::design your space, part 7

You might have thought I'd forgotten about these. I hadn't. I just haven't found the perfect inspiration pieces behind those whom I think I know well enough to give a bit of advice. So today's design your space is for my friend Kim. Kim likes all things old and new. So designing a cohesive space which incorporates both old and new the way she likes can be a little challenging. However, there came a day. Just a regular day. I was looking through some of the blogs I follow, and I found it. The perfect house. So, I'm taking most my inspiration from there and adding a few things I've picked up along the way. So, Kim...this is how I envision your home:

First we'll start with the entryway:

Now, you might be thinking you're not a huge fan of wallpaper, and I'll be the first to say I'm not either. But I think strategically placed (preferably in a smaller room/space), wallpaper can add SO much to a room. This is a lovely choice. Just enough print, just enough color. Not overwhelming. This is a great example of mixing old and new. The chair and even the table look kind of antique while modern. And the pop art print throws everything into the 21st century.

Onto the den:

Everything about this screams Kim to me. (well, maybe a pass on the zebra printed throw pillows) This room is fun, yet not juvenile. This is what I was talking about the other day, Kim...when you mix older pieces of furniture, but put an updated upholstery on them. Make it modern with color. Like that black mirror over the fireplace. Perfect harmony. I also like the mixes of color in the space. I like a den to be a little more comfortable and livable. Obviously this is all personal taste, but to me, a den is a great place to throw in your color. That's where all the living is happening anyways.

The office:

I love how clean and monochromatic everything is in here. Less distraction for you to get some work done, but very luxe and inviting.

Master bedroom and bathroom:

If Jane Eyre had a bedroom today, this is what I think it would look like. So romantic and luxurious but not fussy and crowded. This to me could border on too much, but I think with it being a master bedroom, you have a little more room to verge on excessive especially with your linens. Love how they painted the trim black in here. Very unexpected and unusual but it works really well in this space. The bathroom is so "just sit in here and put on your makeup darling". I would switch that zebra print for something deep teal colored. But I even think this paint would compliment that purple paint from the bedroom. I'm all about the compliments.

Kitchen and dining room:

The kitchen is SO lovely. Feel honored, because this is an inspiration piece for my own kitchen and dining room (we share similar taste sometimes :D ) The kitchen is very clean, modern, simple and so classy. I love the metallic finishes in the dining room. There's that wallpaper again. See how pretty it is when used sparingly? This dining room, again, I think pulls in so well old and new. The light fixture could not be more George Jetson (in a good way) but those Louis XIV dining chairs are rocking the days of yore (cue the Friends reference).

So there you go. If you have a penchant for the estate sale, or just love those inherited pieces from your grandparents (like me!), these are great ways to bring them up to date. Throw on a shiny coat of a brightly colored paint or change out that upholstery and hardware and you've got a great looking piece/room there.