The UN-Designed Room

I love an UN- Decorated, un-pretentious room. Rooms that are a breath of fresh air.

Those that have imperfect wood floors, old books, and game boards. These rooms tell the story of the homeowner. I call it my UN-designed look. One of more recent projects I met with Nicole and hubby Alex. They had a formal living room that they wanted to make more "livable".  Perfect fit because their lives were everything but formal. They wanted a space to plop down on the slip covered sofa while their two girls enjoyed dress up, playing pretend, and painting. My response…"We are going to need storage and slip covers!?

Here is the recipe: 

Start with a cloudy day paint. A wall color that reminds you of an airy overcast day (We will display the sunshine in unexpected ways!) . This one below is Wales Gray by Benjamin Moore. 

Add Slip Covered Furniture and fill pillows that are randomly patterned and full of texture. This sofa in particular is The Oasis Sofa by Crate and Barrel. 

Add Leather:

A worn leather chair, or one with a soul or a story behind it is best. It is casual, and no one is afraid to sit on it because it appears to be already broken in. Shown below is the Loring Leather Chair and ottoman at Room and Board.

Add Natural Elements representing Earth, Air, and Water.

Air is represented by the surfaces of the lamp and mirror. Earth via the wood textures in the ottoman and the grasses.  These pieces can be found at West Elm

Add a little unexpected.

I love to use surprises in design, unexpected details. The playful stool and the uncoordinated fabrics add that detail. "There is nothing worse than a room that looks like it was designed for the masses!"

Photo Credits: Luxury for the home, West Elm, Crate and Barrel, Schumacher, House Beautiful, Z Gallerie