Opinions

How do you feel about this colourful  vignette ?
Are there things you like?
Are there things you would change if you had an opportunity to do so?We all have our own take on a space, our likes and dislikes. That's what makes decorating an imperfect science.

 Amber Interiors

When I glance at this room I am immediately attracted to the bold magenta dresser.  It commands the eye because of its  colour and its size in comparison to everything placed near it.  The chair paired with it is just as commanding for different reasons (pattern and texture). I like the rounded back, but not the pattern or the colour.  Perhaps something in a deeper aqua  with a rounded back would be a better foil for the dresser.   "Breathing space" is important and this chair doesn't have any.   If you needed a chair there  and that was the only amount of space available, a darker aqua chair   would fit better visually and connect with the other elements.  

When I'm adding accessories to a striking piece like this dresser , I always want larger scale pieces  that provide colour contrast and variety in shapes. I like the white box, but I would choose a larger plant and a more rounded third object  and then overlap the arrangement to move your  eye around.


 The artwork would work better with a different chair.

And that's my take! What's your opinion?  Come on, you know you have one. 

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Hot seats

Dining rooms have a tendency to be formal affairs with matching table and chairs. but that doesn't mean they have to be. You can shake it up with unique styles and colours.    Here are some of my favourite Wow dining "sets" from my Pinterest collection. 

Make it  patterned

These luxurious chairs invite you to cozy up to the table. I'm a sucker for texture, and I would totally enjoy having a meal at this table.  Think of how soft the fabric would be!   I like the fact that the chairs  are patterned on the back and  plain on the opposite side.  The tufting supports the more traditional design and the high back chairs at the ends work well with the size of the space and the curves of the other chairs. The  hobbled roman shade is is a soft but clean window treatment in this room.  Lots of ideas to steal in this set up.

Repeated curves

 Lately I'm very attracted to everything aqua. Doesn't this colour look great with dark wood?  Curves abound in this room - in the draperies, the stairs, the chair arms, the vines in the carpet and in the light fixture. A soothing room all around with an unconventional chair colour.

 Popping yellow

Who could ignore these canary yellow chairs? I love the way everything else in the room plays second fiddle to the chairs and allows them to be the star. I want to whisk those red flowers away though. Don't we all have our opinions about what looks best.

Serene colour scheme

This room is different in every way from the one above. I love the clean lines of the benches and chairs . Remember that you need a central leg or an X leg if you want to move easily to and from a bench style seat. Armless banquettes are the most versatile.   The texture on the front of the buffet;  the circular ceramic vases with  twigs, and the rounded edges of the table add interesting lines and some complexity to the room. The colour and lines of the light fixture work well with everything else.  Doesn't this room look serene?

 Repetition of curves

More  banquettes, but this time paired with patterned chairs and a curvy table. The four leg table design will make getting into the banquette a little more difficult.The arms will add to the problem.    The chair  shape is repeated in the  mirror and the doors of the buffet.   An interesting mix.

There's nothing formal about this room! It will definitely appeal to the colour and texture lovers out there. I want to see a more substantial table with all this colour, but that's just me.

How do you feel about chairs and tables not matching?

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Small and cozy

More often then not many of us live in smaller rooms then many magazines tend to show.

It is the reality for countless apartment dwellers and owners of small suburban or historic homes. 

And although the chances for clutter and the lack of storage can make life in smaller spaces more challenging and perhaps a little more complicated, there are many cozy solutions for comfortable rooms.

Natural tones keep it calm, perfect for the bookworm at home.
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Light walls and a harmonious palette make this room perfect for reading, watching TV and relaxing. 

The L-shaped sofa offers ample seating and the chair creates an extra spot for reading. Notice the small writing table under the window. 

Small does not mean departure from eclectic style. This small living /dining room offers light and comfortable seating. The graphic rug and transparent side chair distract from the fact that there is not much room to play with.
I would perhaps remove the prints above the windows. They compete a little too much with the focal point: The sofa!

The above pictured room is an excellent example for  dramatic effects in a less then spacious environment. The burnt orange wall sets the tone for high contrast and the light classic furniture make it elegant.

The basically two tone  color scheme creates calm. I love the choice of hot pink as an unusual visual kick! The black chair cushion ties in with the fire place.

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I love the nature inspired country comfort. A big deep sofa and leather chair make up for the small space. An ottoman is the perfect choice for flexible seating and feet up for long hours by the fire. 

The wallpapered niches create depth and I love the reclaimed fat beam for the mantle. Check out the wonderful cuckoo clock!

Again, for the color scheme: Less is more.

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This kitchen shows all signs of hip style, yet it's practical and cozy. Light walls and floor keep it seamless and offer the optical illusion of space. The height helps...The bar table and tall stools do double duty as eating area and prep space. The chaise in the foreground transitions the kitchen into the living space. 

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This small corner proofs that there is room under the eaves for a retreat to cozy up or to do some quiet work on the computer. Many Victorian homes have more then their fair share of odd shaped nooks and crannies.

Small rooms need to multitask and there are  many solutions to do it in style. Ottomans with storage, build -ins, open shelving and stylish containers, under bed storage and well laid out closets help to keep things organized. 

There are sofas, doubling as guest beds and dining tables can be used as desks...

And as with all smaller spaces, it is always good to edit your household. The simple rule mainly to buy things to replace others is helpful, as is the idea of less is more.

Images as indicated.

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