A real home that looks beautiful and lived in at the same time

Pictures of beautiful interiors abound but I always appreciate house tours much more than staged spaces for editorial pieces. This real home is in Chicago, lived in by a furniture designer and art professional, circa early 1900's, and is 1200 sq. feet.

Enjoy!

I'm really into simply lately. The lines are clean and you can tell possessions are well edited....
I also totally crushed on that rug when West Elm introduced it...still love it




Again, the space is sparse but not lacking visual interest... love the mix n' match chairs as well

great use of space putting that storage unit in the hall...



The dark molding is gorgeous. One day I will have atleast one desk and one work table in my home office/studio!




What do you think?

via Apartment Therapy

Spring is on it's way! 10 great tips to freshen up the place at little to no cost

These clever and thoughtful tips come to you from Beverly Hills interior designer David Solomon. I didn't know residents of the Hills needed budget tips - but David has some great ones nonetheless! To see David's portfolio go to his site.

1. Paint is your best friend
One of the most affordable options as a homeowner is to paint a room. Try picking a theme or choose a color and build your room around the mood of the color.


The dusky blue paint in this entryway sets the tone for this home - you get a sense that it will have a historic, eclectic, and mature feel.
via Maison Interiør

2. Stick to a theme.
What do you call a Japanese, Victorian, and Modern theme? Answer: a college dorm. Try to stick to a basic theme and work with that design.

3. Use visual cues.
Most people ignore very innate physical attributes of a home. Arched doorways are good for a Spanish theme. Crowned molding works well with Victorian and Art Deco styles. Wainscoting on walls can work with a country theme. Solid walls work well with modern.


The decorator here took a cue from the elegant molding and created a luxe sitting room
via Scandinavian Chic

4. Furniture makes a statement about the room.
One of the biggest investments you can make can be the furniture you purchase for a room, however, try to repurpose existing furniture or try using simple chairs with matching table to create a theme.


This room could have gone in many directions but this unique table and the patina of the wood sets the tone as rustic and traditional
via BoligDrøm


5. Take a peek under the carpet
If you own an older home, chances are you are covering hard wood floors with that 70’s shag carpet. If you own a new home don’t be afraid to pull the carpet and put down wood laminate. Engineered wood has never been more affordable.

6. Put down an area rug.
Area rugs can be purchased for as little as $200 and give a room a very expensive look. Carpet remnants make for excellent area rugs. See local Carpet store.


via My Marrakesh


7. Ditch the overhead chandelier for wall sconces
Lighting is the oldest trick in the book to make a room pop; just ask Hollywood filmmakers. Get creative while sticking to the theme. Create a modern room by hiding the light source or create a Victorian feel by putting wall sconces on a light fader.

8. Less is more
Most people believe that every square inch needs to be filled in a room but emptiness is a statement in itself. Don’t be afraid to leave a wall void of furniture.

9. Use accessories.
One of the least expensive ways to add color to a room with white walls is to add red pillows. Pillows, throw rugs, candles, paintings, photos, and flowers can make mild into wild.



via Casa Diez

10. Add a plant
One of the best ways to make a room feel like a living space is to add living plants, like a tall leafy plant in one corner, or just get some fresh seasonal flowers for the table.

via Alice in Designland


BONUS TIP

Any change you make will add to your overall curb appeal and ultimately to the value of your home. Keep in mind that outdoor improvements such as foliage, plants, and bushes take a long time to grow so plan ahead.

Calm and fuss-free remodeled loft

I found this house tour in the New York Times Home & Garden section, and I thought I'd share and see what you guys thought about the space. The owner is an architect, and the apartment is on the Lower East Side. NYT states, "The 600-square-foot apartment, with its tangle of tiny rooms, had six windows, three exposures and an unusual floor plan. 'I felt I could create an efficient layout with spaces that would function well,' he said."


I like the floors, and the white painted brick walls, I just don't know if I would have painted them white throughout.

I would need a little more coziness in the bedroom, but everyone's different!

He separated the dining area and bedroom by using two storage units with a curtain hung between them.

hmmm...not sure I like that light in the corner...atleast, I think it's a light...

I like that part of the original walls were left as a partition

Molding with flush outlets


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Duman prefers open shelving (from Ikea - counters too), as opposed to bulky cabinets

floorplan

Well, what do you like? What would you change?