Amalgam

Living room by Katie Ridder

As much as I love traditional design, I also adore the unexpected: that feeling of when you peek into a room and immediately want to see more.

So, today I am featuring rooms that are an amalgam of colors and styles. Whether it is a blend of mustard, moss, and purple hues (like the room above) or campaign chests living in harmony with graphic abstract art, I appreciate the energy and fun that these adventurous palettes and pairings bring to these spaces.

Family room by Windsor Smith

I love how Windsor Smith can do rooms that are so over-the-top glamorous and then do a room like this one that is so decidedly cozy and pretty. Don't you just love those ruffles on the ottoman?


Pillows in room by Windsor Smith

Here is a close up of the pillows placed on the banquette under the far window. What a lovely (albeit, girly) mix!

Design by Miles Redd as featured in House Beautiful

You know what is funny about this room? The palette that Redd used here is so vibrant that the "unexpected" color, to me, is that creamy apricot on the armchair! Redd's creativity and fearlessness are just endless.

Bedroom in home of painter Kolene Spicher

This is such a cozy space, not just due to the canopy and slightly rustic furnishings, but the combination of patterns and the softness of colors (like the almost untraceable pink on the walls and chair and the mauve-lavender of the rug). They all combine perfectly, creating interest without seeming busy.

Den by Sara Gilbane

What a happy room. It is just so cozy and interesting with its mixture of patterns and worldly accents, paired with such classical pieces as the Louis Philippe mirror and matching urn lamps. Just lovely.

Great room by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard

Mr. Lawrence-Bullard certainly does not shy away from a bold palette, as is illustrated by the room above with its mustard yellows and bold blues, combined with some mossy green and (why not) red for punch!

Unknown design

What a gorgeous layout. I love how the chaise is positioned in an unusual way: parallel to the entertainment console as opposed to facing it. A very creative plan for a small space!

Bedroom in home of Jamie Meares of Furbish Studio

Now talk about unexpected! Candy colored walls, bold artwork, a dalmatian print pillow, and black bedside tables all collide in this festive bedroom. Miss Meares often works with what clients already own, mixing high and low, modern and traditional, to create something new - a talent that, as her website says, is "a rare combination of good taste and accessibility that could only be born in the South". I totally agree.

Home of Sara Tuttle

I think this last photo of the day perfectly encapsulates the idea of how bold pops of color and irreverent combinations of styles in rooms can make them so fresh, happy, and perfectly personal.

(And I just cannot end the post without pointing out the fabulous gilded barometer, malachite box, and footed orchid bowl! Just gorgeous!)

Here's to happy spaces for all! I hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Every heart beats true 'neath the red, white, and blue

Bedroom by Sara Gilbane

Hello, all! I am so sorry for my long break in posting, but I have a very good (and very happy) excuse! My sister welcomed her second child, Lydia, a couple of weeks ago and I have been busy with babies ever since!

I wanted to do a quick post today, though, to commemorate my absolute favorite holiday that we celebrate here in the States: Independence Day! (Sorry to all my Brit readers out there!) Summer is my favorite season and the Fourth falls smack in the middle of it. Plus, it is a very laid-back holiday (aka, no presents to be bought or fancy meals to be cooked or extensive travel to be undertaken). It's about appreciating where you are and family, fireworks, and fun!

Bedroom by Sara Gilbane

So, what better color scheme to feature than good old red, white, and blue! How festive!

Living room by Lulu Powers

Rich, saturated color in a room by Miss Powers.

Seating arrangement by Meg Braff

Love all the chinoiserie accents in this space!

Home of Kate Spade - Photo courtesy of The Selby

Red heats up this corner of the Spade's home library...

Living area by Tobi Fairley

While Miss Fairley keeps this space cool with a paler, more turquoise shade of blue.

Design by Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Million Dollar Decorator's Martyn Lawrence Bullard goes traditional with toile, a grand piano, and a collection of blue and white china.

Home of Joaquín Sabina - Photo courtesy of Nuevo Estilo

A full and fanciful room in the home of Spanish singer Joaquin Sabina.

Sitting room in the J.K. Place Capri hotel by Michele Bonan

Isn't this room so crisp and classy, yet so bright and comfortable? Ideal interiors for a Capri getaway, I'd say!

Bedroom by Tom Scheerer

Classic Scheerer: cozy and offbeat. As usual, I love it!

Living room in Manhattan apartment of Sig Bergamin

Our final pics of the day are from the Manhattan pied-à-terre of Sig Bergamin. I love the irreverent artwork and wild combination of pattern here. Certainly the spirited and colorful interiors I would expect from a lively Brazilian!


Living room in Manhattan apartment of Sig Bergamin


I hope you all have a wonderful day (or holiday), wherever you may be!

Tipping the Scale

Living room by Bunny Williams

Large rooms are always a challenge. Whether the rooms are tall or wide, finding pieces that match the scale of the space can prove to be difficult. Whenever I think of scale, I think of John Saladino talking about monumental, residential, and human scale. With big rooms, you have to break up the space into liveable portions.


Design by Sara Gilbane


These designers don't seem to have any trouble tackling these vast spaces, using large furniture, built-ins, curtains, artwork, and other accessories to make the most of every inch.

Living room by Fiona Weeks

I love how these rooms still feel spacious, without feeling cavernous. In the room above, Weeks capitalizes on the height of the room and vaulted ceiling with the bookshelves and mantel surround, while large scale furniture (like the sofa in an eye-catching gingham print) and colorful oriental rug bring the focus down to the seating level.

Vignette by Chris Barrett

I love this pretty yet grand table and how it contrasts so well with the more modern (but coordinately large) artwork above it.

Living room by Diamond Baratta Design

Multiple seating arrangements are a great way to break down a large space like the one above. Not only do you end up with lots of places to sit (great for entertaining), but it creates a nice flow for the room, leading the eye from one spot to another.


Design by Madeline Stuart

Sometimes rooms are so large that it's hard to even tell that the scale of the pieces within it are as grand as they actually are. For instance, look at the greenish blue lamps on the console above. At first glance, they don't seem that large, until you compare them to height of the sofa and fireplace, and begin to see that they are probably over three feet tall each! 

Living room by Dan Carithers

I love the room above. The recessed overdoor, the simple but beautiful chandelier, the massive tapestry, the exposed wood beams, and those cushy full-sized couches all work together to create a space that is elegant but warm, as well.

Bedroom in home of Matthew White - Photo courtesy of NYSD

Have a happy hump day!

Seaside Sublime

Dining area by Stephen Sills - Photo courtesy of Architectural Digest

I think I have a serious case of spring fever. Ever since it started warming up here, I cannot stop dreaming of the beach.

Study by Westbrook Interiors

So, what better way to channel that yearning than to imagine my very own beach house? (I love how the study above exudes a sort of Charleston/Isle of Palms kind of beachy vibe.)

Foyer by Nathan Turner

Let's see, it would need to be light and bright, but still elegant. (I'm not much of one for themes.)

Living area by Tom Scheerer

It would certainly need lots of space for lounging. (It is a vacation home after all!)


Seating area by Lauren Gold and Sasha Adler of Nate Berkus Associates

If you can't tell, I am quite fond of pale pinks and blues in a beach house. To me, it keeps the color palette cool and soft, but has an element of the unexpected.

Outdoor dining area by Kemble Interiors

It would also need a gorgeously lush outdoor area...

Kitchen by Bonesteel Trout Hall

... And a bright and airy kitchen. (I just love the color of the cabinetry!)

Bedroom by Domino founding editor Deborah Needleman

Of course, you would also want your guests to have a comfortable place to stay.

Vignette by Bunny Williams

But, most importantly, you must have a beautiful bedroom retreat for yourself!


Bedroom by Sara Gilbane Interiors

Here's to a wonderful week ahead, you guys! (And, hopefully, a beach getaway too!)

Office Space

Design by Kelly Wearstler

Many people work from home these days or, if not, they at least end up taking work home with them. As such, it seems that the need for a home office has risen, leading designers to create individualized spaces for their clients that marry style and function.

Design by Melissa Rufty

Some don't need a whole room designated as an office, merely a small space to sit with a laptop.


Space by Phoebe Howard


The talented Mrs. Howard shows her versatility with these two workspace incarnations.

Office by Phoebe Howard

Design by Molly Luetkemeyer of M. Design Interiors

I love this accent wall covered with this brilliant Rousseau-esque mural. (One of my favorite painters!) Sometimes an office needs to bring inspiration to the owner and what better way than with colorful artwork!

Office in home of Yves Saint Laurent - design by Victor Grandpierre

Maybe it is all that fuchsia, but I am loving this very French interpretation of a home office above. Tres beau!


Design by Jay Jeffers

Jeffers shows us how to go totally mod with this neutral office.

Design by Windsor Smith


Absolutely gorgeous... Typical Windsor Smith.

Space by Kemble Interiors



Design by Martensen Jones

Home of Melissa Warner of Massucco Warner Miller


How cheerful is this home office? A Louis Ghost Chair and tailored tablecloth keep it light and airy, while the wallpapered closet doors add some fun.

Design by Gary Spain

I love Gary Spain... I mean LOVE him.

Office by Keith Johnson of Anthropologie

Great combination of elements here: rough wood, muted tones, mod lamp, Mac computer.

Design by Sara Gilbane

One of the looks I love is a big, cozy wingback chair pulled up to a desk. So here is where I currently sit... My vintage flared wingback, with Greek key throw and custom silk pillow, sits next to my antique, leather-inlaid desk (which has been my desk since I was a child). The mint julep cup holding my colored pencils is from One Kings Lane and the other pencil holder is from House Parts in Atlanta.


My very own workspace

Do you have a home office or workspace? Or do you hang out on the couch with a laptop? I'd love to know or see pictures!

Here's to a great week ahead!