a necessity. You can add as little or as much to your Family Room as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do. 

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Simply Inspired: Living Rooms

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My first Simply Inspired series is all about the Living Room. The Living Room is one of my favorite rooms, it's a great place to just relax and unwind after a hectic day. The following Living Rooms have Simply Inspired me! (ABOVE) This Living Room is traditional, with the hint of the unexpected. The console table under the TV has a great stripped pattern. I really like the fluffy bean bag chairs, they are very sophisticated despite their casual form. The chandelier looks as if it is floating, defiantly one of my favorites. In addition, how could you not love the brilliant John Dickinson wood end table. The ceiling in this space is also quite unusual as it has different angles. Overall this space works for me because it is clutter free, has unexpected touches, and is glamorous. (BELOW 1) Normally I do not like wall murals, however, this one works for me. It is simple and elegant. The chaise lounge in this space is very traditional as are the arm chairs. Overall this space works for me because it is elegant, simple, and the mural gives the space an element of surprise. (BELOW 2) The arm chairs in this space are perfect, as is the small end table in between the two arm chairs. I like how interior designers Celerie Kimble and Anna Burke, applied wallpaper to the column to the right of the photograph. Overall this space works for me because it is chic, casual, and looks mighty comfortable to rest in. (BELOW 3) The light fixtures in this space really work. I am a huge fan of well lit rooms and this space does not fall short. The stone side tables add great texture to the space. Overall this space works for me because it is has great lighting, good symmetry, and unique pieces. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

http://www.wallmuralsart.com/full-wall-mural-uniqueness-house/classic-wall-mural/
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Fashion Meets Design: Classic + Retro Mix

The Fashion:  Isabel Marant Mallonia Beaded Crepe Mini Dress, Marni Embellished Stretch Cady Top, Thierry Lasry Perfidy Sunglasses, Tibi Amber 1 Band Sandals, Low Luv x Erin Wasson Cosmos Double Finger Ring, The Model, The Design: Splendid Pierre Cardin Dining Table from Jaky Wilson, Italian Brass Sputnik Chandelier from Skalar Modern, The Interior

The street style outfit, and Office inspired both the fashion and design picks. The office is very retro, but has classic elements. The rug, doors, and flooring are very classic. The design picks reflect both the retro and classic mix of the office. The street style outfit reflects the space. For the fashion picks, I played with a classic fit with pattern and solid color. A patterned top that reflects both the street style outfit and painting. The blue sandals reflect the colors from the painting.

The Fashion:  M Missoni Chevron Print Gathered Jersey Dress, Equipment Signature Washed Silk Shirt, Tibi Ivy Contras Strap Sandals, Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel with Silver Hardware, The Model, The Design: Red Table by Gerard Bringuier from 21st Twenty First Gallery, Pair of Vistosi Sconces from Craig Van Den Brulle, The Interior

The street style outfit, and Living Room inspired both the fashion and design picks. The Living Room's architecture is very classic, I love the moldings and the furnishings are very retro. The red coffee table adds that punch of color. For the design picks, I choose pieces that are featured in the space. For the fashion picks, I choose patterns, and colors that are found in both the street style outfit and space. The sunglasses that the model is wearing sort of remind me of the Vistosi scones in the space! 

  

The Fashion:  Peter Pilotto MB embellished mesh dress, Splendid Voile Shirt, Ivy Kirzhner Cleo Suede Sandals, Kenneth Jay Lane Draped Collar CZ Necklace, The Model, The Design: Vintage Turkish Kilim from Esmaili Rugs, Sculptural Glass and Steel Bowl from art1, The Interior

The street style outfit, and Dining Room inspired both the fashion and design picks. The Dining Room is simple and retro. I absolutely love the area rug. It looks like stone. I also love the built in shelving. The sculptural glass bowl in the design picks, resemble the architecture of the shelving. For the fashion picks, I tried to pick up the different patterns and colors from the space and street style look. The dress features a fantastic beaded, center design. This design mirrors the painting hanging in the space. The shirt reflects the fantastic area rug. 

Featured Home: Tony Duquette

http://blog.vogueliving.com.au/2011/09/14/behind-the-scenes-tony-duquette/

The home of legendary set and costume designer, Tony Duquette is full of surprises. Duquette's home reminds me of a painting, because each time you view that painting you discover something you didn't notice before. Duquette's work began in the 1930s, where he gave the stage a splash of Hollywood glamour. Despite his death in 1999, Duquette's home still remains the way he had left it. (ABOVE) Duquette's Living Room is filled with glamour and surprises. The screens with circular mirrors are a very powerful element in this space. They ground the space, as well as add texture. The sofa in the center of this photograph is very unusual, it is three cushions stacked on top of one another. The deep blue and purple rug is magical. It is simple, yet brings much energy to this space. (BELOW 1) A different view of the Living Room, displays Duquette's unique furniture, art and accessories. I wish I owned the yellow table to the left of the photograph. Its form is very unique. What gives this space a great flow is how Duquette positioned the furniture. Duquette created two seating areas, in a space this large it works. (BELOW 2) The floors in Duquette's 'Garden Room' feature one of my favorite patterns. In Duquette's 'Garden Room' I am fascinated by the individual objects, rather than the space as a whole. The white console table to the left of the photograph, has a very interesting spotted design. I wish that table was in my entry vestibule. The green walls add a unique texture to this space, they almost remind me of a stone, or seashell. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

http://blog.vogueliving.com.au/2011/09/14/behind-the-scenes-tony-duquette/
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http://blog.vogueliving.com.au/2011/09/14/behind-the-scenes-tony-duquette/
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Finding The Right Area Rug

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Placing an area rug in a room is a brilliant way to introduce color and texture. In addition, rugs anchor a space. Choose an area rug that has some of the colors already used in the space. You don’t want to introduce a new color in the area rug, instead you want to enhance some of the colors already used in your space. Area rugs should be placed in a space to define areas. For example, if you have a large living room, placing two area rugs can create an anchor for two different seating sections.You can add as little or as many rugs to your space as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do. 

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http://lookbook.elledecor.com/Bedroom-Eclectic-Living-Large/id404

Room Spotlight: Chic Apartment Glamour

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The best way to describe this space in my opinion is to call it "Chic Apartment Glamour"! Though I don't know if this Living Room is actually in an apartment, it has that feel. It's cozy, quaint, and has a lot of personality in an otherwise small space. What gives this space a fresh open feel is the use of glass, Lucite, mirror, and pastel colors. The fireplace is the focal point and has a gorgeous stone frame and mantel. My favorite pieces in the space are the Lucite chairs, and area rug. The purple sofa keeps the space fun and casual. The Living Room does not feel uptight, it feels like a relaxing place to unwind in at the end of a long day. What do you think of the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

The Most Important Room In Your Home

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http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/colors/colorful-kitchen-0507

The kitchen is the most important room in the home. It is a room where you cook, hang out, and spend the most amount of your time. I find the kitchen a very difficult room to design and build. Unlike the living room, dining room or bedroom, the kitchen cannot be constantly updated. The kitchen must have a good ‘flow’ to be well designed. Before you dive right into building your kitchen, spend time walking through your space and lay out where you would like your appliances and cabinetry to go. By walking though your kitchen space you can imagine how you would use the appliances and other utilities. When designing your kitchen be sure to have the refrigerator, oven, and sink closer together. I am a huge fan of Kitchen Islands. My home has an Island that can seat five people. Islands make you feel like you are apart of the conversation and are very practical. Don’t use a stone floor in the kitchen. Stone floors are very hard and often times cause one to have a bad back or cramped knees. Wood floors are the best choice for the kitchen as they are soft and easy to be standing on all day. When choosing your kitchen backsplash and countertop be sure to have fun. Often times in new homes you will see a bland granite countertop. Spice up your countertop with a unique color, texture or material.  However, always be sure that backsplash and countertop match and are not competing with each other! Be sure to add unique pieces to your kitchen such as a lamp, vase, or painting. These special details can make your kitchen feel more personalized. I am a huge fan of see through kitchen cabinets. My previous post Own One Good Set Of Fine China, brings to attention the importance of china in a home. By having see through cabinets in your kitchen you can display your china. You can add as little or as much to your kitchen as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do.

House Beautiful & Elle Decor

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/homes/features/2009/02/cooks_kitchens_slideshow_022009#slide=5

The Heart Of The Kitchen

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http://lookbook.elledecor.com/search/room-Dining-Room

Memories are made, laughter is heard. The breakfast nook right off the kitchen, is a place where you’ll gather with your family and friends. Why not make the breakfast nook the heart of the kitchen? Now think, is your heart going to be hard like an old wood four legged chair? Or is it going to be soft and lush like a sofa? When designing your breakfast nook, put to rest the standard table and four bland chairs. Add a sofa to your breakfast nook, don’t worry if it looks like it belongs in a living room. A sofa is a great way to bring people around the table, and add texture to a defined space, such as a kitchen. In addition, a sofa can possess much needed glamour. Choose a table that is round. A round table enhances conversation. Finally, add a great rug, pillows, and some color. The breakfast nook is the perfect escape from the upright, formal feel of a dining room. You can add as little or as much to your breakfast nook as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do.

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Designing In Large Spaces

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Often times we read through magazines or visit websites that teach us how to design a small space. However, many people have homes where the size of the space is quite large. So...what do you do? Do you stick a chair in the corner to fill the space? Do you center your furniture around a fireplace and leave the rest of the space empty? The key to designing a large space is to not add useless objects to fill the room, each part of a room should have a purpose and be used, and to group seating areas. (ABOVE) This is a perfect example of grouping seating areas. The Brutalist style lamps are impeccable. In addition, I love the chandelier and rounded arm chairs. This space has the perfect amount of creativity and surprise! (BELOW 1) Incorporating a table with chairs in a large living space will add dual functionality. (BELOW 2) I like how designer Thomas Britt did not clutter this space. The round black table on the right is brilliant, it creates a beautiful contrast with the pink walls. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

http://lookbook.elledecor.com/Living-Room-Contemporary-Eclectic-/id6086
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Color Story: Pink

http://homedesign.marthastewart.com/2011/02/decorating-with-red-and-pink.html

Pink is a burst of energy, a color of creativity and carefree living. Everyone looks good in a pink room, it's a color of many hues and emotions. Pink provides feelings of caring, love, and acceptance. The best way to incorporate pink in a space is through flowers. (ABOVE) This is Betsy Johnson's Dining Room. Pink is the most prominent color in this space. I like lighter hues of the color pink, like the hue Johnson choose, I find it elegant. (BELOW 1) I really like the gentle touch of pink in this space. By only using the color pink on one item in this space, the color does not overpower the room.  (BELOW 2) This space is very eclectic. I love all the different pieces, as well as the way pink was used in this space. On the walls, flowers, and pillows. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.  

Top Designers Give Reasons Why They Love Pink:

Katie Ridder:

"Pink is a feel-good color,”says New York designer Katie Ridder.“All hues of pink are pleasing to me, and they're also a wonderful backdrop for contrasting color.”

Suzanne Kasler:

"Pink creates energy and adds an element of fun to any room,”says Atlanta designer Suzanne Kasler. "It is one of my favorite colors to incorporate into a design scheme.”

Kelly Wearstler:

"I love how diverse pink can be," says Los Angeles designer Kelly Wearstler.“Pale pink can be calming to the senses while a bolder shade can be energizing.”

Katie Lydon:

"Pink is one of those colors that people shy away from sometimes, because they don't want a room to appear too girly,”says New York–based British designer Katie Lydon.“But I think there are ways of using pink that really bring warmth and subtlety to a bedroom for a couple―it doesn't have to be just for a girl's bedroom. Pink looks beautiful with chocolate browns, grays, and woods.”

http://lonnymag.com/decorate/living_rooms
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