Chic and beautiful living spaces

In my house, the living room is the center of our house. Not only is it the first room you see when you walk in, it's the place where we spend the most time.  When our wedding is over and we have our lives back - the living room is second on my makeover list after my office.

LOVE the wall treatment in this space.  The crown molding and chandeliers mixed with the modern decor is really cool too.
via unknown

Gold is very trendy right now, but I have to admit I'm smitten!
via 91 Mag

I love that this console isn't all about the TV!  Pretty accessories and a gallery wall distract from the TV.
via HGTV

via High Gloss Magazine

via unknown

I love the proportions of the furniture in this space - it's something I need to pay more attention too in my own house.
via Sweet Home Style

via Sweet Home Style

How to easily mix decorating styles

Whether because you and your partner have different styles, or because you love furnishing and decor from all eras, mixing styles does not need to be a battle.  In fact, I often find transitional and mixed interiors to create the most satisfying "oooohhhhh" moments in someone's home.

There are a few guidelines to keep in mind though, when mixing styles.

A. Choose sides.  Don't give styles equal love.  If you have an equal amount of mid-century mod pieces mixed in with your Victorian antiques, the space will not look harmonious, but rather just poorly designed.  Pick one style to have more presence in your space, and use the other style for accent furnishings or accessories.

I believe the dining room above is by SFGirlByBay

3 images above via Houzz

This dining room is a perfect example of the perfect "imbalance." The room is predominately mid century modern, with what appears to be a Japanese antique buffet, and Japanese prints on the wall.

How cool is this Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair Ægget Stol in an otherwise traditional/country room?
image via Houzz

Different styles can get along!
(the tufted club chair is on sale at  Joss & Main)

B.  Change.  An unusual paint or reupholstery job can transform a drap victorian antique into a truly stunning contemporary piece.  That doesn't mean you need to go kitschy with hot-pink for the wooden legs and arms or your wingback, but a glossy coat of lacquer and a more modern, bright fabric can make more traditional pieces a wonderful addition to a room dominated by modern furniture.

image via Houzz


How gorgeous is that settee and wingback?  The modern lucite coffee table and modern lamp don't distract because they aren't fighting for attention with the traditional elements of the room.  While the picture frames are traditional in shape, the presentation and color is modern.

C. EDIT and KEEP IT SIMPLE Some adages and rules stick because the work! Too much clutter and too many knick knacks are going to have your space looking dustier and mustier than a cat lady's, no matter how beautiful your accessories and furnishings.  If you want one of your favorite antique lamps to shine, the worst thing you could do would be suffocate it with too many other accessories, especially of mixed styles.

image via Apartment Therapy

image via Apartment Therapy *disclosure: this post in partnership with Interioraddict.com

The beautiful and interesting portfolio of Amsterdamn design firm Uxus

Can you believe that this artistic white dining room is in a 1930's hunting lodge in Connecticut?
 The chairs are a nod to the residence's past.

The bedroom is also modern and white.

A beautiful, artsy loft in Amsterdam.  Notice the bedroom behind the curtains?  You can see a larger view by clicking the image.

The painted headboard is such a pretty substitution for a headboard.

The two above are from a Spanish farmhouse.  The dining chairs are actually all different, but being the same color unifies them.

I really like the pairing here of fancy wallpaper and clean-lined, rustic furniture.

The concept for the images of the townhouse (3 images above) was "Victorian Jetsons." The home is Victorian, but the couple had an extensive modern art and furniture collection.  I think Uxus did a great job at fusing the two styles.  I especially like the use of wallpaper throughout the rooms.

Like what you see?  Go to Uxus to see/read more.

A chic and stunning Manhattan apartment

It's hard for black and white to not look chic....

One day I will have a huge gorgeous mirror in my entry way like this.

This room is a nice reading refuge from the dark walls used in the master bedroom.

What do you think?

via Rue Magazine

Modern and eclectic Scandinavian homes

I love Scandinavian design sense so it's no surprise these two artsy dwellings caught my attention. Enjoy!

DREAM workspace! The book shelves, the art drawers - perfect.



I would have never imagined using a dolly as decor/furnishing but I like it here.

Get rid of the cow hide and I could spend days in this home library



via Allt i Hemmet

Really great modern classic furniture for super cheap!

Some of the classic favorites at really great prices. The sale is going on at HauteLook, which is a members only shopping site - but I have your free and fast sign up code for you - http://www.hautelook.com/invite/AWhite564

Most of the chairs are under $125 - so get what you like before it sells out!


















Here's your code again - http://www.hautelook.com/invite/AWhite564