A Dash of Drama

Living room by Charles de Lisle

Hello, all! I am quite excited today, for I am finally posting from the comfort of my own home, at my very own computer! My internet connection was set up mere hours ago and my pretty new desktop has a screen so big and bright, I am practically drooling at my collection of design photos!

So, without further ado, let's get to the pics! Today I wanted to post a couple of photos that exude drama. (I am just in a dramatic mood, I guess!)

I think what sets that tone in the room above is the black/white contrast, the graphic, modern artwork, and the bold pattern on the chair fabric. (Is it Vervain perhaps? They seem to like the fuzzy embellishments!)

Despite the limited amount of furniture/accessories in this entry by Katie Ridder, the space feels pretty dramatic. I think it is due to the color and finishes (i.e., white/black contrast again, bright artwork, polished floor, sparkling chandelier). What do you think?

Design by Delphine Krakoff

Okay, I'm starting to see the pattern here... More black and white perhaps?

Living room by Windsor Smith

I believe that Miss Smith certainly knows drama, but I think the best word to describe her work (especially this room) is "glamorous"!

Our last photo of the day is of a room by the talented Madeline Stuart. I have not been so into red recently, but I cannot help but be drawn to the drama it so delicately imbues in this warm, sophisticated space. Many of her interiors seem to have this mysterious hint of the exotic that takes what would be traditional spaces to a different level. A true talent indeed! (What do you think of that floral wallpaper? I am actually a fan!)

On a side note, some of my friends have suggested that I start adding more personal touches to the blog, such as fabrics I am in love with, furniture I am having reupholstered, etc., so look out for these new topics in the near future. And definitely let me know what you think!

Have a good rest of your week!

Classic Colors: Gray-Blue

Foyer by Daniel Sachs

My sister was recently pining away for a beautiful gray-blue paint color for her "grown up" living room, and, as any good design-obsessed sibling would do, I began to do some research into rooms shrouded in this sophisticated, yet moody, color. The shade above is Knoxville Gray by Benjamin Moore, and I think it complements the dark wood of the entry table and mirror and the striped dhurrie just perfectly.

Bedroom by Phoebe Howard

The fabulous Mrs. Howard creates a casual, yet textural, feel to the bedroom above with a striped coverlet, woven window shade, and, again, dark wood furnishings. (Check out the bobbin, or spool, canopy bed. I think it well matches the historical feel of the wall color.)

Study by Ben Soleimani

This was actually my first photo find in my search for this beautiful color. It is in a study in the home of Ben Soleimani, one of the talented designers at Mansour Modern (the newer, more modern branch of the venerable rug company, Mansour). I love the masculine look of this room, which is filled with beautifully structured antiques.

Design by Jeffrey Bilhuber

I love the door surround shown above. It, combined with the golden shade in the curtains, creates a interesting and welcome contrast to the cool blue walls. (And aren't those painted floors wonderful?)

Another great Ben Moore shade in this color family is Jamestown Blue, which I have seen used in photos and real life, and is a perfect option for those looking for something that is neither too dark, too gray, or too blue.


Bedroom by Chad Eisner

This bedroom, like that by Mrs. Howard, uses wood furniture and interesting textures to create warmth in this room. Eisner's designs, in general, are masculine and textural, and his website certainly deserves a look!

I especially love the pattern on the curtains; similar styles can be found at John Robshaw on beautiful, blockprinted linen.

This last photo is a gorgeous, whimsical dining room by the ever-inventive Charles de Lisle. I love the scale of the objects in the room: the huge evergreen trees, the shimmering chandelier, the black armoire, the gleaming white table. A study in contrasts for sure!

Here's to the beginning of the end: the first day of the last week of 2010!