Loving these Living Rooms

So i know design is an arbitrary topic, relevant to every client's personal taste, but sometimes I have a hard time watching the train wrecks that occur.  We have a client that really doesn't know what they like, so rather than take the time to figure out what will make them happy, a coworker of mine just keeps throwing more random shit into this hodgepodge house.  I'm not trying to be negative or dramatic, but it's bad.  There was a $5,000 chair that had a "flame" fabric up for consideration....like, huh?  It's bad when we refer to it as the "fire chair".  Anyway, some damage control has been done, at least that's what my eavesdropping ears overhead.  But the living room is still the problem child, so I thought we could look at some well done living rooms and talk about what makes them work...

This room has a calming neutral palette that would appeal to a lot of people.  It has some different textures going on to give it some depth, but clearly the most interesting aspect of the room is the gallery wall.  I love how the shape is organic and the frames and mattes are different.  The ceiling detail is another example of an understated detail that helps sell the look. A lovely room and monochromatic color scheme, with a couple of rich dark woods to help ground the space.

This living room does a great job of feeling fun and fresh!  Love the cool green mixed with the black and white patterns.  Looks like they have some cozy textures happening too.  Definitely would love to spend my springtime in this living room!

This room is much more formal than the previous photos.  The high contrast of the creamy fabrics with the rich dark woods give a more elegant feel.  The symmetry also furthers this look, notice the wall art, lamps, and the chairs that are mirrored.  

Ooh honey I'm home!  Who wouldn't love to welcome guests into this fabulous sitting room?!  This room has mastered the details.  The moldings and trim work is so beautifully don't, yet simple.  Herringbone floor? Yes please.  The silver frame around the artwork add yet another touch of class.  

Photo Credits: http://decoholic.org/2013/11/19/40-cozy-living-room-decorating-ideas/, http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/decorating/living-rooms-00417000071622/page63.html, http://www.uptodateinteriors.com/2013/05/eight-tips-for-renters.html, http://www.homebunch.com/sophisticated-london-home/

Designing a Child's Bedroom

At work today something terribly unfortunate happened....we were supposed to be preparing for a furniture presentation when it went off the rails  The kids bedrooms took a turn for the worst!  I was powerless in the disastrous decision which included a black and red scheme for a 5 year old boy and about every neon color under the sun for the little girl.  Yuck, right?   Let's talk about what makes a kids room successful.

Pattern-

I think finding a good patterned fabric is a great place to start the scheme.  Then you should pull out two color ways from the fabric, one will be your neutrals, the other will be the accent.  I like to look for the color that offers the biggest pop, something like celery green, chartreuse or turquoise.  You'll need to select multiple solids, but they can differ slightly.  Try a good solid, linen solid and a weave.  Next, as you select you patterns make sure you have a variety of sizes and scales.  The patterns don't need to the same, but they do need to make sense next in the same room.  Let's look at a couple of great kids bedrooms for inspiration...

Ok next let's talk about furniture. You need to strike a balance between practical and fun.  Maybe you have a bed that's going to last the next 10 years, but you have totally funky nightstands...yep I think that's a compromise people.  You can play with finishes more in children's bedrooms.  Don't be afraid to have the legs of your dresser be fire engine red.  You can bring elements like steel in as well.  Basically, don't get stuck in the old "espresso is the only finish ever" mindset.  Pop some gold in your daughters room, maybe a little black lacquer for your son.  

Lastly, always have a fun, even weird, element in the room.  Nothing ages a room more than being too 

serious!  

Phot credits: http://www.houseofturquoise.com/2014/04/nest-studio.html, projectnursery.com, http://lucyandcompanyblog.blogspot.com/2014/03/install-of-day.html, http://imgur.com/gallery/pMrLM,